From the Heart Summer 2015

Julianne Farella has left her mark on Westlake High School with stunning murals throughout the halls and classrooms. Visit the WHS website to see more of her work.

Summer 2015

From the Heart Mount Pleasant — The Heart of Westchester County

The Mount Pleasant Central School District Newsletter Volume 14 Issue 5

District welcomes new elementary and middle school principals

2015 graduate Melissa Presta

Inside the grad issue…

Working with JBFC................2 Teacher News........................4 Underclassmen Awards........6 Senior Awards.......................7 Class of 2014.................... 8-9 WHS News..........................10 WMS News..........................11 CES News...........................12 HES News...........................13 Kudos............................ 14-15 Alumni Corner.....................15

Placement Letters

Placement letters and school schedules will be available on the schools’ Parent Portal in late August. Reminder emails will be sent out to parents.

School Calendars

2015-16 school calendars will be sent home with the youngest child in each family on the first day of school. Printed calendars also will be available at the branch library, town hall and the recreation center as well as the main offices of all schools and the district office.

With the retirement of two building principals this spring, the district went through a comprehensive search process and is pleased to announce the hiring of new administrators.

Anne Stern was appointed as prinAnne Stern cipal of Hawthorne Elementary School, taking over for retiring Principal Jerry Schulman and Dr. Adam Bronstein will succeed Dr. Robert Hendrickson at Westlake Middle School.

Ms. Stern was the assistant principal at Hawthorne and Columbus this year, splitting her time between the two schools. Prior to her arrival in Mount Pleasant, she was a 21-year veteran of early childhood classrooms, having taught first, second and fourth grades in the Harrison school district. She completed her Masters in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College and served on her school’s steering committee for the Tri-State Consortium and as a teacher leader working with the

director of curriculum.

Dr. Bronstein comes to Mount Pleasant from the Ardsley school district, where he has been the middle school assistant principal since 2009. He was part of Ardsley’s Dr. Adam Bronstein Tri-State Consortium team that visited Mount Pleasant in 2013.

Prior to his position at Ardsley, Dr. Bronstein served as a director of professional development in the Pelham schools and as the summer school principal at Mamaroneck High School. Dr. Bronstein also has taught at the elementary and intermediate levels in grades three, four and five. He holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Bronstein is looking forward to meeting the students and families in September and working with the staff.

The district extends a warm welcome to Ms. Stern and Dr. Bronstein.

Silver for Sarah at international science competition Third-year science research student and graduating senior Sarah Marino took home a silver medal and $400 prize at the International Sustainable World Energy Engineering Environment Project Olympiad (ISWEEEP). The competition was held on May 9 in Houston, Texas, for more than 400 students from 70 countries whose research projects were focused specifically on sustainability.

The Cornell-bound senior has been conducting research on preventing the collapse of bee colonies at Stone Barnes in Pleasantville. She was a Grand Prize winner at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair in March. Sarah will continue her research at one of the top-ranked entomology departments in the country.

From the Heart • Summer 2015

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Teachers join JBFC team to explore visual literacy

Every other month after the buses pulled away from school, English teachers Janet Matthews and Chris D’Ippolito jumped in their cars and headed over to the Media Arts Lab at the Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) in downtown Pleasantville. They were not there to take in a film, but rather to take back to their classrooms what they are learning about film — specifically its use as an important tool in building visual literacy.

Ms. Matthews, the ELA curriculum leader at Westlake, and Mr. D’Ippolito, an eighth grade teacher, are among a handpicked group of educators to field test a new curriculum, Image, Sound and Story, developed by the film center’s education division. The pair was asked to join JBFC’s team of innovative educators to pilot the program’s curricular strands in their classrooms (see box at right) and discuss their findings with the educational development team at its bimonthly meetings.

“The JBFC philosophy is ‘let’s understand what it means to be proficient in viewing,’” said Ms. Matthews, a long-time collaborator with the JBFC. “They want to find out how teachers can use this program effectively in the classroom.”

She said the program contains high-level literacy skills that match the Common Core standards. Like the Common Core, the program has built-in rubrics to indicate what students have mastered — from Level 1: using image to tell a story, to Level 4: understanding hidden messages, and finally to Level 6: critically understanding both visual and textual point-of-view and subjectivity.

In Ms. Matthews opinion, what makes Image, Sound and Story so unique as a learning tool is its “incredible database of film clips.” And, along with “View Now Do Now” exercises and creative media projects, the program helps students visually understand literacy elements and develop and diversify their communication skills.

But why the emphasis on viewing?

“Visual literacy will be a crucial skill moving forward for students in 21st century classrooms,” said Mr. D’Ippolito, noting the ubiquity of technology and myriad devices students are using both in school and out.

Learning from film: English teachers Chris D’Ippolito and Janet Matthews tested a curriculum to promote visual literacy that was developed by the education department at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

JBFC visual literacy curricular strands

Image

Sound

Story

Character

Setting

Structure

Mood

Point of View

Theme

Style

“Take 1”

Source: JBFC

Last summer, the select group of teachers gathered at the JBFC for a five-day workshop where they became familiar with the program, including the userfriendly website interface where the entire program resides. They tried out a few of the literacy components themselves as a test run of what the lessons would look like, and to get them brainstorming ways to deliver the lessons to their students.

According to Ms. Matthews, the JBFC’s goal was for the teachers to test the program in their classrooms, then give feed-

back on how they were able to apply the program within their existing curriculum.

“We tested it this past year to see what was applicable in our classrooms so the education team can hone the program,” she said.

Ms. Matthews’ creative writing class was able to work on a number of the curricular strands and what she has seen of the program so far is “amazing.” “There are tons of film clips that not only teach students viewing terms of cinematography, but can inspire writing and thinking and creating,” she said.

Mr. D’Ippolito has found similar success. Whether it was a short film created by his students or a story board based on images, he found that each lesson inspired some form of visual creativity within the literacy lesson. One project he gave to his students required them to sum up an entire book in five storyboard frames. From there they wrote scenes that showed plot, climax and resolution, then filmed their projects on class iPads. “The curriculum in and of itself is phenomenal,” Mr. D’Ippolito declared.

Though both teachers have found excitement and success with the strands they piloted, they feel they will still need to find the right balance in adapting the JBFC program to their own curriculum.

They will continue to work in with the JBFC the upcoming year as the program expands.

“The JBFC is really all about having kids benefit from program,” said Mr. D’Ippolito who will be teaching at the high school next year. “They are great people over there.”

James Grieco President Board of Education

Another school year has come to a close. We are proud of the graduates, the Class of 2015, and wish them much success in the future. The graduates leave the halls of Westlake High School well prepared with knowledge and skills. I am confident they will succeed in their new role either as a college student or an employee in the work force.

Our students have moved up from Hawthorne, Columbus and the middle school and we wish them a restful and relaxing summer. We welcome the incoming kindergarten students, the Class of 2028.

The Board would like to thank the community for its support of the budget. The budget passed with the largest margin in recent years. Congratulations to the new board members, John Piazza and Colleen Scaglione Neglia. A big thank you and best wishes to my colleague, Vincent D’Ambroso, for his six years of service and commitment to the Mount Pleasant school community. Mr. D’Ambroso served as chairperson of the audit committee and was on the board of directors for Westchester Putnam School Board Association and rallied for mandate relief whenever possible.

The New York State Office of the Comptroller has completed its audit of the district and due to strong financial controls, we anticipate a clean audit. The Board would like to acknowledge the work of Dr. Guiney, Lisa Sanfilippo and the business office staff.

The Board is pleased to announce Dr. Guiney’s employment agreement was extended for four years and unanimously approved at the June 24 Board of

Tenure Recipients

The following teachers have been awarded tenure after successfully completing their probationary terms: Tenure Date

Name

School

Position

7/1/15

Lisa Sanfilippo

DO

Business Admin

9/1/15

Christina Carmona

WMS

English

Marissa Fata

WHS

Math

Carolyn Frawley

WHS

Art

Brian McClintock

WHS

Math

Miquel Mowbray

WMS

Science

Teresa Sansone

WHS

Teaching Asst

Raymond Szczerba

WHS

Science

Mary Ellis

DO

Dir. of Curriculum

10/1/15

From the Heart • Summer 2015

Role as board member brought satisfaction

Education meeting. Because of Dr. Guiney’s dedication, vision and professionalism, Mount Pleasant schools will continue to excel.

I have been a member of the Board of Education for the past six years and president for the last three years. My role as a board member brought me great satisfaction as I have served the district from which I graduated. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow board members and the administrators, faculty and staff of the Mount Pleasant Central School District.

Best wishes for an enjoyable, safe summer.

Mount Pleasant says goodbye to dedicated administrators To everything there is a season.

The end of this school year was the end of a season for Mount Pleasant as it bid farewell to two retiring principals, Jerry Schulman and Dr. Robert Hendrickson.

Mr. Schulman, who spent 23 years as an administrator in three of the district’s four schools, will be leaving Hawthorne Elementary after four years as its principal. Previously he served as the principal of WMS and assistant princiRetiring principals Jerry Schulman and Dr. pal at WHS. During his tenure with the Robert Hendrickson district, Mr. Schulman is most proud of the programs he brought to the schools including Patriot Day and Bucket Filling and said he was grateful to have seen kids and worked with teachers at all levat HES and Community Team Day at els. “I can now appreciate the work that WMS, a day of grade-level events with goes on at the elementary level,” he said. a focus on cooperative team work and community service. “We wanted to hook “Being here was just so special. It’s a nice way to end.” them early on,” he said of the service **** aspect. He also regards starting second Dr. Hendrickson came to the middle teams in popular modified sports and school as the interim middle school dual casts in the middle school plays as key additions to keep the kids connected principal for the 2011-12 school year.

Four years and many students later, he is and active in their school. retiring with a long list of successes.

Mr. Schulman moved to HES in 2011

While he admits that transformations are not done single-handedly, recognizing what has taken place during his tenure at WMS does give him satisfaction. The list includes building a schedule with common planning time for teachers, longer blocks of learning in ELA and math, the introduction of foreign language in sixth grade and online report cards. And that is just for starters.

Under Dr. Hendrickson’s leadership and the leadership of district administration, the middle school now offers its eighth graders an opportunity to take one of two Regents science courses (Earth Science and Biology/Living Environment) as well as Regents Algebra. And the middle school is working on its application to adopt the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years program.

“It’s going to be an exciting place next year,” he said with a wistful smile.

Asked what he would miss most, Dr. Hendrickson took a deep breath and replied “The energy of the kids and the teachers. It’s alive.” he responded. “Is there a better job?”

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From the Heart • Summer 2015

Teacher

NEWS

Hawthorne Elementary

Westlake High School

“O Mommy, O Daddy,” a children’s sing-along book written by Hawthorne music teacher Claudia Grispin, was published this March by Strategic Book Publishing Claudia Rights Agency. The prolific Grispin music teacher/songwriter has composed many wonderful tunes including the “Columbus Elementary Song.” Her book, with song download, is available at Amazon.com.

English teacher Janet Matthews is a 2015 recipient of both state and national teaching awards. She will receive the New York State English Council “Fellows Award” for continuJanet ous service and dedication Matthews to English education and the students of New York State. The award will be given at the New York State Annual English Conference award’s ceremony on October 16 in Albany.

She has also been selected as a national recipient of the 2015 High School Teacher of Excellence Award, sponsored by the Secondary Section of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The award, presented each year to teachers of English language arts and literacy, recognizes outstanding dedication and excellence in teaching. Ms. Matthews will receive her award at the NCTE Convention on November 21 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ms. Matthews is the ELA curriculum coordinator at Westlake and has twice been recognized as a nationally certified teacher. With wanderlust and a continual need to learn, Ms. Matthews uses her summers to experience new cultures and lands to bring back to her students. This summer she will be off to Indonesia.

Westlake Middle School Susan Cowles-Dumitru and Lawrence McIntyre received a grant from the Teacher Center of Westchester for a collaborative project The Art & Science of Light & Shadow. The Susan project for middle school Cowles art and science students will examine the sun’s path and its relation to time of day, seasons and latitude in both science and artwork.

For the science strand, students will create scientifically accurate sundials that Lawrence McIntyre correspond to the summer and winter solstices and the equinoxes.

The artistic strand will allow students to design visual a sundial inspired by an artist who is a master of light and shadow.

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Retirements

Science teacher Tom Hall was accepted as a Fellow in the School Woodlands Ecosystem Study Project hosted by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. Mr. Hall will Tom Hall be joining a small group of teachers who will work with research scientists in a week-long workshop to design curriculum and assessments to help students in areas such as experimental design, interactions between organisms in the woodland ecosystem, and environmental cycles. The focus of the workshop is to show a practical application of topics in biology through the lens of woodland ecology. The fellowship includes funds for classroom supplies.

Michael Laterza and Vincent Iovane have been awarded the very first New York State English Council’s Collaborators of Excellence award for their excellence in team teachMichael ing. The award is given to Laterza teachers who collaborate on an extensive literacy component and inspire excellence in students and teachers.

The two teachers have collaborated on the ninth grade Envisions course, a Vincent critical research and writIovane ing class for all freshmen that began this year at Westlake.

Mr. Laterza and Mr. Iovane are two of just eight teachers state-wide to receive this honor. They will be receive their award at the New York State Annual English Conference on October 16 in Albany.

Greg Bobro, WHS

For the past 12 years Greg Bobro has been a fixture in the social studies wing of the high school, teaching AP U.S. History, AP Government and AP Economics, as well as sociology and psychology. Prior to his arrival in room 224, he spent 18 years in social studies classrooms at Westlake Middle School.

Mr. Bobro was active in campus and faculty life, having served as the social studies department liaison for five years, a term on the academic senate and, as specific as he gets, “numerous committees at both the middle and high school.” A pragmatic approach and calm demeanor made Mr. Bobro a popular coach.

He coached three levels of baseball, modified and varsity girls’ basketball, modified boys’ basketball, JV and modified soccer and most recently varsity boys’ tennis.

After all that, a restful retirement is in order!

Christine Cavalli, WHS

English teacher Christine Cavalli’s teaching career spanned a total of 29 years — the past 13 here at Westlake High School. Small in stature but larger than life in the classroom, Ms. Cavalli was a consummate teacher, always pushing her students to achieve new heights.

She created the College Bound English course for seniors that tied communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking into one incredible end-of-the-year project.

In addition, Ms. Cavalli was active in the building, chairing Academic Senate and Building Council and being part of various committees throughout her tenure.

“I do feel privileged to have been a member of the Mount Pleasant community,” she said but added that retiring will enable her to spend more time with family and friends, and to travel.

As another successful school year comes to a close, we join together to celebrate the achievements of our students. Congratulations to the Class of 2015 and to all of the students who “moved up” this year. Thank you to Susan Guiney the parents and families of Mount Pleasant for joining with us as partners in our students’ accomplishments.

Ed. D. This year’s events included debate over opting out of Superintendent state assessments, two bond referendums and a write-in of Schools candidate for the board of education. More importantly, this year Westlake High School students applied and were admitted to competitive colleges in over 29 states and the District of Columbia, receiving over $18 million in scholarships and grants. The sciences continue to be The strengthened and recognized as our science research sciences program grows. Science students from the elementary continue through the high school excel, and middle and high school students received numerous awards and recognito be strengthened tion for their innovation and achievement. These events resulted in a re-energized school community, renewed and interest in the educational process and increased participation in our schools. In classrooms, on the fields, recognized and on the stage, Wildcats from kindergarten through as our the high school are doing great things!

science research program grows.

Goodbyes

This year, we also extend a bittersweet goodbye to principal Jerry Schulman, who is retiring from Hawthorne Elementary School after 23 years of dedicated service to the Mount Pleasant schools. We also say goodbye to Dr. Robert Hendrickson, principal at Westlake Middle School, who is retiring after four years of dedicated service. Retiring social studies teacher Greg Bobro and English teacher Christine Cavalli will leave big shoes to fill at the high school. Well wishes also are extended to Lisa Sanfilippo as she joins the Eastchester Public Schools in a new position. Through Lisa’s efforts, the business office is on sound footing. The upcoming NYS Comptroller’s audit reflects this work and I am proud of our accomplishments and ongoing fiscal responsibility.

As always, goodbyes turn into hellos as we congratu-

From the Heart • Summer 2015

An eventful year yielded perspective, spirit

President Jim Grieco and trustee Vincent D’Ambroso

With gratitude for service

The district wishes to recognize and thank outgoing school board president James Grieco and trustee Vincent D’Ambroso for their six years of dedicated service to the district. Both Mr. Grieco and Mr. D’Ambroso have been stalwart supporters of education for our students. Their advocacy for students — both in the district and in Albany — have made an impact for the future education of our children. We wish them well and thank them for their service.

late elementary Assistant Principal Anne Stern as the succeeding principal at Hawthorne, and welcome Dr. Adam Bronstein as Westlake Middle School’s new principal. The search for a director of business administration was initiated with a goal of identifying a candidate over the next few months.

In the life of a school district and with changes from the State Education Department ahead, Mount Pleasant stays strong and remains on its journey toward excellence. I wish you a safe and relaxing summer and very much look forward to seeing you in September as we resume our work together. As always, it is my honor and pleasure to be your Superintendent.

Education Foundation awards $65,000 in teacher grants The Mount Pleasant Education Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the awarding of over $50,000 to teachers and staff in its 2014-15 grant cycle. The Foundation received grant applications from all four school buildings and district with all very worthy requests. The following teachers and administrators received grants: HES: Kindergarten teachers received $3,150 for guided reading materials; second grade teachers were awarded two grants: $3,479 for classroom library books and $4,838 to purchase Common Core math manipulatives for each class.

CES: Tracey Armisto will use her grant award of $7,929 for classroom iPads and apps for her special education students.

WMS: Art teacher Susan CowlesDumitru received $1,600 for an artistin-residence program “A Day in Clay” for her seventh and eighth grade classes.

WHS: Ken Amann was awarded $12,331 for Vernier Data Collection Technology for high school math and science programs; Ray Szczerba received $11,326 for 32 Dell Chromebooks, consoles, cart and a printer for his science classes. Teresa Barbuto was granted

$1,239 for a Califone Diggiditto Smart Document Camera to be used in her math classes WHS/MS: Mary Knopp and Phil Cutrone will use their grant of $4,900 to create a Makerspace in the Westlake library. The grant will cover a 3D printer, tools and equipment, consumable materials, storage cabinet and work table for middle and high school students.

The Foundation appreciates the continued support of the community and looks forward to continuing its mission to support the students of Mount Pleasant.

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From the Heart • Summer 2015

Westlake underclassmen recognized for scholastic accomplishments and service to community The auditorium seats were filled to capacity on the evening of May 26. Proud parents, faculty and administrators gathered to celebrate members of the freshmen, sophomore and junior classes for their academic prowess and dedication to their school and community.

Westlake High School’s Underclassmen Awards Night has been a tradition for almost 10 years and, as Principal Keith Schenker told the audience, “It is extremely important to stand back and take stock in the hard work of our underclassmen and to illuminate the extraordinary talent and work ethic that has characterized so many of our students.”

Principal Schenker praised the students for not only mastering the skills of their coursework, but for mastering the “Habits of Mind” (perseverance, asking thoughtful questions, thinking flexibly, listening with empathy and understanding) that are necessary for success. “I’ve been routinely impressed,” Mr. Schenker told the students and their parents.

College awards

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Special awards and scholarships were presented to juniors who demonstrated stellar academics in various fields of study and/or have demonstrated a commitment to service. Many of these awards included full or partial tuition scholarships .

Columbia University Book Award for outstanding academic achievement with an inclination toward research was awarded to Will Sweeny.

The Harvard-Radcliffe Book Award for “excellence in scholarship and commitment to high moral character” went to Kiera Torpie.

Rochester Institute of Technology bestowed two awards: the RIT Award in Computing went to George Anastasiou and Lauren Hutnik for distinguishing themselves academically, being active members of their school and community, and demonstrating interest and ability in computing. The RIT Innovation & Creativity Medal and Scholarship carries the same criteria for students who demonstrate interest and ability in creativity.

Peter Giannini and Noelle Santos were the recipients. Both awards grant $24,000 toward a four-year RIT tuition.

Saint Michael’s College Book Award is given to a junior who embodies their vision of serving others and acting with

College and university scholarship winners, l to r: Will Sweeny (Columbia Book Award), Maria Ciraco (Wells College Award), George Ittan and Kate Pinchiaroli (Saint Michaels’ College Book Award) and George Anastasiou and Lauren Hutnik (RIT Award in Computing).

Summa Honors

Summa Honor Roll recognition was given to students in each grade who were on the high honor roll each quarter of this year. They are:

Alexander Warne and Steven Brunetto were selected to attend the Boys State Conference in June.

a social conscience. The two recipients are eligible for a potential full-tuition scholarship if they choose to apply and attend. Awardees were Kate Pinchiaroli and George Ittan.

The Wellesley Book Award honors young women who have been top scholars in high school and engaged in extracurricular areas. Daisy Yunga received this award for her leadership and concern for her academic community.

Wells College Award honors a junior for “commitment to academic achievement” while acting as a leader among his or her peers. That leadership, whether in the classroom, in clubs or on the athletic fields is one that the college desires in its applicants. This year’s recipient, Maria Ciraco, will receive $40,000 over four years if she chooses to apply and attend Wells College.

Each year the Thornwood American Legion sponsors young men in the 11th grade to attend the annual Boys State Conference. Alexander Warne and Steven Brunetto were selected for their community service, civic engagement and interest in governmental affairs.

Grade 11 George Anastasiou Brianna Di Liberti Michael DiNardo Peter Giannini Lauren Hutnik George Ittan Mary Ann Murray Megan O’Connor Kate Pinchiaroli William Sweeny Kiera Torpie Daisy Yunga

Peter Psaltakis Ryan Stasolla

Grade 9 Talin Bedonian Allison Brunetto Keira Donnelly Michael Farina Luciano Giannini Cordelia Jannetty Brian Kelly Kane Lyons Christina Mangione Philip Markuszewski Erin Mc Morrow Grade 10 Maeve McArdle John Bastone Divya Mundackal Chloe Burns Katelyn Murphy Caleigh Carr Caroline Murray David DeLoughry Alexandra Falkenberg Terence O’Brien Charles Panzarella Deanna Forella Christopher Panzarella Aidan Glendon Nicholas Papaleo Angela Mangione Kelly Pierce Kelly Martin Kathryn Ross Meenu Mundackal Christine Sharabun Matthew Orlander

Subject area awards

The evening followed with the recognition of students from each grade level who have demonstrated “outstanding achievement” and “outstanding effort” in each of the subject areas and for service to their school. Finally, the Summa honor roll was read of those students who were on the high honor roll all three semesters.

The entire list of recognitions can be found under school news on the WHS website.

Gabby Sanchez was chosen to receive the first ever Dolores L. Castaldo Memorial Scholarship presented by Lori Rota.

Another first-time award, the Wildcat Visibility Award, was presented by WHS alum Nick Ponton, center, to Tristan Bell and Jordana Aberbach.

From the Heart • Summer 2015

Pat DiSisto, left and Carmelo Serpe, right, presented the Kensico Italian American Society Award to Stephanie Pippo.

Senior Awards Night

Anthony Licciardone presented the Kristie Fischer Memorial Award to Andrea Briggs, Bianca Licciardone and Frank Spaziante (not present).

Ethan Zieja was awarded the Rita Cella Memorial Scholarship by past school board president Francine Aloi.

At the annual Senior Awards Night, held June 8 at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains, deserving graduates were celebrated for their academic and athletic accomplishments as well as service to the community. Those pictured here are among the many in the Class of 2015 who received recognition and thanks from their school and community.

Herbert and Tara (Fallon) Sabel with Maria Jost presented the memorial Brian Fallon-Howard Special Education Merit Award to Rachel Stasolla and Jackie Moroney.

Cate Gibbons was the recipient of eight awards including the Valhalla Lions Club Scholarship presented by Steve Loia.

Taylor Russo, center, presented the Barbara Russo Memorial Scholarship, in memory of her mom, to Matt Zefi and Brianna Mancuso.

The Principal’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Government and Principal’s Cabinet went to (l to r) Lawrence Gardner, Danielle Hickey, Laura Bombace, Jordana Aberbach, Sarah Marino, Umair Azhar, Lauren Martelli, Hailey Tully, Antonia Valoroso, Samantha Howard, Jeannine Ederer, Lauren Sugantino, Diandra Angiello and Gareth O’Connor. Not present: Amanda Papaleo.

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From the Heart • Summer 2015

2015

Graduates Michelle Abel-Massa

Class of

Jordana Aberbach F V Harrison Adams Theresa Alberti F Jake Albi Richie Cantwell

Alina Alexander F V Sebastian Alverca F Jessica Amoruso F V

Kathleen Cullen F V

Diandra Angiello G V

Rozilene Curran

Kristen Aviles G V

Joseph Damico G V

Umair Azhar F V

Jailene De Los Santos F

Diana Balaj F V

Leandro DeAbreu F

Tristan Bell G V

Christian DeBiase F V

John Bellom G V

Emma DeLoughry G V

Laura Bombace F

Anthony DiVenere

Daniel Brentano F

John Douville, Jr. G

Andrea Briggs F

Brendan Duane

Gianna Cafaro

Jeannine Ederer F V

Julia Caldwell

Danielle Estrella

Kaitlin Caminiti G V

Laura Bombace flashes a smile as the graduates listen to speakers during commencement e Joseph Giacomo G V

Brianna Mancuso F

Bridget McCusker F V

Derek Petfield F

Natalie Estrella F

Caitlin Gibbons G V

Rina Manginelli G V

Kaitlin McLynn G V

John Picciano

Richard Cantwell

Joseph Falahee

Adam Goldenberg F

Katarina Maric G V

Jacqueline McMorrow G V

Alexa Pichiarallo G V

Christopher Carbone

Louis Marinelli F

Kevin Fallon

Kayla Grahn

Andrew Mesquita G V

Stephanie Pippo F

Kelsey Cardona

Julianne Farella G V

Nicholas Greto

Alex Monaco G V

Michael Poggioreale

William Carr F V

Nicholas Faso

Daniel Grieco F

Amanda Morales

Dianna Polak

Maria Castellaneta G V

Shannon Frisbie

John David Hayes

Mike Morales

Matthew Poole

Adam Catto G V

Sabrina Galletti F

Danielle Hickey F

Jacqueline Moroney

Maria PoppF

Anelise Catto F V

Michael Galluzzo F

Samantha Howard F V

Ryan Murphy F V

Melissa Presta F V

Kevin Chen

Lawrence Gardner F V

Neena Joseph

Christian Musial G

McKenzie Redfern G V

Julianne Lambrosa

Theodore Newman

Domenic Roma

Mathew O’Brien

Matthew Rubin F V

Gareth O’Connor

Sabrina Ruggiero G V

Jessica Levine

Kevin Fallon

Gabrielle Lia F V

Joone Seo

Bianca Licciardone F

Sarah Marino G V

Sophia O’Halloran

Kevin Ryan

Faith Lovett G V

Lauren Martelli F

Jonathan Palmiero G V

Gabrielle Sanchez F

Ryan Lucey G V

Nicole Mastromarco G V Stephen Palumbo

Kaitlyn Schmid G V

Jonathan Lulaj

Cole Mastronardi

Lauren Panzer F V

Matthew Schwab F V

Robert Maio

Peter McBride

Amanda Papaleo F V

Dillon Selvaggi G V

Christian Maldonado

Michael McCrain F

Erika Pennini F V

Kaitlyn SementaF

College and University Acceptances

Seniors have been accepted into 180 colleges and universities in 29 states and the District of Columbia.

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Adelphi University University of Alabama Alfred University American University Barry University Bentley University Binghamton University Bloomsburg U. of Pennsylvania Boston College Boston University Bridgewater State University Bryant University Caldwell University University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego

Carleton College Rubin Castleton State College Cazenovia College Central Connecticut State U. University of Central Florida College of Charleston Clarkson University Coastal Carolina University Concordia College University of Connecticut Cornell University Culinary Institute of America University of Delaware Dominican College Dowling College Drexel University

Duquesne University Dutchess Community College East Stroudsburg U. of PA Elmira College Elon University Emerson College Emmanuel College Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute of Technology Florida Atlantic University Florida State University Fordham University Full Sail University George Mason University George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College University of Hartford Hartwick College High Point University Hilbert College Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University College of the Holy Cross Iona College Ithaca College James Madison University John Jay College of Criminal Justice Johnson & Wales University University of Kansas Keene State College Keuka College Lasell College Le Moyne College

Lehigh University Laboratory Inst. of Merchandising Long Island University Loyola University Macalester College University of Maine Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College University of Maryland Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts University of Massachusetts University of Memphis Mercy College Merrimack College Michigan State University University of Michigan Molloy College Monmouth University

exercises.

Anthony Toccafondi G V Hailey Tully F V Antonia Valoroso G V Luigi Valoroso F V Ian Vazquez F Nicholas Walsh F Amanda Papeleo

Steven Weaver Mychell White

Joone Seo G V

Dylan Wilson

Marco Sinapi

Gahyun Helen You F V

Maksym Skoryk

Diane Zambardi G V

James Smith G V

Alyssa Zavaglia F V

Frank Spaziante

Matthew Zefi

Rachel Stasolla F

Ethan Zieja

Samantha Straface G V Nicole Stutler F Lauren Sugantino G V Shannon Sullivan Joseph TagarelliF

F Summa Cum Laude G Magna Cum Laude F Cum Laude V National Honor Society

Montclair State University Moravian College Mount Saint Mary College College of Mount Saint Vincent Muhlenberg College Nazareth College University of New England University of New Hampshire University of New Haven College of New Rochelle New York Institute of Technology New York University Newbury College University of North Carolina North Carolina State University Northeastern University Ohio Technical College Pace University Pennsylvania State University

University of Pittsburgh Plymouth State University Providence College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Ramapo College of New Jersey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Rhode Island Rice University University of Richmond Roberts Wesleyan College Rochester Institute of Technology Rockland Community College Roger Williams University Rutgers University Sacred Heart University Sage College of Albany Saint Anselm College Saint Francis University

Saltuatorian William Carr

Kathleen “Katie” Cullen has the honor of being valedictorian of the Class of 2015, something that she has worked hard to achieve over her four years. Katie has been characterized as “the complete student” — not only has she exceled in the classroom with 4.0 GPA, but on the basketball court, softball diamond, theater and music stages as well. She is a member of the Spanish, Math and National Honor Societies.

In addition to her memberships, Katie has been awarded “Outstanding Achievement” honors in math, English, Spanish, chorus and physical education and has been on the Principal’s Summa Honor Roll every quarter of her high school career.

Over her four years, she made time to be involved in school clubs such as the art, math, Spanish and service clubs. And then there’s sports. This winter, Katie captained the Westlake girls’ basketball team to the final four sectional championship and was named to the Section 1 All-Tournament team. Her vocal talents took her to Disney World with the high school choral group, The Blendors, for national competition.

Katie also volunteered her time at Rosary Hill and tutoring. She also received “Student of the Month” honors from the Thornwood Rotary Club.

Katie plans to major in education at Providence College.

Westlake salutatorian William Carr has taken his education seriously. His 4.0 GPA and AP Scholar with Honors distinction are evidence of his drive for learning as was his academic schedule, which included all AP courses in his senior year. Will’s strong math background and motivation helped him achieve the highest score of 5 on the AP Statistics exam in his junior year. He has been on the Summa Honor Roll every quarter of his high school career.

Will also made time to participate in school and was a member of the Thespian Society of the Westlake Players, prefering to stay behind the curtain working in the crew. He also was co-president of the school’s ski club. He is a member of the National Honor Society and this year’s vice president of the English Honor Society.

As a junior, Will won the Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal Scholarship and was recognized for “Outstanding Achievement” in Italian, Statistics and Media Video.

A desire to give back to the community and his school led Will to volunteer many hours to Westlake’s service club and to help a classmate complete his Eagle Scout project.

This fall, Will heads to the University of Michigan where he will study computer science.

Saint Joseph’s College Saint Joseph’s University Saint Michael’s College Saint Peter’s University College of Saint Rose Salem State University Salisbury University Salve Regina University Savannah College of Art & Design University of Scranton Seton Hall University Siena College Simmons College University of South Carolina University of Southern California Southern Connecticut State U. Southern New Hampshire U. Springfield College St. John’s University

St. Thomas Aquinas College State University of New York: University at Albany Buffalo State College University at Buffalo Delhi Farmingdale State College New Paltz Stony Brook University Alfred State College College at Brockport College at Cortland College at Geneseo Morrisville State College College at Oneonta College at Potsdam College at Purchase Oswego

Suffolk University Susquehanna University Syracuse University The University of Tampa Temple University University of Texas, Austin Ohio State University Towson University Utica College University of Vermont Villanova University Wells College West Virginia University Westchester Community College Western Connecticut State U. Western New England University William Paterson University Worcester Polytechnic Institute York College of Pennsylvania

From the Heart • Summer 2015

5

Valedictorian Kathleen Cullen

9

From the Heart • Summer 2015

WHS

Seniors expand boundaries in college apps

The University of Texas is 1,776 miles from Westlake High School. It has a student population of over 50,000 and compared to Mount Pleasant, is a city unto itself.

What drew senior Adam Goldenberg to apply to a university that is 26 driving hours and a time zone away? “The program mostly,” said Adam, who is planning on studying physics at the Austin campus in September. Adam is part of a senior class that has extended its range for post-secondary searches and applied to colleges and universities in 29 states and the nation’s capital. That is almost double the amount that past classes have averaged (18).

This year’s extended list is music to the ears of Principal Keith Schenker and the guidance department who are pleased to see the students spreading their wings.

“This year we had 279 applications beyond the northeast,” said Mr. Schenker, who sees the increase as a byproduct of the high school’s philosophy. “More kids applying to schools outside of their comfort zone is certainly a result of our message: set your sights high and you can achieve them.”

Adam applied to 14 schools that spanned both coasts. The furthest was University of California, Berkeley. For him, distance was not a factor. “I’m looking for the best education I can get. And I feel I can really adapt to where ever I go.”

He is looking forward to experiencing new ways of thinking and meeting people with the same technical and educational aspirations. “I want to go and do something,” he said emphatically.

That sentiment seems to be prevalent throughout the entire senior class and most likely why its college applications have been so broad and varied. Guidance leader Nick DiPaolo attributes the interest in schools outside of our region to the freshman programs these students were the first to experience — namely the Pathways program, that exposes ninth graders to career options, and Freshman Seminar, a guidance class where they were able to start assessing career choices and looking 10 at colleges through the Naviance college

Seniors Adam Goldenberg, Helen You, Maria Castellanteta, Will Carr and Samantha Howard are among the members of the Class of 2015 who explored college opportunities across the country.

planning portal. Students are able to see the colleges that former Westlake seniors applied to and were accepted. “It helps that once you have couple of kids look at schools further away, more kids see it as a viable option,” explained Mr. DiPaolo.

Naviance helped push Will Carr outside of Westlake’s geographic region.

The salutatorian and aspiring computer science major applied to colleges in a number of states including California, Illinois and Michigan. “Naviance gave us the numbers and the average of who has gotten in [to different schools]. It helped me say ‘OK I can get in here’ and ‘I really want to go here.’”

Samantha Howard and Maria Castellaneta applied to many out-of-area schools, from Purdue University in Indiana to the University of South Carolina. Their first priority was the school programs. Samantha was specifically looking at aerospace engineering programs, which narrowed her search considerably. Maria, a communications major, found more schools offered her major, which gave her more choices in where she could apply. After that, the application criteria varied from the climate to school vibe.

Maria thought that this senior class was set on applying to schools that were not typically attended by Westlake grads. “It seems like we wanted to do something different,” she said.

“Something different” was definitely what Helen You found when she received an invitation to apply to the United States Military Academy at West Point. At first,

the honor student and soccer player was not sure the Army was part of her plan, but after speaking with Mr. DiPaolo, she got more excited at the possibilities.

She decided to go through the candidate selection process which she said was “very long” (18 months) and “very competitive.”

The first female candidate from Westlake in recent history, Helen completed the application and physical tests with flying colors. The only downside to West Point’s notification system, Helen explained, is that they can let you know anywhere between January and June 28. As the May 1 deadline for college decisions loomed, she put her deposit down at NYU. She said she would still have her bag packed and ready if West Point came through.

Mr. Schenker and Mr. DiPaolo note that where students apply and what school they ultimately attend is strictly a personal decision based on many factors, including family and economics, but they are encouraged that students are looking farther than ever.

Adam will be headed to Texas and Will to the University of Michigan. Samantha found her dream school in the University of Maryland and Boston University turned out to be the perfect fit for Maria.

Meanwhile, Helen is looking forward to attending NYU’s international relations program, which will allow her to spend her first year abroad, studying in Italy.

“I may be just 45 minutes from home for three years, but my first year I’ll be a world away.”

Now that’s expanding boundaries.

From the Heart • Summer 2015

WMS

IB Middle Years: What’s coming in 2015-16?

As Westlake Middle School prepares for the consideration phase to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, the school’s IB committee will be reflecting on the tenets of program.

One of the cornerstones of all International Baccalaureate programs is the IB Learner Profile. According to IB, the Learner Profile consists of ten attributes that can “help individuals and adults become responsible members of local, national and global communities.” As learners, IB students strive to be: • Inquirers • Knowledgeable • Thinkers • Communicators • Principled • Open-minded • Caring • Risk-takers • Balanced • Reflective To begin the middle school’s journey toward becoming an IB school, students, faculty and staff will engage in discussion about these attributes.

The Learner Profile provides a common language so that everyone in the Westlake Middle School community can talk about how these qualities can help each of us be successful. During the coming year, students will explore what these qualities look like in school, at home and in other parts of their lives. They will come to recognize which attributes are areas of strength for them and which ones are areas for growth.

Throughout the year, middle school parents should ask their child about his or her exploration of the Learner Profile and how to help reach personal goals as learners and as members of a school and community.

On November 3, the entire Westlake Middle School faculty and staff will further its IB engagement by attending a full-day professional development session on the IB Middle Years Program. Middle school students will not be required to attend school that day.

— Mary Ellis Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Eighth grade shanty, left and Ella Zadrima, Kristin Pierce, Marissa Tradito, Courtney Bonyai and Sadie Feighan with their factory.

Building a better history lesson John Messemer and Rich Hennessey’s seventh and eighth grade students built first-hand knowledge of the Great Depression and Industrial Revolution from the ground up — using some investigative research and a healthy bit of elbow grease.

To better understand the plight of the average American during the Great Depression, eighth graders armed with wooden palates, nails and hammers constructed their own shanty town to illustrate the conditions endured by many Americans of that era. They researched one of FDR’s New Deal acts and made post-

ers that showed how it affected both the economy and individuals.

Seventh graders learning about the Industrial Revolution constructed a small-scale version of a textile factory complete with water wheel power, cotton gins, Spinning Jennys and power looms. Their factory included a simulation of how the power reached each floor and machine. Researching each invention, the students created a pretty accurate replica of the machines and finished off their factory with descriptions and photos of life in the factory. For more visit the School News quick link on the website.

Moving Up Moments

Bryan Mesquita addresses the WMS Class of 2015.

Applause for the speakers from Miguel Catarino (center) and classmates.

Vincent Spaziante receives his certificate.

Lia Poggioreale takes in the moment.

11

From the Heart • Summer 2015

CES

Highlights of a fantastic year at Columbus

Grade 3

Wilson Jiang, with help from classmates, has fun on the rope challenge.

Mrs. Chaney’s third graders pose for a selfie with their EF Academy guide.

CULTURE DAY. They walked up the adjoining driveway on Columbus Ave., but the third graders ended up thousands of miles away. EF Academy, an international high school with students from over 40 countries, hosted a Cultural Fair on April 10 as a way to showcase the cultures of its global students.

Each third grader was issued a passport and got a sticker for each “country” that was visited. An EF student guided them from country to country — 22 in all — from Brazil to Vietnam. In each country, students could learn to write their name in a different language and recite some key words or phrases. They found both familiar and unfamiliar games to play and activities to do. They even learned some new dance steps.

Each third grader had a special memory that he or she would keep from their world travels. “It was a special day,” said teacher Marianne Chaney who thought the cultural fair was “amazing.”

Abbie Varco summed up her experience saying “It was cool to meet people from around the world because they are all different and they are really interesting.”

Grade 4

Grade 5

Contributed by Barbara Schulz

Students from Mrs. Lopez’s class pose in front of the Minskoff Theater in NYC.

THE LION KING. As a culminating experience, the entire fifth grade trooped down to NYC on June 17 to attend Broadway’s long-running show The Lion King. Integrated learning prior to seeing the play was provided in the music room by visiting performers Thomas Rainey and Jason Veasey and in the art room with acclaimed playbill designer Frank Verlizzo (Fraver). Science class themes of the “circle of life” along with ELA study of character, plot, setting and theme of the story rounded out their preparation. A wonderful band performance of a medley from The Lion King completed their multi-subject preparation.

TACONIC TRIP. With a cursory nod to the reality show “Survivor,” Columbus fourth graders hit the trails of the Taconic Outdoor Education Center in Cold Spring on May 27-29, to test and strengthen their problem solving, communication and cooperation skills. The students hiked to stations where they were given a challenge that necessitated discussion and cooperation from the entire group — such as balancing their weight on the “Whale Watch” boat (aka platform) so it wouldn’t take on water.

At another station, the challenge was to get their group from one “island” to another using just two short pieces of wood to make a bridge. Letting the students discuss a game plan yielded some good (and interesting) options.

The day was full of “aha moments” as students discovered important ingredients to solving problems and everyone deemed the day a success.

The students went into the woods as individuals and came back as a cohesive team that learned to be supportive and solve problems together.

And on the way home, no one got voted off the bus.

Moving Up Moments

12

Lucy Keitt shares a smile with Assistant Principal Anne Stern.

Maria Kidangen receives her moving up certificate.

Francesco Michilli watches as his classmates receive their certificates.

Cara Curtin moves her tassel over to signify moving up.

From the Heart • Summer 2015

HES Discovery Days give budding scientists a head start

Exposure, exposure, exposure. No, it’s not an alternate route to Carnegie Hall. Rather, in Hawthorne Elementary classrooms, it is a fast track to successful inquiry-based science learning. And it may be the key to inspiring a future crop of award-winning science researchers.

Throughout the year — but especially during May’s Discovery Days — students are immersed in additional hands-on study of all things science. From the five senses to life cycles, each grade level was treated to activities, trips and workshops that dovetailed nicely with their classroom lessons and brought learning to new heights.

Fur, feathers and fun!

Kindergarten classes visited the Greenburgh Nature Center to learn about local flora and fauna including birds of prey.

A program from “The Nature of Things” brought furry/feathery/slithery creatures to the multipurpose room where students were able to identify how each of the critters was suited to its habitat by observing its characteristics.

Knowledgable second graders were able to point out each critter’s classification and everyone learned some pretty

Margaret Von derMeden from 2 Hands 2 Learn passes around a familiar invertebrate. Left. Second grader Finn Feighan demonstrates the strength of an egg by standing on a few dozen without them cracking. (Really!)

interesting facts along the way.

Students were amazed that frogs drink through their skin (cooool!) and geckos can drop their tails if caught by a predator (ewwww!).

Another in-school learning opportunity provided the answer to the question “What can you learn about something if you can’t see it?” Surprisingly, a lot, as kindergartners found out from Margaret Von derMeden in a 2 Hands 2 Learn workshop called “Five Senses.” All of her workshops promoted tactile exploration as a way to help kids lock-in their learning. Second graders were treated to a “No Bones” workshop that let them see and feel invertebrates from the sea, land and air, while first graders were able to peer inside a bees nest (sans bees) while they discovered the buzz about life in the hive.

Thanks to the Elementary PTA for funding many Discovery Days programs.

Make way for …

Ducklings! Another life-cycle project also brought interesting elements of physics and chemistry to Gina Carmody’s second grade classroom. Her class participated in the 4-H Incubation and Embryology Project through Cornell Cooperative Extension by caring for and observing developing duck embryos. They watched as the ducklings hatched, then tended to them until they were big enough to send to a local farm. Not only did the children get to see the transformation, but Ms. Carmody also used the opportunity to introduce other scientific concepts.

Her students tested the strength of the egg shape by standing on raw eggs, then observed how acid could dissolve the shell of an egg but not the embryo-protecting membrane. Neat stuff!

Moving Up Moments

Sonai Clarke sings “My Time to Shine” at Moving Up.

Second graders in Ms. Luzon, Mr. Malone and Ms. Soto/Mr. Paquette’s classes sing “The Sky’s The Limit.”

Joseph Infantino and Alexa DiSalvo strike a “Friends Forever” pose.

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From the Heart • Summer 2015

And kudos to…

WHS Blendors Westlake’s select choral group The Blendors placed second in the jazz choir category at Festival Disney, a national music competition held March 19-21 at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Blendors garnered a “superior rating” from the judges for their performance of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To,” The Way You Look Tonight,” and “Everybody’s Boppin.” You can hear their awardwinning performance on the high school website’s slideshow.

Essay contest winner Senior Umair Azhar’s essay on the importance of learning a foreign language was selected as the winner of the Putnam and Westchester Association of Foreign Language (POWERFUL) student contest.

His essay was chosen from all high school submissions and he was awarded a recognition certificate and $100 award. Umair is a Spanish 3 honor student.

Art show winners The district-wide art show held on March 24, showcased talented art students from all schools. The juried show produced first-place winners, chosen by the art teachers and second and third place winners who garnered the most votes from audience ballots.

First place winners: HES: Daniela DiMarino; CES: Anna Pagan, Matthew Brock, Kylie Lyden; WMS: Kevin Cardona, Erin Panker, Evangeline Coffinas, Aileen McCarthy and Kaylee Brady, Vito Malaj, Kayla Curtin and Elle Verna; WHS: Megi Syku, Timothy John Policarpio, Theresa Alberti, Rachel Stasolla, Elena DiDomizio, Avery Lessing, Erika Bonanno and Julianne Farella.

Second place: HES: Luciana Shkreli; CES: Lexi Gjokaj, Catherine Gstalder, Maddie Davis; WMS: Phoebe

Two new honor societies were formed this year. Juniors George Ittan, Jessica Nguyen, Lauren Hutnik and Daisy Yunga, left, started the Science Honor Society and McKenzie Redfern, right, was the force behind the Social Studies Honor Society. Read about them at whs.mtplcsd.org.

Science Honor Society

The newly-chartered Science Honor Society welcomed 12 members at its inaugural induction ceremony on April 28. Inductees earned an 87 average in science and 85 in all other subjects and completed 40 hours of service in a science area. The first group of inductees to the Science Honor Society are: Steven Brunetto Adam Catto Lauren Holzer Lauren Hutnik

George Ittan Sarah Marino Bridget McCusker Ciara McGivney

Mary Ann Murray Jessica Nguyen Helen You Daisy Yunga

Social Studies Honor Society The Rho Kappa chapter of the Social Studies Honor Society is a national high school organization that recognizes high-achieving social studies students. Twenty-four charter members were inducted on May 21. Induction is based on academic scholarship (88 average in social studies and 85 in all other subjects) and a community service project. Founding members are: George Anastasiou Joseph Andrews Diandra Angiello Diana Balaj Steven Brunetto Kaitlin Caminiti Maria Castellaneta Anelise Catto

Emma DeLoughry Michael DiNardo Christopher Donnelly Jeannine Ederer Lauren Holzer Lauren Hutnik George Ittan Ciara McGivney

Barnes, Alexis Bishkoff, Faith Summers, Deanna Reynolds/Amiee Holland, Kate Ryan, Ava Zadrima; WHS: Adam Rutkowski, Sally Bedus, Jillian Guercio, Tonantzin Sanchez-Rangel, Sabrina Galletti, Laura Bombace, Nick Walsh, Briana Ricci, Dani Scampone and Gabrielle Sanchez.

Third place: HES: Joseph Horan;

Jackie Mc Morrow Megan O’Connor Carina Papa Kate Pinchiaroli McKenzie Redfern Katie Schmid Kiera Torpie Helen You

CES: Alyssa Hebert, Roberto Molina, Marabel Jaime; WMS: Samantha Lubart, Kaitlyn Jamie, Katie Burns, Alyssa Finck, Lily Tobiasen, Isabella Graci, Lauren Lyden, Gianna Cavallaro; WHS: Caitlyn Lyons, Dean Fralick, Vanessa DelDuca, Christine Regan, Michael Theriault, Kevin Morales, Erica Casarella, Jacqueline Siry, Lauren Holzer and Dylan Wilson.

Rotary Students of the Month

‘Service above self’ is the motto of the Thornwood Rotary Club. Each month the club recognizes a WHS senior who personifies this motto. Students are honored at their monthly luncheons.

14

Kathleen Cullen

Lawrence Gardner

Helen You

Umair Azhar

Caitlin Gibbons

Lauren Panzer

John Douville Jr.

Alyssa Zavaglia

Kaitlin McLynn

ALUMNI CORNER

Another three-peat for Westlake’s science researchers! Sophomores Meenu Mundackal, Peter Psaltakis and Ryan Stasolla took home top-tier awards at the Westlake Science Fair on June 6. The competition was stiff, with a record 382 students from 24 schools in the Hudson Valley area entering the competition.

The fair is the only science research competition of its kind in New York State that provides the opportunity for first-year science research students to present and be judged on their understanding of all aspects of previously published research, as well as their design of a intended original research project.

Going into the competition, the trio may have experienced first-time jitters, but they came out with confidence — and trophies.

Peter’s presentation on a study of minimizing toxic substances in wastewater took first place in the chemistry category. Meenu followed suit, winning a first place trophy in her medicine and health subcategory, presenting a study on the surprising correlations between eczema and autism. In another of the many medicine and health subcategories, Ryan’s presentation on stereotactic

From the Heart • Summer 2015

First-year researchers come up big at Westlake Science Fair

Science teacher and fair director Lawrence McIntyre with winning first-year research students Meenu Mundackal, Peter Psaltakis and Ryan Stasolla.

radiosurgery and spinal cord injuries took second place.

With so many students competing, fair director Lawrence McIntyre said that many times the difference between first and second place was literally decimal points. He was tremendously proud of his students and of the very young program.

In just its third year, Westlake’s science research program has produced a

1986 Laura Michalec Olszewski, salutatorian of the Class of 1986, was recently appointed Administrative Law Judge with the Social Security Administration.

Graduating cum laude from Bucknell University in 1990, Ms. Olszewski received her JD from Fordham University School of Law in 1993. After several years in private practice at a commercial litigation firm, she joined the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. She continued her career with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement after 9/11, as the Assistant Chief Counsel for the Immigration Court. In addition, Ms. Olszewski was an in-house instructor for the Chief Counsel’s Office in New York City, developing and training fellow attorneys, special agents and officers. In 2008, she graduated from the

second place medalist, Sarah Marino, at the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering & Environment Project Olympiad this past May. (See front page story.) Junior Steven Brunetto and senior Adam Catto (along with Sarah) were also medalists in March, at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair.

Pretty good start for a young program.

Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security with a masters degree in security studies.

After a two-year testing and screening process, she was appointed by the Social Security Administration to be an Administrative Law Judge in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

Laura resides in Thornwood with her husband and their three children.

2010 Michelle Ederer graduated summa cum laude from New York University with her masters in social work.

2011 Nicole Ederer graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland with a dual degree in marketing and supply chain management.

2013 Danielle Ederer, a sophomore at Saint Joseph’s University, has been

named to the dean’s list each semester of her first and second years. She is majoring in autism behavioral studies.

2014 AnnaMarie Nardone, a freshman at Manhattanville College, was named to the 2015 All-Freedom Conference second team for women’s lacrosse. AnnaMarie, a midfielder, is the first Valiant freshman in almost a decade to earn All-Conference honors and was one of three freshmen to start all 15 games this season. She ranked second on the team in scoring, netting 32 goals with five assists for 37 points. AnnaMarie is majoring in psychology and earned a 3.5 GPA this year.

Alumni! Have you made the dean’s list? Earned a degree or two? Been promoted or got a new job? Email details to efarrell@mtplcsd.org.

15

From the Heart • Summer 2015

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Superintendent Dr. Susan Guiney Correspondence Phone: 769-5500 • Fax 769-3733 Web: www.mtplcsd.org Editor/email contributions Eileen Farrell/efarrell@mtplcsd.org

Wildcat News—2015 Spring Sports Recap Baseball

(6-16)

Coach of the year honors

Coach: Michael Paquette Assistant: John Consorti All-League: Michael Poggioreale All-League Honorable Mention: Matthew Latino JV Baseball

Coach: Billy Davis Golf

Girls’ lacrosse coach Dan Smith and softball coach Claudio Barbieri were honored as Coach of the Year by their fellow lacrosse and softball coaches in Conference III, League A.

(12-7) (4-6)

Coach: Sean P. Mayer All-League: Richard Cantwell, Anthony Guarnieri Boys’ Lacrosse

(10-8)

League Champions (5-0) Coach: Justin Otto Sectional Results: Won first round vs. Irvington; lost in second round to Bronxville All-Section Honorable Mention: Anthony Sardo, James Gorman, Robert DiNota All-League: Owen Peterson, Brendan Birkelbach JV Boys’ Lacrosse

Coach: Hunter Burnard GIRLS’ LACROSSE

(10-3) (14 - 4)

Scholar Athlete Team League Champions (8-0) Coach: Dan Smith Assistant: Nicole Dacchille Sectional Results: First round win vs. Valhalla 13-4; second round loss to Hendrick Hudson All-Section: Lauren Holzer All-Section Honorable Mention: Emily Sardo All-League: McKenzie Redfern, Gahyun Helen You, Anelise Catto, Katherine Sanders, Alexandra Falkenberg, Jesi Oswald All-League Honorable

League championships for lacrosse teams

Westlake’s boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams were named League Champions for the 2015 spring season. Both teams have seen growth in their respective programs under second-year coach Justin Otto (boys) and 2015 Coach of the Year Dan Smith (girls). The newbies of Westlake sports teams are certainly making their presence known. Pictured are All-Section pick Lauren Holzer, left, and All-Section Honorable Mention James Gorman.

Mention: Brianna Rodemeyer and Ariella Ruggiero

Antonia Valoroso, Daniella Mulvey

Softball

Coach: Donna Vena

(13-7)

Scholar Athlete Team Coach: Claudio Barbieri Assistant: Vanessa Nastri Volunteer Assistant: Mike D’Angelo Sectional Results: Quarterfinal loss to North Salem All-Section: Brianna Mancuso All-Section Honorable Mention: Kaitlyn Sementa All-League: Alexa Pichiarallo,

JV Softball

(8-4)

Boys’ Tennis

(5-4)

Scholar Athlete Team Award Coach: Greg Bobro JV Boys Tennis

Coach: Frank Chiera

(1-11)

Coach Smith has been coach of the girls’ team since its debut as a Westlake sport in 2010.

This year the team was a perfect 8-0 in the league and secured its first-ever league championship.

Ten players were given League honors

Coach Barbieri is a firstyear coach of the Lady Wildcat softball team that posted a 6-2 record in the league. Five of his starters received League honors.

Boys’ Track

(4-4)

Girls’ Track

(0-6)

Scholar Athlete Team Award Coach: Sky Smith All-League: Umair Azhar (high hurdles) All-League Honorable Mention: Robert Soderquist (200m), Peter Vogel (high jump) Scholar Athlete Team Award Coach: Betsy Groat League Meet: Fourth place All-League Honorable Mention: Hailey Tully (javelin)