Embedded Files
TIME TO SAY FAREWELL: Phoenix Reporters Edition
TIME TO SAY FAREWELL: Phoenix Reporters Edition
By Maida Ali
As the 2019-2020 school year is coming to a close, it is that time again where we must say goodbye to the Elmont seniors, specifically to the Senior Phoenix Reporters who have shown talent and dedication like no other. Despite unfavorable circumstances, they have stayed strong and continued to persevere which sends a powerful message. A wise man once said, “A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but its persistence,” and I believe this perfectly matches up with the philosophy of many of our seniors. That by not being discouraged by setbacks that come their way, they will reach new and different heights that will impact their endgame. This article is meant to honor the following graduating reporters: Abimbola Omotade, Abigail Cange, Amman Zia, Christina Firdy, Felicia Adeoye, Imani Favard, Jahnia Cunningham, Jayden Warren, Josiah Turner (photographer), Marvia Pressoir, Munahil Sultana, Sara-Emily Khan, Swera Zeeshan, Stefan Moore (delivery man) and Olisa Emeagwali.
Each reporter was asked the following:
How do you feel when moving on to a new chapter out of Elmont Memorial High School?
What lessons have you learned from the Newspaper Club that will help you in college?
What tip can you give to your younger Phoenix Reporters that will aid them in their journey? (in or out of Newspaper Club)
Jahnia Cunningham
Jahnia Cunningham
Jahnia has a very excited outlook towards moving to a new chapter out of Elmont because she can’t wait to explore all of the opportunities that awaits her in her adult life. “My 6 years as an Elmont student have shaped me into the eager and curious person I am today,” which Jahnia is extremely grateful for.
Jahnia was able to learn to try new things through the Newspaper Club. When she originally joined, it was for her passion for writing rather than interest in journalism; but she was able to grow to enjoy writing about the events that took place in her school, especially ones that she participated in, such as the musical or drama. “I definitely plan on joining writing clubs in my college years,” she declares. Joining the Newspaper Club, Jahnia was able to break out of her comfort zone and wishes to do so again in order to explore a different genre of writing that could help her develop her skills and shape her into a greater writer.
Jahnia starts off by saying, “When writing an article, I allowed my fear of public opinion to overwhelm me. As a result, I would question my writing abilities and put off work.” Through her own experience, Jahnia can confidently encourage her younger Phoenix reporters to write without fear of criticism. Because through criticism, you can become a better writer. She ends off with saying how criticism should be expected in anyone’s lifetime, but what matters is how you use that criticism to your advantage.
Olisa Emeagwali
Olisa Emeagwali
Like most other seniors, Olisa shares a bittersweet feeling towards leaving Elmont being both exciting and nerve wracking. He knows going to college is a big change to his usual high school lifestyle, which may add on to the split-half feelings.
“From the Newspaper Club, I learned how to be resilient and committed,” Olisa states. He mentions how the deadlines for articles were essential and how he learned to edit his writing, as well as expand his creativity and dexterity in his writing through the club.
For the younger Phoenix reporters, Olisa’s tip is to stick with Newspaper Club for it can teach many different lessons to us all, as it did to him. “Not only does it look good on your resume, but it acts as a huge stress reliever,” he states. According to Olisa, it gives the reporters a voice in matters surrounding their school, and also allows them to be recognized in the hallways as both an amazing reporter and student. He accentuates the importance of Newspaper Club to students who plan on majoring in Broadcast Journalism, Journalism, Communications, Mass Communications or anything that relates along the realm of the examples mentioned. Olisa sends luck to all of the younger reporters at Elmont.
Imani Favard
Imani Favard
Imani has a bittersweet feeling towards leaving high school, since she will miss Elmont and its security team, but is still excited to start college, a new phase in her life.
Through Newspaper Club, Imani learned how to collaborate with other students and learn from their opinions, which came along with seeing the full picture of an issue by understanding both perspectives. She also learned how to both take and give constructive criticism, which is an important characteristic in such a competitive environment.
To the younger Phoenix reporters, Imani wishes to tell you all of the importance of putting ourselves out there by trying different types of journalism, whether it be interviews or book reviews. In the end, she wishes that you’d be involved in both Newspaper Club and the school in general.
Christina Firdy
Christina Firdy
Christina has very mixed opinions about how she feels about leaving Elmont, but states that she is still excited to start a new chapter of her life. A chapter where she will be able to experience new things in a new surrounding.
Newspaper Club has helped Christina improve her writing through the years, whether it be by learning how to be punctual or to focus on even the smallest of details when writing.
Christina’s tips to the younger Phoenix reporters would be to have no fear when putting your work out there because that requires confidence that we should already have.
Sara-Emily Khan
Sara-Emily Khan
Moving on from Elmont and starting this new chapter of my life gives Sara-Emily mixed feelings. She is excited to go on new adventures, make a big impact on the world and the new experiences to explore. She will miss some of the amazing teachers and friends she has made during these six years.
The Elmont Phoenix has overall made her a better writer and made her passionate about educating herself on different topics.
"Through the Newspaper Club," she explains, "I have experimented with different styles/techniques of writing and expressed my passion of educating others on different topics."Her advice to the younger Phoenix writers is: "Just go for it! Don't be hesitant to try a new style of writing or topic to report on. In general don't be afraid to use your voice and step out of your comfort zone."
Abimbola Omotade
Abimbola Omotade
Abimbola also has bittersweet feelings about moving on to a new chapter of her life, a chapter outside of Elmont. She finds it hard to let go of 6 years worth of memories, but is also excited to have new experiences and opportunities not available in a high school. But, she mentions the elements of Elmont that have helped her throughout her stay, such as discovering her intelligence and confidence in herself, along with the compassion she holds for others.
Abimbola states that from Newspaper Club, she’s learned to go after what she wants and to follow one’s passion no matter what. “I’ll always remember how I emailed Ms. Martinez during my sophomore year asking her if I can join the Newspaper Club and her welcoming me in with open arms,” Abimbola writes. She also adds that memory will always remind her of her being able to make her own decisions regarding what she loves to do.
Abimbola’s tips to her younger reporters would be to not be afraid of writing about challenging or even controversial topics. She states, “Ms. Martinez never limits what you can write in the paper, so long as it is appropriate and not offensive,” and recommends we use that to our advantage. Also, she mentions how staying true to ourselves will help us in the long run, inside and outside of Newspaper Club. “There will be so many people who will try to influence you and egg you on into being a completely different person.” Abimbola writes how it is up to us to decide who we are and to then stick to it, no matter if their intentions are for the better or the worst. Abimbola adds on how she recommends the reporters keep in touch with Ms. Martinez, both during and after our senior year, as well as to keep our fan mail. Abimbola believes it was a pleasure to be a part of such an amazing club.
Marvia Pressoir
Marvia Pressoir
Marvia starts off with, “I’m definitely going to miss my Elmont family and all of the memories that I’ve made here in the past 6 years, but I know that I’m ready to start a new chapter.” She writes how she is excited about making new friends and experiencing new things outside of the home she’s known for so long, which is Elmont. She claims, “One of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is having a greater sense of independence,” because she knows that independence will help her grow into the person that she has always aspired to be and the one that her Elmont family has pushed her towards.
Newspaper Club taught Marvia that speaking her mind was of the utmost importance. She further develops this idea by sharing, “You may not always have the same beliefs as others, but that does not make your opinion any less valuable.” Also, Marvia mentions how she learned to remember that there are people around her willing to help. She remembered all the times Ms. Martinez or one of the editors helped her whenever she was stuck on an idea. Additionally, Marvia talks about knowing how there are people around you to support and they sometimes hold some of the keys to success.
“Never let anyone make you doubt yourself,” Marvia declares. She states how art and writing are very subjective, so not everything you do will appeal to everyone. She wishes future Phoenix reporters strength that allows them to believe in oneself and their abilities, despite the opinions of others.
Munahil Sultana
Munahil Sultana
“I’m incredibly excited to be moving to Pennsylvania this fall!” Munahil exclaims. She shades how she loves Elmont Memorial and the community around it, but she’d appreciate a fresh start in college, especially since her senior year had so many trials and tribulations with the Covid-19 outbreak. This prompts her to want some stability that can be found in her next four years in college. She states that she is also very excited for what the future holds out for her.
Munahil writes how she’s been in Newspaper Club since 7th grade, thus, it has created many lasting memories for her at Elmont. She states, “Above all, it’s taught me to be a good reporter and to truly evaluate the circumstances around me,” and explains by mentioning her attendance at the Lawrence Herbert School of Communications Journalism Program prior to her sophomore year. At her internship, she was able to meet local award-winning journalists and see how they go about their life. “One of the many things that stood out to me, was the fact that they are cognizant of their circumstances and report accordingly,” which Munahil has held onto since and hopes to also utilize in college.
Munahil sends a strong message to all the underclassmen at Elmont, which is to not be afraid to live their life: “I never thought my senior year would end with Google Meets and a virtual graduation. I never thought the last time I saw my friends would be a Thursday afternoon in early March. I never thought I wouldn’t be able to leave my house without a mask and gloves on, but here we are,” Munahil announces. She continues on by pointing out how Elmont is a time where you can learn more about yourself as you grow, so there should be no hesitation for the excuse of being studious. Munahil ends off with a message to her fellow Phoenix Reporters, “...hand in your articles on time. Ms. Martinez is the sweetest person in the world so you really don’t want to get on her bad side!”
Amman Zia
Amman Zia
Amman shares a sentimental response about how she feels about leaving Elmont after her first and last year here. She writes about how she has had many amazing memories with all of her peers and teachers, and strongly exclaims of Elmont Memorial being filled with very generous, kind hearted, and spirited people. “Leaving Elmont High School, after graduation, will for sure be a difficult time to process,” Amman states. She finds that all she can say is that she will miss her favorite teachers and students that she's shared her experiences with. Amman, like many other seniors, wishes to visit Elmont in the future and to give back what it has given her. She ends her interview by saying “I’m so thankful to have met the teachers who taught me so much.”
As for the lesson Newspaper Club taught Amman, she writes how she has learned to always surround herself with positive and sophisticated individuals in college and beyond. “Considering this is my third time transferring schools, I have to say I’ve learned a lot about ways students spend their time, and their work ethic,” she claims. Amman gives an example with the Newspaper Club when she states that she was able to recognize the dedicated and hard-working students who all had a different story to tell. Amman declares that she looks forward to carrying this lesson into college because she wishes to make her life there a memorable place like her time in Newspaper Club.
Amman’s tip to her younger Phoenix Reporters would be to appreciate the time that you spend with other dedicated people, but more importantly, remember to communicate and enjoy your time because you’ll regret it if you don’t. “Considering this is my senior year, I am sad that I won’t get to spend another year with my peers.” She writes us another tip when mentioning the importance of getting help when it is needed. Amman gives us her own example of her confusion towards some aspects of grammar, but made sure to reach out and get help from both her peers and Ms. Martinez. “She will not only help you out, but she is like an older sister. Ms. Martinez always made sure students' mental health, work for other classes, life at home, etc. comes first.” Lastly, Amman wishes for her Phoenix reporters to have an exuberant experience.
And more!
And more!
Unfortunately, some Elmont Phoenix members were unable to be contacted for interviews, but their contributions to the Newspaper Club still deserved to be recognized. Thank you to Felicia Adeoye, who came to every meeting and always contributed positively this year, especially during mock interviews! Thank you to Abigail Cange, who although was a late joiner to the club, we appreciate the articles you wrote at the beginning of the year. Josiah Turner, thank you for being the newspaper's official photographer. I have counted on you countless times and the pictures you took were always outstanding. The pictures of all the Doctors in the building were definitely one of my favorite spreads last year! Jayden Warren, thank you for every single poem or editorial you've worked on for the paper. Your voice, your ideas, and your perspectives are so important and we are happy that you share them through this medium with the Elmont community. Swera Zeeshan, thank you for your passionate reporting about worldly issues. I was so happy how invested in journalism and civil rights you became to attend the ACLU conference last summer - a truly incredible experience for you that you shared through your writing. And finally, March Sylvestre and Stefan Moore, who although you both never wrote anything for the school newspaper, I truly loved having you at meetings this school year. When you contributed to the Copy Edit This quizzes and helped us decorate the Library doors for Black History Month it was always a great time. And a special thank you to Stefan for replacing Akshay Ramhit as my official deliveryman.
And to all reporters, especially our graduating seniors, thank you for your endless hard work, your compassion for humanity and the topics that are important to our Elmont community, your dedication to the editing and improving process, and your amazing personalities that make my week every Tuesday at 3PM! - Ms. Martinez
A message to all our senior reporters: your hard work has not gone unnoticed. Although your senior year has unfortunately come to an abrupt end, that does not define your future and the exciting new experiences you will have because your dedication has been shown throughout your many years at Elmont. I hope that you all continue to pursue journalism and make use of all the lessons you learned through your time in the Newspaper Club.
Goodbye to Senior MUNers
Goodbye to Senior MUNers
By Britney Bennett
Model United Nations has been one of the leading programs here at Elmont Memorial High School since its founding in the year 1978. In the program, students are able to explore and represent various nations of the world and are able to speak on their nation’s behalf at conferences. Students in Model UN learn about social, political, and economic issues that plague the global community while utilizing collaboration and diplomatic skills in order to create resolutions to these problems.
The advisor of Model United Nations which is our very own Mrs.Gilliam has instilled a sense of pride into the students who enter the program. She does not only make the students care about resolving world issues that people face on a day-to-day basis, but also makes her students take pride in their community, school and family, making sure that they represent these important things whenever the MUN team attends conferences and other endeavors.
As students progress through this program they become more mature, as well as become the senior role models for younger delegates. Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to the senior MUNers this year, but we were able to ask each of them questions about their experiences in Model UN. Currently, we have five graduating seniors who include President Munahil Sultana, president, Co-Vice President Nneka Emeagwali, Co-Vice President Fisola Aruleba, and Adetorera Adebiyi and Jorvanny Jean who are senior members.
We asked them each of them 3 questions:
Q1: Is there anything you would like to share about the club to people who don’t know what it’s about?
Q2: How has MUN impacted you personally?
Q3: How do you think the global, social, and political climate will affect the future of MUN due to the fact that we are in a global pandemic? Some places have used visual technology as a way to hold conferences, but others are waiting until everything returns back to normal...
Munahil Sultana
Munahil Sultana
First, we spoke to Munahil Sultana:
“The biggest misconception is that Model UN is purely a debate club and for the students involved in Model UN, they know that that is not the case. Model UN helps to teach students how to be diplomats as you are creating resolutions synonymous with what our world leaders are doing. It’s not just about who has the loudest voice in the room, but it is who can create consensus on the floor and be able to bring delegates around the world together where their policies are divided. With that said, even though it is mostly collaborative, you must know information beforehand about your country and you are essentially learning information above your grade level, sometimes even at the Ph.D. level.”
MUN has impacted me personally because it changed my perspective on a lot of things. I remember looking at former MUN delegates who came to my school in sixth grade who went to China and won the best delegate and how they were able to travel to other countries to compete. I never did MUN in elementary school and when I came to Elmont, I knew it was the first club I wanted to join. I was a shy kid and didn’t really speak to people and MUN helped to boost my confidence in conferences and in daily life. I was then able to do well as a student, mentor, and friend which also influenced my college applications as most of the other activities that I did do, such as writing for Best Delegate, revolve around foreign policy. As a result, my major at Franklin and Marshall is an international study and I am planning to join the MUN team there as well.
I think it's important to realize that MUN is not something you can do on a video call, it's more of a dynamic that you see when you go into the room. MUN delegates are profilers and are able to notice the nuances of body language and expression and be able to see who is leading a group or who has the most research. You can’t look at those nuances on a video call. We don’t know what’s going to happen at this moment, but I do think we'll be able to get back into regular four-day conferences for delegates.
As for the delegates, it’s creating an internal motivation for the fact that they have lived through a global pandemic. Topics like food insecurity or global pandemics were just topics that we researched, but never affected us directly. None of us can go outside without wearing masks and gloves so it will motivate future delegates to be more thorough in terms of creating solutions knowing that they’ve lived through the problems that they’ve talked about and that the solutions can actually help other countries in the world.”
Nneka Emeagwali
Nneka Emeagwali
Next we spoke to Nneka Emeagwali:
“Patience, perseverance, and passion are the three keys to accomplishment. When you first start doing anything that is challenging and/or difficult, it is normal to think “maybe this isn’t for me.” However, you must keep in mind that people do not become legends by doing what’s easy. People become legends by pushing themselves and doing what most refused to even try. If you have these three keys, stick to Model UN because you may unlock the door to success.
Model UN has personally developed me into an articulate problem solver who strives to achieve perfection in any and everything that I set my mind to. Although perfection is simply a theoretical concept, I have learned that there is nothing wrong with giving the best possible version of myself. Model UN has also allowed me to realize the true importance of cooperation and general consensus which are vital skills necessary for the real world. We must be together and on the same page in order to obtain the same goal.
Just like how there are two sides to a coin, there are two sides to this question. The negative side would be that one would only really get the true Model UN experience when they are physically at the conference working with other delegates. The physical attendance and the reality of a conference are essentially what makes or breaks you. It gives you a burst of energy that fuels you through the four days that you are present. That is why it would be unfortunate if conferences are shifted to virtual ones. However, the positive side is that you will be alongside the best of the best debating prominent issues. Regardless of if you’re physically there or not, having the opportunity to bounce ideas off of students your age from different walks of life is essential in the route of success. It helps you realize the importance of adopting the views and opinions of others so that your overall solution can be more applicable to the problem that you are trying to solve. Also with the current global, political, and social climate of our society, it is imperative that we obtain the viewpoints of not only the older generation but also of the youth because we are the ones who hold the future in our hands.”
Fisola Aruleba
Fisola Aruleba
Then we interviewed Fisola Aruleba:
“Originated on October 24, 1945, the United Nations is an international organization created in order to maintain peace, security, and promote cooperation between all nations. MUN is a simulation of the United Nations where students discuss and solve world issues ranging from nuclear nonproliferation to food insecurity while representing a member state. Model United Nations is an amazing club that raises awareness of global issues and promotes intellectual development.
From a young age, I have always been considered shy and quiet. When I was recommended for MUN in the 4th grade, I had no idea how it would transform me for years to come. I was taught the importance of public speaking and using your voice at a time when conformity offers comfort. I was taught the importance of researching the various global issues that plague our society. I was taught the importance of a global perspective and knowing that what affects someone across the world can affect you as well. Model United Nations helped
shaped the person I am today. The lessons I learned in Room 246 and at conferences are lessons that I will cherish deeply for the rest of my life. Elmont is UNique since 1978!
The current reality that we are facing is a reality that none of us could have predicted at the start of 2020. We are so often conditioned not to worry about certain things because we think that America has the resources and infrastructure in place to protect us. Covid-19 showed us otherwise. Our public health system was not at an adequate level to respond to a global pandemic and thus there have been over 100,000 deaths. We will never return to “normal” life before Corona; we will have to adapt to a new normal. The future of in-person MUN conferences is up in the air right now, but you have to make the best of what you are given and do all you can to flatten the curve.”
Tore Adebiyi
Tore Adebiyi
After we spoke to Tore Adebiyi:
“I think Model United Nations covers skills that every young adult should possess. Whether it be impromptu speaking or unintuitive planning, MUN creates the future leaders of the world. It’s far more than speeches and debates, we discuss real-world issues and create authentic solutions that can be implemented in the real world.
Model United Nations has had such a positive impact on my life. Discussing global issues has been a humbling experience, and every day I am thankful for a roof over my head and clean water, privileges that many do not have access to.
The current state the global community is in will have an impact on MUN, but I truly believe we are unstoppable. The delegates that have invested years into this program are the brightest, diligent, and most innovative young adults I have ever seen, and I know we can navigate accordingly in this unexpected circumstance.”
Jorvany Jean
Jorvany Jean
Last but not least, we spoke to Jorvany Jean:
“I joined MUN when I was in 10th grade, and I was at a very confusing part of high school. I was hanging around and trying to be like certain people who I was not supposed to act like, and if I had continued I probably would not have been going to a good college. But, I remembered I was in MUN when I was in 6th grade, so I decided to try it out in high school and see how it went. Right from the training class, MUN taught me diligence and how to conduct myself in a proper manner. It taught me the importance of school work and the power of knowledge. With those skills, next came to the conferences. That first SIDMUN was a little rough since it was a new experience, and working with and befriending new people was a skill I developed fast. And next came Chicago. That conference taught me how important it is to communicate with my partner. There, the friends I made felt incredibly solid, so much so to the point where it felt less like a conference and more like a group project. Thanks to that, Preston and I got the Outstanding Delegate Award. Keeping those skills in mind, the next SIDMUN came and Janice and I wiped the floor and got Best. Then came to Princeton. That conference was difficult because there were a lot of people who wouldn’t hesitate to make us not win an award. But thankfully, Tochi was my partner and she helped keep me sane, and our personalities worked well together in keeping the coalition working. That taught me the importance of teamwork and understanding each other. And here I am now.
If I were to leave anything behind, it would be that it is never too late to develop yourself. Surround yourself with people who help you become better in the long run. Do not let people with bad influences drag you down with them. And the most important thing of them all is to not forget to have a good time while doing Model UN or any other club you are passionate about.
Well, we missed SIDMUN, which is supposed to give the newer delegates a taste of what MUN is and prepare them for future conferences. Conferences in the future have a decent topic to address with the virus. And putting corona aside, it's going to be hard to find really strong delegates now because, with social media and other things, people are not as serious about these sorts of clubs and organizations as they should be. They have too many things to distract them and they want to focus on being something they're not. However, the people that do take it seriously despite the pressure of everything around them will be great. My sister is going to Elmont and I know for a fact I’m going to push her to be better than I ever was.
Although it is sad to see such young and brilliant minds go, it is assuring to see the impact all of them had on not only the Model United Nations program, but also the high school itself. We wish you all luck on your journey throughout college as you step into the shoes of adulthood! We hope that in some way, you can take the skills you gained while working with Ms. Gilliam and the Model United Nations, to solve some of our global issues today - whether they be health, economic, racial, or educational issues.
Goodbyes to Seniors of Elmont Broadcast News (EBN)
Goodbyes to Seniors of Elmont Broadcast News (EBN)
By Malik Hyman
This year hasn’t been an easy one. The struggles of quarantine are an extra burden on our considerably stressful lives as it is. My sympathies go out to the seniors, who I know are especially hit hard by this quarantine. This year was cut short and you have missed out on a lot of activities, but as we try to end the year off, I hope we can look at the positive side of things. Here we send a farewell and a last goodbye to our Senior Elmont Broadcast News Anchors, who have dedicated themselves throughout the year to deliver Elmont accurate and up-to-date news about our school. Specifically we recognize Kaylah Agard, Thassandre Arris, Clint Aupont, Kyle Barriffe-Johnson, Christianie Joseph, Fenol LaRock, Irene Okeke, Melina Persaud, Jonathan St. Surin, and Imani Walcott, for their hard work and dedication to Elmont Broadcast News. Throughout the year, they have shown us what it means to have school spirit, in their expression of enthusiasm for the spread of information to the Elmont community. Although the current situation is tough, we want to take a moment and thank you for everything you’ve done as anchors for Elmont Broadcast News.
Some of our amazing anchors were asked questions and allowed to reflect on their experience:
Questions:
How would you describe your experience as an anchor?
Any advice to younger anchors filling your role?
How are you preparing for college or life beyond high school?
Kaylah Agard
Kaylah Agard
My experience as an anchor was okay for the most part, but it was a commitment to reach school by 7AM to start recording. I was late most of the time, but the job still got done. Also having to memorize my lines before the recording wasn’t the easiest either. The experience was okay, but I would do it again for the fun of it. Me, my co-host, and the tech crew did share a lot of laughs and cringey moments.
My advice to younger anchors is to memorize your lines as best as you can before you start recording and to speak clearly and loud. Try to reach as early as possible to start recording because once you’re late the more mistakes you make and the less time you have to re-record and rushing isn’t good.
I’m preparing for college by planning out how I will commute there and being prepared for the type of classes I’ll be taking. I’m preparing for life after high school by trying to learn as much independence as I can, and making myself more aware of the world we’re living in and not always thinking stuff is sweet.
Thassandre Arris
Thassandre Arris
Being an anchor was amazing, fun, and a little nerve wracking.
It’s a lot of fun. You may be a little embarrassed when you are in class and it starts to play, but it is overall very fun.
I’m in a program at my school where they have classes in June. You can take these classes and be prepared for when you go to school in August. I am also focused on saving money.
Kyle Barriffe-Johnson
Kyle Barriffe-Johnson
I personally think my experience as an anchor has helped me to be more brave because at first I was really nervous to do it, but I got over the anxiety and had a lot of fun.
Stay positive and telling a joke won’t hurt because I think it will brighten the day of some of the viewers.
I am currently trying to stay up-to-date with my schoolwork and maintain a good work ethic that will help me stay motivated.
Christianie Joseph
Christianie Joseph
My experience has been really good. I enjoyed coming in the morning to give the news plus I was always updated to what was going on in the school. I had fun doing it with my friends. I don't usually put myself out there, but senior year I wanted to try to and this was a great way for me to.
Any advice I'd have is to just have fun. I know it seems cringey to some people, but it's really different when you’re doing it so just enjoy it and don't think about other people.
To prepare for college, I've been trying to just focus on what I want to achieve in and out of college so I can stay on track. I've been looking through different classes I'll have to take. It's hard to really prepare though because I don't know how it'll go or what I'll experience being away from family, but I'm ready.
Irene Okeke
Irene Okeke
My experience as an anchor was very interesting. It really helped me put myself out there because I’m not usually the type that would want to broadcast themselves in a school full of students and teachers. It was also very entertaining and lively because of the people I worked with. There was never any dull moment! It’s sad that I am graduating and I will miss waking up early every Thursday to share the news to my fellow peers.
My advice to any young anchors filling my role or anybody considering becoming an anchor is to just have fun and enjoy yourself. It’s way cooler than how you see it being broadcasted on the TV. You get to meet people that you possibly haven’t exchanged a conversation with before and the role is kind of important considering you are being watched by the whole school! So laugh, smile and enjoy!
Some of the ways I am preparing for life after highschool is by exploring career interests and conducting online research. Being one of the school's news anchors also helped me because my career involves speaking to a lot of people. I also make a checklist of goals that I want to accomplish at a certain time and that has really helped me achieve a lot so far! I know high school is a lot different than college. Going off to college is going out into the real world so I’m trying to get myself to switch the mindset that I used to have in high school to a mindset that would help me accomplish way more than I accomplished in high school.
Melina Persaud
Melina Persaud
1. It was definitely a privilege to work as an anchor for Elmont Broadcast News. It was an amazing learning experience that familiarized me with public speaking, and also allowed me to get out of my comfort zone in an educating and informative way. It allowed me to work alongside my peers and helped me to grow closer to some of the Elmont staff as well. It was definitely an experience I will never forget, and I am extremely grateful for that.
2. My advice to future Elmont Broadcast News anchors is to always stay confident and be sure to have fun while doing so. Speaking to such a large group of people, it’s easy to become nervous and be unsure of yourself . However, it can be a fun and uplifting experience when you remind yourself to stay positive and enjoy what you’re doing.
3. The transition from high school to college life can often be a very difficult time for many. Recently, I’ve just been using my time to familiarize myself with college life and the transition into adulthood. Attending college is an opportunity so many people in my family didn’t have, so I'm determined to work hard and take advantage of the blessings I was given.
Jonathan St. Surin
Jonathan St. Surin
Jonathan St. Surin was another anchor who began his debut in the second semester of senior year. Although we were unable to contact him for an interview, we wanted to share how happy we were for the short time we had him as an anchor! Ms. Fulgieri and Ms. Martinez wanted to leave you with well wishes and hope you know that "we will miss your megawatt smile and your banter with Rumcakes! Please hold onto your positivity, we will miss you!" The Library will be a lonely place without you next year, St. Surin!
Imani Walcott
Imani Walcott
1. My experience as an anchor was fun. We always cracked jokes and some days when we were late Ms. Martinez and Ms. Fulgieri dismissed it and we got our job done, so it was pretty cool .
2. My best advice is to enjoy it... it helps you work on public speaking, knowing that you’re talking to the whole school or most of the school. Also don’t let your nerves get the best of you; it’s just you and your co-anchor and the team in the morning, so you won’t even remember that it’s for everyone to see.
3. I’m preparing for college by slowly getting my items together for my dorm room. My school has a new student checklist that I have to complete, so I have to make sure I get those things done, such as taking my placement test so they can know which classes to put me in, applying for housing, completing extra financial aid information, etc., etc..
Fenol LaRock
Fenol LaRock
Fenol LaRock is the only senior on the news crew who has been with us since the onset of the Elmont Broadcast News channel debut last year. Along with his co-anchor, Andrew Peguero who did the news as a junior, the two greeted Elmont every Monday morning in its first year. Ms. Fulgieri wants to share her gratitude with you: "Thanks for stepping up and doing the news for two years. We will miss your big smile, your warmth and your charisma." This year, Fenol worked alongside junior Andrew Candio and Xavier Davis, graduating senior who appeared on the news once in a while and we would also like to appreciate it! Ms. Martinez also thanks you for two years of dedication and giving Elmont a warm welcome on a weekly basis!
Clint Aupont
Clint Aupont
Clint Aupont was one of the greatest additions to the Elmont Broadcast News this year. Although he could not be reached for an interview, Ms. Fulgieri and Ms. Martinez did not want his contributions to go unknown. Clint showed up every day before 7:30 to assist the news crew. As Ms. Fulgieri nostalgically shares, "Clint, we will certainly miss your reliability." Both co-advisers appreciate all your hard work and dedication and technical know how. Ms. Martinez was so happy to have you in the library so early, pulling out the equipment, setting it up, and assisting in the production on a daily basis. "You were invaluable!" she shares!
GOODBYE TO THE SENIOR RESEARCHERS
The Future is Female with the Einsteins of the Class of 2020
GOODBYE TO THE SENIOR RESEARCHERS
The Future is Female with the Einsteins of the Class of 2020
By Christopher Alexander
Family is something gained, not always inherited. This is something that many people feel taboo towards… only your blood is your family they believe. But, family can be anyone to you, whether it be a blood-related relative, a friend, a coworker… Though some may say family only exists within a given bloodline, I have soon come to realize that anyone (not everyone) can be family.
“Friends are the family you choose, so choose wisely,” reads a widely recognized quote spoken by Edna Buchman. To me, family can be made up of not only blood relatives, but also friends, colleagues, and other acquaintances that you have learned to love and have respect for. And ladies and gentlemen, you may not have realized, but I have just defined to you what Science Research really is.
Other than being the most prestigious science program within the district, Science Research is composed of the top students of each grade who have managed to build a strong bond with each other. I always remember one of the first phrases that Mr. Spinnato, my first year mentor, said: “Research is just one big family.” And I must say that he was right.
You never realize what you have until it’s gone and that’s exactly how I feel while typing each word of this article. It is hard to say goodbye to family, especially those who have shown an immense amount of passion and care towards you. The researchers that I speak about in this article have all fostered my growth not only as a researcher, but as a person. Whether it be Angela Melendez’s charismatic personality, Maxline Delorme’s kindhearted spirit, Marvia Pressoir’s wondrous intelligence, or Imani Favard’s worldly advice, each one of these girls have instilled within each researcher that they’ve come in contact with SOMETHING BESIDES A PUZZLE.
To give tribute to each one of these amazing ladies, I chose to show each one in their own biographical form. They were all asked to outline their research journey and how that eventually led to a major impact on their lives. What has been composed is rich in differing points of view and you will see the world through a lens different from the one you saw before - like a true scientific researcher should. As you read along, you learn about how each brainiac grew into herself within Science Research and established an ever-living legacy that will stay within the walls of the lab for generations to come.
“I interviewed to join research in seventh grade first, but didn’t make the cut. In eighth grade I tried again and got in. I originally wanted to work in the astronomic field, but couldn’t do so in my first year,” Angela Melendez shared as she spoke about her journey from a first year researcher to a current senior researcher. “I went onto researching Biofilms instead. It was quite difficult all throughout my first year, I won’t deny that. Even in my experimentation I had to be resourceful and didn’t give up on the first try. Quite ironic to say so because this luck and my perseverance would follow me for the rest of my research years. Second year, I went more ambitious and after talking with senior researcher Aubin, I went on to make a microgravity bioreactor and biofilms with the immense help of Mr. Miele. Boy was it hard. I spent all my school breaks working on my prototypes, got blisters on my hand once, learned how to use automatic nail guns, hardware nomenclature, etc. All to not have my research prize worthy. I struggled to meet competition deadlines, but in the back of my head I knew real science isn’t timed, and it takes as long as it takes. I continued to work on this project for my third year in junior year as well, and things didn’t get any easier. I did however; I have become stronger. Finally, for my senior year I decided to take a break and got a placement at the Rockefeller University, where I worked under the mentorship of Dr. Charlie Mo in the Marraffini Laboratory of Bacteriology. During this time I worked with the once again Type V CRISPR system and I had the time of my life. Overall, today I am a more knowledgeable person, but I am for sure going back to my microgravity research in college, perhaps combining CRISPR aspects to combat biofilm virulence.”
Angela went on to share how Science Research impacted her school persona and personal life: "First off, research made me lose some sleep. There would be times where I would be writing papers up, research plans, creating slides, all while my friends seemed to be free and having the best time of their lives. Sometimes my time was so tight I skipped studying for exams a couple of times. I don’t lie. But this made me get a better sense of how to manage my time and how real life is indeed. The truth is we do what we have to do to do what we want to do. I don’t even speak to those friends anymore. I drifted and learned to differentiate with who it was best to surround myself with. I rather be alone than be with individuals who don’t better me, inspire me. I think everyone should learn to hang out with people who are better than them, with people who are as ambitious as they are.”
Finally, Angela spoke about the lasting impact that Science Research had on her life: “Research provided me with an emphatic mentor. During my sophomore year, I was going through difficult times at home and I felt as if my life was falling apart. Mrs. Flannory was beside me all the time and listened to me, she understood how I felt. She reminded me I had a whole life ahead and I wasn’t in control of everything. She reminded me to worry about myself and that I only had control over myself. I believe my grades would’ve fumbled had she not helped me. I also realized that I didn’t want to be an accountant and that I wanted to earn a living through science. No disrespect but accounting is boring, I rather go through life in a laboratory to be honest with you.”
Secondly, Maxline Delorme shared her experience developing from a first year to a senior researcher: “The road to becoming the researcher I am today was difficult. It took a lot of work, particularly because I had a lot of work to do when it came to presenting. It was also a lot of work to give an eighth grader and though I was initially overwhelmed I was able to balance my time so that I could perform my work to the best of my ability. It also helped that the research program has a great community. I was helped by many older researchers and others from my year and they helped me when I had questions. A lot of the things that I had to do, particulate while experimenting were trial and error, so I had to allow myself to fail during this process, so something concentration killing all my cells, though being a setback was also something that brought me closer to my optimal concentration.”
Maxline went on to detail her feelings on how Science Research impacted her personal and school life: “Research has made me a better student. It provided me with skills to be able to learn and understand things at a deeper level as well as allowing me to do better in class. It has provided me with a foundation for time management which I was able to use throughout my high school career. I feel this made me a better student overall.”
Lastly, Maxline talked about the lasting impact that Science Research had on her life: “Research has provided me with a great foundation for time management and it has also deepened my interest in science. Though I might not have been able to do projects in certain topics, research has sparked my interest in environmental science by seeing other researchers pursue it. Science Research provided me with the opportunity in a way no other class could and I am grateful I had this opportunity. Being in a class where you are able to make your own experiments and research things that interest you made the class more exciting. This allowed me to see different ways of solving problems and I will carry these problem solving methods with me as I move on from Elmont.”
Imani Favard shared her experience from developing from a first year to a senior researcher: “My research journey has been difficult yet very enjoyable. As a first year I was shy and tried my best. It was then that I fell in love with researching Autism. I had a passion for it that can’t be explained. As a second year I started working with Drosophila melanogaster. Oddly enough I truly loved working with my “fly babies” as I like to call them. As a third year summer project, I worked in the Kurland lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This was my first experience in an outside lab. At first it was difficult taking the bus there for almost 2 hours each way everyday but I learned to get used to it. My last lab placement was in the Hubbard Lab at City College. I researched Triple Negative Breast Cancer and this was my first time working with cancer cells. All these research projects have taught me to preserve and work hard even when things don’t go the way I planned them to.”
Imani also explained the impact that Science Research has had on her personal and school life: “Research and school life were not always the easiest things to balance. At times it was very difficult to do both. I remember I used to go to sleep at two in mornings sometimes just to finish both my research and science work. But once I learned how to balance the two it was smooth sailing, most of the time. Research never really impacted my personal life.”
Furthermore, Imani talked about the lasting impact Science Research had on her life: “Research has taught me really to preserve no matter the circumstance. I learned that I have to make away for myself even when everything seems bleak. Some of my projects didn’t go the way I planned them to but I made the best of what had. One of the most important lessons that research has taught me is that I’m not defined by the awards that I win. I’ve never won at a research competition but that doesn’t mean that I was a bad researcher. It’s okay. The knowledge and personal growth I have gained from research is greater than any award I could have ever won. My Science Research family will always be in my heart and a part of me.”
Marvia Pressoir spoke on her journey as a first year to a senior researcher: “I applied for research at the end of my 7th grade year and started as an 8th grader, so most of my time at Elmont has been spent in the Science Research program. As a first year, I was eager to do well and build a research project, but I was naive as to the amount of time and work it would take to succeed. I quickly learned the importance of time management and organization which has stuck with me these past 5 years. My research journey has been filled with joy, stress, happiness, success, and many failures. This is what has propelled me to become a stronger student both in and outside of research. Now as a 5th year researcher, I can confidently say that my presentation skills have immensely improved and that I am more prepared to enter the world and absorb all the information that the world has to offer.”
Marvia also spoke on the impact Science Research has had on her personal and school life: “Starting research so early on in my high school career really shaped my high school experience and became a big part of the person I am today. In terms of my school life, I gained so much knowledge about research, lab skills, and presentation skills that will be extremely useful in my future endeavors. I was able to participate in an amazing internship for 2 years, that I would never be able to have gotten outside of research. Additionally, my experience in research was something that I emphasized in my college and scholarship applications. I feel that it definitely showed colleges the level of dedication that I have towards science and how much work I’m willing to put in to create a future career in the scientific community. Research also allowed me to explore a very important part of my personal life. My grandmother passed away this past fall from a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). She was one of my biggest role models and watching her go through so much motivated me to take action against the disorder that was slowly taking her life. In my first year of research, I decided that I would develop a project on a possible treatment for PD and while in my 5 years I’ve had the option to switch research topics, I’ve always stuck with it. I plan to continue neurodegenerative disease research in college with the hopes that one day I can contribute to a cure that helps people just like my grandmother who deserve to live long and healthy lives.”
Finally, Marvia talked about the lasting impact Science Research has had on her life: “Research has given me so many life skills that I couldn’t be more grateful for. It has shown me that I have the dedication to bring something to fruition that I’ve spent years working on. I’ve learned the importance of perseverance in achieving your goals and the significance of having a strong support system. Research is truly a family and the people that I’ve met through that program are incredible and I wouldn’t have made it through high school without them, especially Ms. Flannory, Mr. Spinnato, and Ms. Farley. I will always know that I’m everything I do, I always have my research family behind me. I am so thankful for having them in my life and for having the opportunity to be a member of Elmont’s prestigious Science Research Program.”
As you can see, each one of these girls had a different experience in Science Research. Though there are some significant differences, a similarity does exist and that is their ability to persevere in times of unknowingness and to become the best that they can be. To each one of these amazing and remarkable individuals, I shout a big grateful thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for showing me, as well as the rest of the researchers, that having accolades does not define a person. What defines them is their beautiful character, quick wit, and diverse experiences. These four Einsteins show that the future is surely bright for females in science as well. And though their time at Elmont is close to over, remember this about these four ladies: their ability to defy odds, to persist in times of trouble, and to maintain remarkable character even when things aren’t going the right way. Your legacy has electrically charged Science Research for years to come!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse