The Elmont Phoenix

Hi Elmont! Ms. Martinez, advisor to the Elmont Phoenix here. The fifth and final issue of The Elmont Phoenix was scheduled to come out on June 16, what would've been the last day of in-person classes before we started Regents week. It would've been a busy morning for me... final collection of all the Library and textbooks before 7AM from the seniors, so that while my Newspaper delivery team was getting The Phoenix out, Ms. Albanese and I would've been in the little gymnasium office window handing out the Yearbooks to our graduating seniors. Welp, the pandemic definitely put a hitch in the normal end of the school year, but it will all be figured out and work out one way or another...

I hope that you're are still finding ways to stay positive, be active, and do all you need to in order to wrap up with this "helluva" year. I just want to give a special shout out to my Newspaper crew (or like I've said this year... cult). In the five years that I have advised the school newspaper, I have never had a more dedicated group of reporters and writers than I do now... I am forever grateful for each and every one of you, especially for working hard to get our newspapers out when we haven't even been together since March 12. This is our special "Senior Edition" of the paper.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020 and enjoy our special tribute to you! What you'll also find in this issue are a couple of student reflections on the most recent events in Minneapolis and across the United States. The issues discussed are deeply important to the Elmont community and we are grateful for these students who are making sure their voices are loud enough to hear - on paper and in person.

Dear Students,

It is hard to believe that the 2019-20 school year is coming to a close, but it will certainly be a year we will not forget. From the worst pandemic this country has seen in 100 years to the issue of innocent black men and women being murdered because of their skin color or at the hands of law enforcement, the last three months have been a wild ride. I am hopeful that we will see some much needed changes in our community, our city, our state, and our country, but we need your help and your voice. For the first time in a long time, there is a focus on structural and systemic inequalities that is aiming to tear them down and we must capitalize on this moment. For those of you that can, vote in every election you possibly can. Regardless of whether you can vote or not, we all can write emails, make phone calls, march (with masks on), or just have conversations with friends and family to help eradicate our country of its culture of definition by race.

We are all processing the weight of what we are going through and it is important that you find healthy ways to cope and strengthen your mental health; meditate, do yoga, exercise, write, draw, paint, talk to loved ones. It is imperative that you take care of yourself and find ways to separate and decompress from the constant stream of videos and information.

Prior to our crazy spring, we celebrated more outstanding academic achievements, Science Research, Model United Nations, art awards, a wonderful performance of In the Heights, athletic championships, and outstanding musical performances and recognitions. It is yet another reminder that when we are focused on our goals and attack them with great passion and tenacity, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Class of 2020, as you move forward in this world, dedicate yourself to something you are passionate about, work harder than everyone else, laugh often, and help to spread love and peace to others in the world. If you consistently stay focused on your goals, work hard, and bring positive energy to the world around you, good things will happen. We are sorry that your tenure at EMHS had to end this way, but we are excited to celebrate you all on July 25th!

To the rest of the student body, I am excited for what the future holds here at EMHS. There are some phenomenal things happening, but we have further to go to reach our full potential. We must make every single day count and we must continuously improve ourselves and each other for the betterment of everyone. Sustained success takes engagement, hard work, and discipline.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy summer. I challenge you to get off your phones (and iPads) more often this summer, take a walk, read some books or lots of articles (magazines, NYTimes, etc.) for an hour each day. Research what you are interested in or learn about how our country ended up in this moment. Just as this crazy year has passed quickly, so too will summer. Reflect on this past year, analyze your progress towards your goals, and begin to set new goals for the 2020-21 school year. It won’t be long before we are back, focused, and ready to grow. We hope to see everyone in person in September! Be safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Mr. Dougherty

Letter from the Salutatorian

Dear Class of 2020,

It may sound cliché to say, but we’ve finally made it! We’re graduating from high school and I can’t believe the time flew by so quickly. We entered Elmont as younger, much more naive 7th graders, and are now graduating as inspiring young adults. In the grand scheme of life, 6 years seems like nothing, but for a senior in high school, these past 6 years have been everything. The love and support that I’ve felt as a Spartan, as a member of the Elmont community, are unmatchable. Some of us may be scared to leave this loving, familiar environment, but there is so much more out there in the world to explore. Everything that we have learned during our 6 years was in preparation for this moment, to send us off into the world with the best chance for success. We are ready for it, this I know.

We all probably have different experiences, but what I’m going to miss most about Elmont are the little things: talking to my friends by our lockers before zero period, daily games of “Mafia” in student activities, and so much more. We may have missed out on some of the big milestones, but those smaller memories will stay with us for many years to come. Cherish them as I will and know that this experience was an incredible one. We grew so much, and learned even more not only as students, but as people as well. I am confident that Elmont’s Class of 2020 is more than prepared to enter society and be the change we so desperately need.

For the next chapter in my journey, I won’t be venturing far, but many of you will be hundreds of miles away. No matter how far, you will always be a part of this Elmont family and I will miss you dearly. This world holds endless possibilities and while we may have to go far to chase them, Elmont will always be home. This is where we built our deepest and most meaningful relationships, so don’t let go completely. Remember the strength of our community and contribute in any way you can. Right now it is our turn to step up and make a difference, but there are infinite classes after us and just like we received love and guidance from those before us, we must pass it forward to the future Elmont Spartans.

I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss the current climate of our country. We exist in a world that doesn’t always look out for people who look like us, a world where those who vow to protect us abandon their promises day after day. We can’t give them the power to do so. Speak up and always let your voices be heard, but know that you don’t always have to be the loudest person in the room to make a difference. This is our duty to every minority child who deserves to live long enough to make a difference too. We must hold our communities accountable and continue to demand change on every level. No fight is too difficult for a Spartan, so let’s make this our fight.

To the Class of 2020, thank you for showing me what strength and resilience look like in the face of adversity. Thank you for proving to me that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. But most of all, thank you for being the greatest group of friends I could ever ask for. I may not know every single person in this class well, but your character speaks volumes. Your sheer perseverance is enough to prove to me that Elmont’s graduating Class of 2020 is moving on to do great things.

In the words of Ms. Gilliam, KYEOTP, keep your eye on the prize. We have worked immensely hard to get to this point and deserve to reap those benefits, but the hard work is not done. While we all may have different goals and aspirations for the future, never lose sight of the things that are most important and what you want to accomplish. No one can hold you back from your dreams but you, so just remember: KYEOTP. Keep striving, keep fighting, keep dreaming. Your success will manifest and I can’t wait to watch it happen. Our time here at Elmont may be up, but it’s not goodbye, nor is it the end. It’s the beginning of extraordinary accomplishments and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

All the best,

Your 2020 Salutatorian

Marvia Pressoir

Letter from the Valedictorian

Dear Elmont,

When I think of you, I think of pride. This five letter word is so short, yet rolls off the tongue with such power and grace. Elmont is a school that takes such pride in its students...its teachers...its parents...but most importantly, its community. Many people don’t realize how lucky they are to be a part of such a loving community. A community that is willing to attend every single sporting event, musical performance, concert, and so much more. A community that will go out of its way to appreciate and showcase all of Elmont’s excellence and achievements. A community that will always be there for its members. That is the true power of Elmont.

Elmont’s community embodies both the struggles and the triumphs of its constituents. Elmont is home to individuals who represent a variety of backgrounds, races, ethnicities, religions, genders, sexualities, and disabilities. Each and every person has their own story and despite this, the people of Elmont are able to unite so readily and so beautifully for a common goal. Over the last 6 years of my life, I have had the privilege of being a member of such an amazing group of people. There are many communities across the country that do not have such a high level of commitment and dedication to its people. And even though there are many forces in this vast world that conspire to keep us divided, we still find ways to stay together. From the PTSA gathering together to distribute food at the school for those who are out of work due to Covid 19, to the teachers holding parades to acknowledge the graduating seniors who are practicing social distancing, to the people gathering to join a Black Lives Matter protest against social injustice down Dutch Broadway, the Elmont community is truly extraordinary.

As I say my final goodbyes to this loving community, I will take a moment to reflect on all my experiences over these last 6 years. Elmont has shaped me into the resilient and determined person I am today, and for that, I am extremely proud. I look forward to finding a similar community that provides me the same amount of love and support.

It was an amazing journey,

Jahnia Cunningham, 2020 Valedictorian

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