Get to Know November’s Students of the Month
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s November 2023 Students of the Month (clockwise from left): Yahya (Lower School), Edward (Middle School), Tiffany (Upper School), Layla (Scholar-Athlete) and Phoebe (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE — Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early December as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of November. Yahya (Lower School), Edward (Middle School), Tiffany (Upper School), Layla (Scholar-Athlete) and Phoebe (Student-Artist) received their official pins, congratulatory letters and certificates signed by Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos during a very special assembly inside the John Lockwood Auditorium Theatre. These exceptional Adelphians recently sat down with the Panther Press Room for an exclusive interview, during which they shared some details about themselves and their experiences at Adelphi.
Lower School Student of the Month Yahya gave a big thumbs up when asked if he was excited to receive his award. He said he enjoys so many aspects of his Adelphi education, from making friends, to having caring teachers, to attending assemblies, to enjoying lunch and recess. “I like everything!” he smiled. “Adelphi is the best!” When he gets older, Yahya said he would like to become a firefighter like his classmate and friend Jose. “We’re going to serve together and help people together,” he explained. “We’re not afraid!” In the meantime, Yahya tries to help his classmates whenever he can and goes out of his way to be nice to everyone. He believes that’s a main reason why he was selected to receive this honor. “You have to be good and nice,” he said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Mani said, “Yahya has been a very good boy. He is very sweet and friendly to all his peers and teachers. I am very proud of Yahya for receiving this Student of the Month recognition!”
Middle School Student of the Month Edward was extremely appreciative of the honor that had been bestowed upon him. “It’s so rewarding,” he said. The multiple-time amateur wrestling champion is currently training for his next tournament in March, cutting weight and adding muscle with a high-protein diet. “I follow a strict diet when I’m training,” he explained. “No bread or sweets, but lots of protein.” His training continues to pay off, as he has won “at least” nine medals dating back to last year. “I’m definitely more confident now,” he said. “I’m less nervous because I’m used to the environment. I enjoy winning and learning from mistakes.” Edward hopes to enter the medical field when he gets older, perhaps pursuing a career in dentistry. For now, he is enjoying his time at Adelphi, most especially as a member of The Adelphi Oracle. “I’m doing really well with the newspaper,” he said. “I’m an assistant editor now and I enjoy learning layout and using photoshop.” Edward is also a trusted staff photographer who often covers school events like assemblies and house meetings. “I’ve come a long way and I try to keep getting better and better,” he said. Edward has some excellent advice for his fellow Adelphians. “Always try something new and never quit until it’s over,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Berios said, “Edward is a well-rounded student. Academically, he is a wonderful scholar and he is also a social butterfly with his peers. I am very proud of him for his continuous effort and for being an outstanding student!”
Upper School Student of the Month Tiffany already knows what she would like to do for her career. “I want to go into business,” she said. “I want to open a medical and cosmetics store and help people achieve their skin goals.” She said she would like to create her own beauty products and sell them directly to her clients. She enjoys exploring her interest in cosmetics through her “Beauty Unfiltered” column in The Adelphi Oracle. “It’s good practice,” she said. In school, Tiffany is an accomplished and dedicated student. Outside of school, she is an accomplished and dedicated figure skater! “It’s a hobby, but I’ve been skating since I was 10 and I’ve been improving slowly,” she said. “I’d like to be able to teach my kids one day.” Tiffany has set some important goals for herself this year. “I’ve been trying to participate in more events and activities here,” she said. She also has some sage advice for others who may be seeking to attain “Of the Month” honors. “Always try your best and look for improvements to become the best version of yourself,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Tiffany is an amazing and hardworking student. She is kind and compassionate to her peers. I am so proud that Tiffany was selected as Upper School Student of the Month.”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s November 2023 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Layla is a gifted athlete who dreams of becoming a professional tennis player like her idol, Serena Williams. “I’m very motivated,” she said. “I saw Serena play when I was younger and it was amazing. It made me want to play tennis professionally!” Layla excels at both tennis and volleyball, and says that both sports have taught her valuable lessons. “Playing sports teaches you to work in groups and give assistance to others, while keeping you flexible, which is good for your health,” she said. When her athletic career is over, Layla hopes to go into business. “I want to be my own boss,” she said. A new Adelphian, Layla has adjusted extremely well to her new environment. “I love it here!” she smiled. “It’s like a small community where everyone can share the experience.” She particularly enjoys studying mathematics, which she knows will be vital to her future business ventures. “Math is so important. Everything you do involves math,” she said. She has some important advice for her fellow Adelphians. “Know your goals,” she said. “if you want it, work for it. And always play like a champion.”
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “I am thrilled to have Layla as our Student Athlete of the Month for November. Not only is she an exceptional volleyball player, but she consistently demonstrates kindness and respect both on and off the court, not only to faculty but to all of her peers. Her dedication to her academics and athletics is inspiring, and her peers definitely take notice of her poised demeanor and her work ethic. I am proud to have her as a representative of Adelphi Academy and our school community.”
Student-Artist of the Month Phoebe is a self-taught creative prodigy. “I’ve been drawing since the age of 7,” she said. She enjoys discovering interesting objects and images that inspire her to create her own art. “If I think I can do it, then I do it,” she said. Though she enjoys painting, her primary means of creating art is to sketch in pencil. Phoebe was happy to learn that her hard work had been recognized with “Of the Month” honors. “It feels good,” she smiled. Her advice for her fellow Adelphians seeking similar success is simple but important. “You have to work for it,” she said. “And you should always be respectful.”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong noted, “Phoebe is a fantastic artist who is skilled in drawing and in folding Origami. She takes her time to perfect her work. Keep up the great work Phoebe!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for November: Yahya, Edward, Tiffany, Layla and Phoebe!
As the oldest private, independent, continuing, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in the borough and one of the oldest in the nation, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, “the little school of big dreams” has been “effectively preparing learners for college, career, and life, one day at a time” for over 160 years. Founded in 1863 and located in the historic Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, Adelphi enrolls students from three years of age through twelfth grade. A strong emphasis is placed on small class size, individualized attention, self-expression, critical thinking and challenging hands-on learning through Adelphi’s founding philosophy and dedication to the education of the “total child.” Adelphi students excel within a small, intimate, safe, caring, nurturing, and secure environment through Adelphi’s core values and founding principles of pride, tradition, spirit, and excellence. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1 and Adelphi is a New York State Regents Exempt Program with a 100% college application, acceptance and attendance rate. A founding member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, Adelphi receives its charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and has been a member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1928. Ms. Iphigenia Romanos serves as Head of School.
* * *
Photos courtesy of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn