Hastings Happenings - January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

Hastings Continues Valley Cup Tradition

On January 6, in collaboration with the Long Island Quiz Bowl Alliance, Hastings High School hosted its Second Annual Valley Cup. Organized by senior Benny Feldman, the Valley Cup has generated major attention in the tri-state area, increasing participation in National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT).

“The mission of the Valley Cup, both this year and last year, was to introduce the local, more insular Westchester teams to a more competitive circuit,” Feldman said.

That mission was largely accomplished on Saturday, with 30 teams from 21 schools coming to compete. Five of the schools were from Westchester; most notably Eastchester High School, which placed third, making it to a semi-final tiebreaker. Other participating teams came from the Bronx’s Horace Mann, and schools in Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Click here for the full list of participating schools.

Following NAQT format, the tournament consisted of sets of various questions with a maximum of six players per team. The teams were placed into preliminary brackets before being re-seeded for playoffs. Each team was guaranteed a minimum of 10 games.

“Benny planned the entire event, including lunch for the staff,” said Academic Challenge Team Advisor Michael Willson. “All of our junior and senior team members were moderators and scorers.”

After each tournament, trophies were awarded to individuals with the highest average points per game, as well as to the top three teams. The highest scorers were awarded book prizes, also qualifying for the Northeast Regional Championships and/or High School National Championship Tournament.

“The effort these past two years has been amazing,” Feldman said. “Not only is Hastings representing Westchester on the national stage, but we’ve also built the infrastructure for our fellow Westchester teams to be successful. We hope to see our efforts create a lasting impact!”

Funds raised from the Second Annual Valley Cup will benefit Hastings' Academic Challenge Team, who, in case you didn't know, is currently ranked 14th in the nation.

Two Seniors Named Scholars in 2024 Regeneron Talent Search

Proving how the creation of optimal flashcards can impact memory and investigating how STING-rich ciliated cells can prevent the early development of ovarian cancer. Those were the ambitious goals that propelled Hastings High School seniors Jacob Goldman-Wetzler and Justin Baldassarre to be named Scholars in this year's Regeneron Science Talent Search, our nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition.

Goldman-Wetzler and Baldassarre are among 300 students selected from high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and four other countries. The Regeneron Science Talent Search recognizes and empowers promising young scientists to explore innovative solutions to significant global challenges through rigorous research and discovery. By providing a national stage, the competition empowers students to present new ideas and challenge conventional ways of thinking.

In recognition, the Hastings Scholars will each receive $2,000 and the high school will receive the same for STEM-related activities. Forty students will be chosen as finalists on January 24 and will have a chance to compete in March for a grand prize of $250,000.

"This is the fourth year in a row that our students have been recognized in this very competitive competition,” said Science Department Chairperson Melissa Shandroff. “And it's the first time we have had more than one student chosen—a testament to all of their hard work!"

Stay tuned for more information, including a featured interview with both Scholars.

Middle Schoolers Host Holiday Card Fundraiser

Before the winter recess, middle schoolers in Larry Cerretani's Daily Living Skills class showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit by hosting a holiday card fundraiser for Farragut's staff. The initiative aimed to develop valuable skills applicable to pre-vocational tasks, while simultaneously supporting local partner and pet therapy organization Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause.

In the week leading up to the fundraiser, students meticulously crafted the cards using a variety of materials. They managed dozens of orders, delivered the cards to staff mailboxes, and monitored fundraising finances. Through this multifaceted approach, students applied diverse skills in a meaningful way.

"While the students anticipated the fundraiser to last at least two weeks, the cards were sold out within a few days!" Cerretani said.

The fundraising effort culminated in an impressive $155 raised, as revealed by 7th-grade student Olivia Allan, who conducted the final count. Students enjoyed creating and selling the handmade cards. They were especially excited to contribute to Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, home of their therapy dog, Harper.

Larry Cerretani commended the students for their hard work and dedication, emphasizing the broader impact of the fundraiser on both skill development and supporting a worthy cause. The success of this initiative highlights the positive outcomes that can emerge when students are empowered to apply their skills for a greater purpose.

For more information on Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, click here.

Hillside's Emily Isidori Achieves National Board Recognition

Emily Isidori, a first-grade teacher at Hillside Elementary School, recently received a National Board Certification, the most respected professional certification in education.

The National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.

Teachers who have gone through the Board certification process say that it is the most valuable and transformative professional development they have ever received. The opportunity to connect professional learning with classroom practice brings to life a teacher’s experience, helping them reflect on individual student learning needs.

We anticipate a Staff Spotlight to be featured in an upcoming Hastings Happenings where Isidori will share more about her certification process and what this national achievement means to her.

High School One Acts - Tonight, Thursday, 1/11 and Tomorrow, Friday, 1/12

The High School One Acts is a collection of short comedy scenes, adapted from shows like Saturday Night Live, that are directed, crewed, acted, and overseen entirely by Hastings high schoolers.

Come watch the creative performance tonight, Thursday, January 11, and tomorrow, Friday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

General admission is $5 and will benefit local charities.

Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look into One Acts in an upcoming Hastings Happenings.

12th Annual Community Celebration Breakfast Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 15, Rivertown residents are invited to celebrate the 12th Annual Community Celebration Breakfast of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at James Harmon Community Center. Hosted by the Village of Hastings and the MLK Breakfast Committee, the event will feature inspirational speeches from government officials, community leaders, and other guest speakers.

Parallel to Dr. King's Birthday Breakfast Celebration is the Essay & Art Competition for all Rivertown students. Students were encouraged to submit essays, poems and artwork expressing their impressions of the theme, Peace in Today's World.

It was announced today that two of Farragut Middle School's sixth graders—Clementine Kupillas & Benjamin Felixon—won prizes in the competition, and their art will be displayed at the Community Breakfast this upcoming Monday.