Achieving academic excellence in high school is no small feat. There are myriad variables and stimuli that can often divert a teenager's attention from the day-to-day task of effectively accomplishing his or her assignments. However, when students are able to buckle down and invest themselves in their learning, they not only gain insights about subject matter that advances their intellectual capacity for internalizing information and reasoning skills but also garner accolades that will support them in a more pragmatic sense. Five WHSAD Seniors have proven their mettle by attaining Advanced Regents Diplomas and New York State Academic Excellence Scholarships. Below, recipients provide insights as to what it took to gain such … [Read more...]
Cindy Mendoza-Class of 2018
Cindy Mendoza is the WHSAD Senior of the month of May. Mr. Powers, Cindy’s English teacher, had this to say about her: "Cindy perseveres. There is no task too difficult or too tedious that she cannot complete. Her work ethic excels far ahead of those around her. We could all learn a thing or two from Cindy Mendoza." Below, Cindy shares her thoughts on being the spotlighted Senior for May and what makes WHSAD a special place. My main goal in WHSAD is to graduate on time. This is an important achievement for me because it's going to move me forward with my life, and I need to graduate in order to go to college and get a career. I believe that by passing all my classes with above a 90 that end goal is becoming possible. Everyday … [Read more...]
Jessica Juarez-Class of 2020
Jessica Juarez is the WHSAD Sophomore of the month of May. Jessica demonstrates a conscientious demeanor and is consistent in hear determined approach to learning. Ms. McCollum, Jessica's Algebra II teacher, provided this equation to illustrate Jessica as a student: “Hard work + Dedication + Consistency = Success." Below, Jessica shares her thoughts on being the spotlighted Sophomore for May and what makes WHSAD a special place. My main goal in WHSAD is to learn whatever teachers teach me. This is an important achievement for me because I want to succeed, and I believe that by showing up on time to school and working hard every day that end goal is becoming possible. Every day I work towards completing my work. Though … [Read more...]
WHSAD Seniors Celebrate National College Decision Day
After four years at WHSAD, Seniors gathered to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Moving on to the next academic level can be a somewhat overwhelming and intimidating experience as students disperse to new locations and take on the rigors of college curricula. Therefore, taking a moment to savor the past, present, and future during the #idecided party was important for students to appreciate those experiences of the past and those yet to come. Below, some seniors share their thoughts about the event. Yesterday's college acceptance gathering was a relief. The college process was extremely hard but making a decision was even harder. After thinking about money, my best option, and what would make me most … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Revitalize Power Street Garden
WHSAD students have worked to foster a relationship with the Powers Street Community Garden. We attended a planning meeting and agreed to spend Wednesdays helping to prepare the gardens for spring planting. We have also signed on to help maintain the gardens and participate in the activities that will be scheduled there. This is incredibly important work for the students for several reasons. First, they are leaning to work cooperatively with members of the community. They are learning first hand how people come together to cultivate a positive space for the community. Secondly, they are learning how to care for the earth. They will learn how to prepare the earth for planting, how to grow plants of … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Present Ideas for Small Pox Hospital Redesign
On March 23rd, a group of freshmen students from the architecture club presented their midterm presentations on re-imagining the Small Pox Memorial Hospital Ruin to Walter & Melvin Architects. This was a great opportunity for the students to receive feedback from professionals in the field of architecture. Student Reflections: Ifteza Linath Throughout the whole presentation, I learned many things. I have learned about how each person views this project. I have learned where my team is compared to all the others. I also have learned where my team’s project needs improvements and where to concentrate on the most. I learned a lot from others' feedback. There were times when I was able to give feedback to others when I thought they … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Designing at Kingsland Printing
A group of students has been participating in a screen-printing workshop at Kingsland Printing in Greenpoint. The shop produces all hand produced silkscreening products from tote bags to fabric, posters, T-shirts, and other special products for clients such as MOMA, the Whitney Museum, The New Yorker, and individual artists. We have had the opportunity to learn the whole process, and so far we all have created our own T shirts with our own designs. Next we will create a poster and then a fabric print. We are all very excited to engage in the design process and see how our ideas transform from brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing to the final product. Stay on the look-out for what we come up with! Thank you to all the … [Read more...]
Christian Luna Aguirre-Class of 2021
Christian Luna Aguirre is the WHSAD Freshman of the Month for April. He is a standout in his classes in terms of achievement and independence, and Christian possesses a work ethic that will support him for years to come. Christian’s Algebra I teacher Mr. Leverenz says, “he has been assisting others with their work, while being a very autonomous learner. He is the first one to always volunteer for extra credit and is all around a great kid.” Below, Christian shares his thoughts with student correspondent Antonio Perez regarding his nomination and why he views WHSAD as a unique learning environment. My main goal in WHSAD is to build up my future career. This is an important goal for me because I’ve always wanted to be successful but … [Read more...]
SkillsUSA Regionals Conference Results
The WHSAD SkillsUSA chapter has done it again! Our chapter recently competed in four different competitions in the annual NYC SkillsUSA Leadership Conference. We are ecstatic to announce that students brought home medals from all four competitions. Job Skills Demonstration 1st Place-Kenneth Nelson (Demo on LED Light strip installation) Action Skills/Job Demo 2nd Place-Brandon Lopez (Demo on creating a Door for a video game Map) **Competed against his brother, Kyle Lopez. Opening and Closing Ceremonies Team (a competition based on Teamwork and Cohesiveness) 1st place-Guadalupe Hernandez, Trevon West, Adrian Sterling, Kaniyah Parris, Stephanie Ayala, Premnauth Ramchan, Jonathan Walker. Architectural … [Read more...]
Melina Jorge-Class of 2019
Melina Jorge is the Junior of the Month for April. Melina demonstrates tremendous aptitude in her studies and has proven herself to be a dependable and mature student. Her consistency makes her one of the top students in the junior class, and her pleasant and original demeanor puts her in the good graces of both her peers and teachers. Ms. Weinstein, Melina’s A.P. U.S. History teacher, has this to say about her: “She is great at applying what she’s already learned and using it in class. Also taking what she doesn’t know too well to apply to new materials to learn more about what she is not familiar with. I am blessed to have Melina as a student.” Below, Melina provides student correspondent, Antonio Perez, with some thoughts about … [Read more...]