Hastings Happenings - June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024

Honoring the Academic Achievements of Hastings' Valedictorian & Salutatorian

As Hastings High School’s Class of 2024 gears up for graduation in a couple of weeks, two seniors—Sonya Lasser, Valedictorian, and Erik Ghalib, Salutatorian—are reflecting on their educational journey over the last four years, including who helped them achieve the highest levels of academic success.

When you look back on your HHS experience, what has been most meaningful?

Sonya: My time participating in Student Union and helping to organize events like the Olympics, the volleyball tournament, and pep rallies has been incredible. It’s introduced me to so many students and faculty members, and I’ve loved getting to plan school-wide activities. Being Buzz the Yellowjacket at homecoming was also cool!

Erik: I think that one of the most special parts of HHS is its culture of encouraging and supporting ambition. When a student has an idea for something to plan, learn, or do, administrators and teachers don’t say no, but instead “how can we make this happen?” Given the trust and freedom to step into positions of responsibility, we’re able to take on big things and push our boundaries in meaningful ways.

What was your favorite class?

Sonya: I’ve loved almost every class I’ve taken, but science research has stood out as one of the greatest. Ms. Shandroff has done an amazing job of guiding us through the entire research process, and I’ve learned skills from presentation-making to gathering insights from professional researchers.

Erik: Mr. Smith’s SUPA American History. Not only did SUPA cement history as my favorite subject and inform my prospective major in college, but it changed my whole worldview and my outlook on this country. If you think that sounds crazy, ask anyone else who took the class—they’ll say the same! Advice to all underclassmen: take SUPA.

What classes/extracurricular activities benefitted you the most?

Sonya: Really any class or activity that allowed me to connect with other students and make new friends. Cross country, Student Union, and physics class have all allowed me to grow, explore my interests, and form friendships.

Erik: My favorite classes have been the ones where we’ve applied our learning to the real world, like in Ms. Shandroff’s AP Environmental Science, Señor Lopez’s Spanish 5, and, of course, SUPA. In terms of extracurriculars, I’ve loved working with my peers to put together the Olympics, talent shows, and other events through the Student Union. In addition, the connections that I’ve made with cast, crew, and directors over ten years in Hastings’ Theatre Program are some of the most meaningful in my life.

Sonya and Erik at Lower Hudson Council Scholarship Dinner with Superintendent McKersie

What advice do you have for students about maintaining good grades?

Sonya: Take breaks when you need them, so you don’t get burnt out, pay attention to small details on assignments, and help your friends along the way!

Erik: Participate in class! Ask questions, speak in discussions, etc. Also, go after school if there’s anything you don’t get. Teachers are always happy to help you understand!

What plans do you have for the future?

Sonya: I’m going to be starting college at Duke University this fall, which I’m super excited about! I hope to major in mechanical engineering and computational media. I’m not entirely sure about what I want to do in terms of a career, but I’d love to find a way to combine my love of math and film!

Erik: I’m going to Middlebury College, where I’ll likely major in Political Science or American Studies and minor in Spanish. Then career wise, I’ll probably want to work in government, politics, or maybe business. Those are just broad ideas, though—I’m excited for the whole “liberal arts experience” of exploring all my interests and seeing where I end up. But I can say for certain that (unlike Sonya) I won’t be doing math!

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for aiding in your success?

Sonya: I’d really like to thank everyone who’s helped me through these past four years: my parents, grandparents, friends, and especially my little brother, Jeevan. Jeevan’s always been there for me, encouraged me, and supported me through everything. I love you, Jeevan!

Erik: I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends for their love, patience, and guidance. My parents, brother, grandparents, and closest friends have always been there for me, and I’m extremely grateful. I’d also like to thank Mr. A, who is responsible for so many of the wonderful experiences that my peers and I have had in this school. We will really miss him!

Student Liaisons Speak at Annual Event for Westchester Putnam School Board Association

On Monday evening, Board of Education Student Liaisons Elianna Carvalho and Kai Dirksen were featured speakers at the Westchester Putnam School Board Association's (WPSBA) Annual Meeting & Vote Dinner. Moderated by New York State Regent Francis Wills, the panel explored the benefits of student liaisons on school boards, a legal requirement that Governor Hochul and the New York State Assembly is now planning to put forth in all of the state's schools.

With over 100 board members and superintendents from across the region in attendance, Elianna and Kai represented Hastings exceptionally well. After the panel, they fielded questions.

Below they share their reflections of the evening:

"Speaking at the WPSBA was absolutely amazing! I wasn’t expecting to be such a central part of the event. I loved chatting with the superintendents and school board members of other districts prior to the sit-down dinner. It was incredibly insightful to learn about the role of student board members in other schools. Speaking on the panel was actually a lot of fun! I enjoyed answering questions and sharing my honest thoughts on how other districts can successfully incorporate students into the BOE in a way that makes students feel seen, comfortable, and welcomed. Everyone seemed beyond impressed with Hastings’ two student liaison system. The coordinators of the event told me and Kai they wanted to stay connected to possibly have us work as mentors to train future student liaisons at county wide events. It was a truly rewarding experience."

-Elianna

"The conference was a wonderful and educational experience. It was amazing to see so many board members interested in what Elianna and I had to say on student involvement in BOE meetings. After getting to listen to other district's liaison positions, it's clear that Hastings has been doing for years what other schools are now striving towards. I was so glad to see how engaged everyone was during the panel and it felt like Elianna and I were truly able to convey how important and impactful being a student board liaison is."

-Kai

Senior Prom: The Class of 2024 Celebrates in Style

Senior Prom on Tuesday, May 28, was a spectacular success. The Class of 2024 came dressed to impress, as they met to take photos in the courtyard. Afterward, they boarded coach buses to Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, a perfect venue on the shores of the Long Island Sound. They navigated the cobblestone entrance way to cheers from Principal and Assistant Principal Lou Adipietro and Melissa Hardesty, Senior Class Advisors Erin Dolan and Greg Smith, as well as chaperones Joanne Cipollina, Austin Hills, Emily Kehoe and Chris Repp.

"I was lucky to be among the cheering admirers," wrote Superintendent McKersie in his Board of Education report. "Blue and then starry skies over windswept waters, appetizers, refreshments, a banquet meal, and non-stop music and dancing made the night one to remember for the Class of 2024 and their guests."

A special thank you to Ms. Dolan and Mr. Smith for the extensive work required to pull off a wonderful evening for the students.

Stay tuned for more photos from district partner ESU Events in a behind-the-scenes photo montage, which will be included in the next Hastings Happenings.

Districtwide Multicultural Book Fair Provides a Powerful Path to Understanding

On May 29-31, the Cochran Gym was transformed into a library of literature for the Eighth Annual Multicultural Book Fair (MCBF).

Students from across the district's three schools participated. Some huddled together in a circle flipping through the crisp pages of a new book, while others perused the tables and shelves filled with colorful paperbacks.

Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator Dr. Jenice Matteo-Toledo's idea for the MCBF was sparked by articles that she read related to literature and inclusion. Research suggests that one is more open to diverse perspectives and ways of life when they communicate and build relationships with others who are different from them. The next best way to build understanding is to provide education about other cultures through literature. She partners with MBCF Co-Chair Marie-Louise Mille and the PTSA-Inclusion Working Group (PTSA-IWG) to make the event a success each year.

A unique opportunity for students, teachers and parents to read books they might not find elsewhere, MCBF provides an assortment of recently published books, including award-winners and classics. Attendees are encouraged to browse before they settle on a particular book. Sampling a variety of authors has allowed them to dip into the world's diverse history and culture.

Hillside's Second Annual Night of the Arts Celebrates Creativity Across Grades

On Tuesday evening, June 4, ahead of the Spring Concert, families were invited to Hillside Elementary School for a special gallery walk of their children's artwork.

The Second Annual Night of the Arts, designed by Hillside Art Teacher Zerlina Panush and other members of Hastings' Art Department, displayed two art pieces from each student in grades K-4; nearly 1,300 works in total!

"Each grade studied portraiture this year and made a self portrait in a different medium and style," Panush explained. "Kindergarten made mixed media portraits, first grade was inspired by French artist, Thierry Noir, second graders created their likeness out of clay, third grade made portraits under the style of Tim Burton, and fourth graders explored fiber arts in their portraits after quilt artist, Bisa Butler."

The children led their parents through the vibrant hallways, pointing and taking pride in their creations.

First Graders Bring Joy & Hope to those in Need

With the leadership of Team Leader Maria Gunther, first graders recently participated in the Creative heARTS Program with White Plains Hospital.

Leveraging the artistic talents of volunteer community members, the program helps bring joy to patients in the Center for Cancer Care and to staff throughout the healthcare system. Handmade items such as origami, jewelry, small pictures and paintings, poetry, knitted or crocheted items, and greeting cards are distributed and even sold in the hospital's gift shop locations.

For their project, first graders painted beautiful butterfly sun catchers.

“Students learned the importance of empathy through the project, and that giving back is one way to show kindness and be a good citizen,” Gunther said. "These are the characteristics we want students to strive for, as they align with Portrait of a Hastings Learner framework.”