Anya Stankiewicz (Zebras): Our first Legend of 23 is actually already part of a Legendary family. Her sister and her dad precede her as she had to wait a year before she became a Flipper. One of her first counselors is STILL at camp, that would be Jess T, of course we know her camp friends have become year round besties. She’s one of the youngest to ever wear the dark green, that is the legendary color on the stage you all see. And now she’s one of us, part of camp nirvana, our first Legend today is the Stankiewicz known as Anya.
Phenix Miller (Yaks): Next up is another Flipper from 2014, though he beat his staff parent to the Legendary scene. Indeed he’s the first in his family to grace the hallowed stage, and is another who’s doing so at such a young age. He’s been through the best of Deerkill and is a Yak this year, you’ll see him often on Deerkillimanjaro, climbing and heights he does not fear. However, reaching Legendary status is perhaps his greatest feat, that and of course testing all the Taste Buds treats. So enough with the intro, let’s clap hands and get our kicks, for our first Legendary Miller, the oldest known as Phenix.
Luke Wojciechowicz (Yaks): Another Yak is now to be discussed, but first his introduction is a must. His older brother already sports green, but can no longer boast, for now lil’ bro will join him in this prestigious post. A THIRD Flipper from 2014, that was a very special group, with Nancy T on the scene. He’s a fan of Movie Making, Soccer and Flag Football, after a decade with us, regarding sports he’s played them all. He comes from 4th and Hudson, 75 miles round trip each day, over 9 ½ years that works out to a total of 25K! So let’s raise the noise level to a fever pitch, for the next Legend Luke Wojciechowicz!
Bray Gurtman (Yaks): The final back to back to back Yak, he started as a Dolphin a decade back. From there an Antelope, Buck, Caribou and Gnu, Moose, Ram, Stag and Yak x 2. He has many interests, from movies to archery to photo, he’s from Hoboken which means he’s traveled further than Frodo! He JUST edges out his twin brother for this special enrollment, but he better enjoy it now for it will last just a few moments. Always well liked and finally a Legend today, let’s all tip our caps to the Gurtman we all call Bray.
Ty Gurtman (Subs): Now here’s that brother to whom I was alluding, but of course we’d be remiss if this club didn’t include him. He started in ’14 in the Dolphins with his brother Bray, they’ve traveled on the bus together to Deerkill every day. You’ll see him most often on the court, the field or anywhere he can play ball, though his camp friends have been together awhile, he’s the only one today who will get the call. So let’s mark it down in ink, it is the 20th of July, the second Gurtman to become Legend is the one we all know as Ty.
Sydney Lambert (Senior Summit): Now on to the Seniors, the Summit she calls home, another who all the way from Hoboken daily did she roam. Always a fan of dance, but just as comfortable in the pool, she’s celebrating a decade here, that’s 1,800 days of school! Her real passion at camp, is being in ceramics where a pot she can throw, she’s come a long way from her first day in the Does. Our only Summit member to become Legendary today, for Sydney Lambert let’s all give a hip hip hooray!
Michael Kaweblum (Senior Apex): We’ve reached the Apex, there are two to earn the prize, the first defines the saying that when you’re having fun time certainly flies. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 10, I feel he’s been here more, he started in the Bison and then stayed for a decade-long tour. As for him, he doesn’t come from far, just around the way, but I have a feeling he’ll be making that trip for many more summer days. He lives at the Pavilion, and is of course well known to Dank, he’s also been a witness to our annual softball team tank. But now he’s where he belongs, as a Legend and none too soon, let’s all put our hands together for our own Michael Kaweblum.
Lukas Lendaris (Senior Apex): Before we leave the Apex today, we have another plaque to be put on display. This Legends hails from New York, the city that never sleeps, though he’ll be able to nap in the sweatshirt he gets to keep. I’ve known him since he was a wee lad, well before his time here, in fact his mom and Rebecca, once a classroom shared. You’ll find him down at Archery, often shooting bullseyes, he’s truly been a wonderful role model, well before earning this prize. He gets his sweatshirt today, as symbolic to Deerkill as the Eiffel Tower to Paris, let’s welcome our newest Legend, he is Lukas Lendaris.
Lucas Alvarez (STARs): Now from one Lukas to a namesake, but let’s move up groups to the one 9th graders partake. This next Legend started back in the Elks a decade back, with our very own Adam Schreiber leading that rambunctious pack. Imperial, Moose, Okapi, Rams and ‘Beests, then Subs twice, Seniors and the STARs last but not least. He’s as nice as they come, always caring and kind, this Legend is the epitome of Deerkill, our values and mission defined. Now he’s a rowing machine, whether on a lake or the local rez, we are so proud to welcome the Legendary Lucas Alvarez.
Bella Hernandez (STARs): Our next super STAR, started in ’13 as a Gazelle, after one year here, in love with camp she fell. We almost lost her in 2020 but just for a brief one year break, for in ’21 her return to Deerkill she did make. And thank goodness she did, for we missed her great big smile, we’ve always known she’d be here for awhile. She is crafty but also likes to climb, whether at Ceramics, Art or Adventure Course, she’s ALWAYS having a good time. She has bragging rights over her sister, at least for two more years, let’s give our Bella Hernandez a fitting round of cheers!
Charlotte Lasaga (STARs): Another STAR, who also began in ’13 but with the Fawns, Meredith, Emily and Silvette first led her across our lawns. She enjoys theater, making movies and adventure course, but outside camp it’s in lacrosse where she’s truly a force. Another Legend with a younger sibling who will just have to wait a bit, he’s not allowed to borrow her sweatshirt even if it fit. Impala, Llama, Nyala, and a Royal in year 5, then Wapiti, Zebra, Senior twice and finally as a STAR she does thrive. She’s been here a decade and for that let’s all go gaga, for our next Legend to come to stage, the one and only Charlotte Lasaga!
Alyssa Meltzer (STARs): Here comes another who debuted in ’13, it was as a Doe with Mairead and Emma Weiss, with whom she hit the scene. She is already a camper favorite, this year in a STAR-ring role, as a camper she reached for the stars while climbing Deerkillimanjaro. Another with younger siblings who aspire to fill her shoes, but it’s a long way to the top should they so choose. She’s been a Gazelle, Impala, Nyala, and Royal, then Wapiti, Zebras, and twice to the Seniors she was loyal. Let’s pop-pop-fizz-fizz like a group of Alka Seltzer, for our next Legend is our Alyssa Meltzer.
Sarah Robinovitz (STARs): Another STAR, can it be, oh yes it can for she has been here 10, her first year with Grace Schwartz, they were in the Fawns back then. A woodworker extraordinaire, she also likes to fence, on the soccer pitch she’s equally adept at offense and defense. This Legends lives ‘round the corner, from Suffern she does roam, it’s nice when you live a few miles away from your second summer home. She’s come a long way here, and is one of Deerkill’s greatest hits, our last starry Legend of the day is Sarah Robinovitz.
Siobhan Ali (Bucks): Now to our staff do we move, we’re starting to find our Legendary groove. She was a Royal when she first hit the town, with Photo Sam Cohen and the Llama Lara Crowne. She’s been a Wapiti, Zebra twice and a Subsenior in 2017, then Seniors two times and STARs, indeed 6 groups has she seen. Her sister’s on stage, though two years her junior, of course we missed her last year but she returned not later but sooner. As a camper she was crafty and loved to climb the tower, but truly it took being a counselor to discover her superpower. For the next Legend we now call on, is the Ali we know as Siobhan.
Stav Amir (Waterfront): And now we come to our second Legendary staff, it’s my honor to speak on her behalf. She started in ’12, that’s when she debuted as a Doe, she was group mates then with current staff Daryn and Julia Lebow. Another from Hoboken but from the west side, 9th and Clinton is where she and her sibs grab their ride. She’s mature beyond her age and friendly with all she knows, she always gives her all, be it her swim stroke or gymnastics pose. So let’s not hold back and please give your loudest cheer, for our 1st year Waterfront Staff, the one and only Stav Amir.
Izzy Ammer (Antelopes): Now we come to the first of two twins who for ten years they climbed Happiness Hill to the top, one went to the Antelopes, while the other is with Rich Q in the shop. She started as a Doe and shares a path with Elaina, Stav and Charlotte L, if you told me there’d be 4 Legends in one group, well I have a bridge to you I could sell. After the Does came the Impalas, Nyalas, Royals, and Sambars, then the Zebras, Subseniors, Seniors and STARs. Now she spends her days with a group of Pre-K boys, I imagine when they hear her name, they’re going to make A LOT of noise. So whether you’re an Antelope or other, let’s work ourselves into a tizzy, for the first Ammer twin we all know as Izzy!
Jacob Ammer (Woodworking): As for Izzy’s brother, he’s always loved it here, he might sleep at camp if he could, but lately you can find him in the shop working and cutting wood. He was in the Elks when Tommy first became Group Leader, while others have parted ways, he stayed as one of our biggest cheerleaders. He was a Moose with Huss, a Stag with Corey and a ‘Beest with Josh, then a Sub with Nick and a Senior with Chris and Jacob and of course a STAR by gosh. As a camper, he was ever-present at the climbing tower, that and Movie Making where he acted out many super powers. But he’s back to his favorite spot, where he is a master with a drill and a hammer, let’s all make some noise for the Legendary Jacob Ammer.
Mel Barbosa (Waterfront): Only a handful of Legends to go, of course that means 5 more, this next Waterfront Legend in ’11 with the Fawns did she start her tour. She’s always loved Arts & Crafts, she’d take it for Club every day, she’s also an avid dancer, whether lyrical, hip-hop or ballet. Her trip is a familiar one to me and many from my hood, yes she’s another of the many Legends that take the trip from Ridgewood. Her Legendary status though was put on hold for four, years that is until she decided to come back for more. And now she’s teaching others in the pool where she learned as well, we’re so happy she returned home, the Barbosa we know as Mel.
Rachael Harris (Fawns): Our next Legendary staffer started as a Junior Counselor in 2014, she’s truly grown so much since she first came on the scene. Four years with the Bambis, then to the Gazelles with Taylor Q, then finally the leader of the Fawns, which was what she was meant to do. She’s been there now for half a decade, imagine how many friendship bracelets she has made. Now the group is synonymous with her, we hopefully pencil her in every year, then when her application finally arrives, everyone in the office lets out a little cheer. So let’s hear all the Fawns, in fact let’s hear every-body, for our Harris named Rachael, the one with the extra “e.”
Ben Hornstein (Gnus): A STAR in 22, he’s now a valued staff, I’m incredibly honored to speak on his behalf. He’s a man of many pursuits, whether tennis, Frisbee or drums, we look forward to see where his path leads him and what he becomes. He started here in ’14, ironically with the Gnus, he’s now a counselor there and campers hope to fill HIS shoes. A Moose, Okapi, Ram, Stag and Yak, Subs, Apex and STAR then to his first group he went back. Truly he has few faults, everyone has good things to say, except of course for the fact that he roots for that team from Green Bay. To visit all 50 states, is a goal he hopes to fulfill, but no matter where he travels his home will be Deerkill. Let me hear it now for the next Legend on the scene, the newest Gnu Legend Mr. Ben Hornstein.
Aaron Leung (Archery): Our penultimate Legend is here, so for only two more poems you must lend me your ear. He has a brother here, who has a few more years to go, while siblings often share clothes, with this sweatshirt he may want to say no. Another who in ’14 was a Moose with Huss, that’s back when we used to serve orange juice! He’s a musician of great repute if you don’t know, he’s graduated from Legos to arrows and bows. My kids call me a boomer and it seems that is a fact, for I have never heard of this Legend’s favorite musical act (Metro Boomin). But I do know one thing as should old and young, the next Legend to be honored is our Aaron Leung.
Alexa Seidner (Waterfront): Our final staff among us who becomes a Legend today, took a few years off before finally finding her way. Her brother came before her and joined this club in 2022, but when counting Legends in this family, from now on you must count to two. This one I’ve known since she was born way back in ’05, it’s hard to believe for over 18 years she’s been alive! Now she wakes up our little one, which is no small feat, never mind the two grumpy boys every day she has to greet. Like her mother before her, she spends her time by the water, but her Mom will admit she wasn’t as good as her daughter. She was in our FIRST group of Flippers, along with Jacob G, that was back when the group was led by Nancy. So for our last but not least Legends, let’s give our respects-a, the second Seidner to make it, our very own Alexa!
What is a legend? The dictionary defines a legend four ways:
1) A story from the past that is believed by many people but cannot be proved to be true
2) A famous or important person who is known for doing something extremely well
3) A list that explains the symbols on a map
4) A Deerkill camper or counselor who has entered an exclusive club of others who have scaled Happiness Hill for 10 or more summers
Today we induct 7 new legends into this special fraternity. You can’t buy your way into the Legends Club. It’s not available on Amazon. Only 231 people in the world have received the highest honor of the symbolic Legends sweatshirt. Names like Rhodes, Malden, Murphy, Hirsh, Litt, Solomon, Dank and Greenberg among others. And today, 7 more among us join their ranks. Before today, they were simply campers or staff. After today, no matter where life takes them, they will be forever Legends.
I give you our 2023 2nd Session Legends.
2ND SESSION LEGENDS
Baron Dworzanski (Subs): The first Legend of the second session has come a long way to get here, both in terms of miles and years since he was a Flipper. There are seven others who joined him in that historic group, who like him have chosen to never fly the Deerkill coop. You’ll find him most often down at Archery shooting a bow and arrow or making another run up Deerkillimanjaro. He’s a gaga legend, with his name on the wall, it was only 2 years ago when he got the call. Now he’s a decade in, and will have an easier ride than Charon, to come up and claim his sweatshirt, we call the Dworzanski named Baron.
Eric Guglberger (Subs) (7,8): Here’s ANOTHER from the Flippers of ’14, in fact he and Baron were with Nancy and our very own Jess T. His path led to the ‘Lopes, Bison, Caribou and Gnus, then Moose, Rams, Stags, Yaks and with the Subs he’s now making news. For so many times has he climbed Happiness Hill, but yet he knows what awaits at the top is his camp, Deerkill. He used to be a fan of Minecraft and Roblox, now you’re more likely to find him at the top of the key or down on the block. So let’s jump up and down and break into hysterics, for our second 2nd session legend, the Guglberger named Eric.
William Hagen (Subs) (7,8): Our third and last Sub, started with his buds, back in ’14 with the Dolphin club. He has many pursuits, you might call him a Renaissance man, whether it be Legos, soccer, tennis or chess, can he do it, yes he can. He’s one of our pioneers from a town called Montclair, in fact he’s one of the reasons we started picking up there. In his decade at camp, he’s been part of 9 groups, the only one repeated is his current Subs troop. So let’s clap our hands and stomp our feet and get this place shakin’ for our next Legendary honoree, Mr. William Hagen.
Jack Leiman (Senior Apex): Now let’s see who becomes Legendary next, it’s the first of three we’ll be calling from the Senior Apex. This one started a year early, back in ’13, with fellow Legends Henry R, Maya K. and Gabi V. He’s a fan of the colorful cube, made by the famous Rubik, he’s got a big leg at mat ball when he winds up and kicks. He’s at home at the potter’s wheel as he is with a hammer and nail, though this week at Quest he’s letting his arrows sail. It seems like he’s been here forever, and now he earns his way onto the famous plaque, we’re so proud to present the Leiman we know as Jack.
Emory Nam (Senior Apex) (7,8): Our second Apex of the day, just joined us this week, though he’s still riding a decade-long streak. He started as an Antelope back with Rachel Parent, his love for camp from the start was readily apparent. He, Jack and Jaiden Shaw are all that remain from that crew, now he earns his place along the other Legendary two. He’s big into sports and at softball is a big swinger, but you may not have realized he’s also an experienced dancer and singer. If you spell his name backwards, you get a well-rounded man, and a renaissance one at that, he has plenty of fans. This day will live on for many years in his memory, so let’s give him something to remember, our Nam we call Emory.
Jack Pendergraft (Senior Apex): Another Jack from the Apex, how can it be, I guess Jacks are wild but today also Legendary. His start was in the Bison, with the famous dancing Darrah, there were five future Legends in the Bison from that era. As a younger camper, he was a fan of dominos, marbles and legos, now for Quest you’ll just find him with his bow and arrows. Yes, he’s an archer extraordinaire, on the target he can lock in, though there’s not much practicing he can do down in Weehawken. For our 6th Legend today, there’s now no looking back, only forward to your place as a Legend, the Pendergraft named Jack.
Morgan Brehm (Senior Summit): And who will be next in this Legendary Who Dun It, well, it’s the only 2nd session Legend from the Senior Summit. She started in the Does with Nina Basu, Gabbi, Maggie, Maya and Sydney were with her too. She great in the pool and can throw a pot, you’ll also see her scaling Deerkillimanjaro a lot. She makes the trip daily, all the way from Weehawken, which would take exactly half a day if she was a walkin’. But I imagine she would just to see her friends, they’re a tight group even after summer ends. So make some noise, bang the drums and hit the organ, for our next Legend, the Brehm named Morgan.
Abby Blank (Staff) (7,8): Our last Legend of 23 who I will speak on behalf, is the only 2nd session honoree who’s a member of our staff. She was part of only the second group of Fawns with Gordieh in 09, who would’ve believed she’d still be here 14 years later in time. She left us for five years, and embarked on an adventure at sleepaway, but fortunately hearing stories from her Legendary sister ensured she couldn’t stay away. She is as synonymous with the Dolphins as anyone can be, whether working with Maria, Kylie, Angela or Lisa she has been the heart of the group everyone can agree. We still recall back in 2019, when our Caroline was part of her group, every night she would talk about her like a record on a loop. She is extended family and to her we could never give too much thanks, a big welcome to the club to Ms. Abby Blank!