Were They Prepared for College? SHS Grads Reflect
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- Written by Adam Katcher
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After the start of the second semester of their freshmen years, we spoke to a few members of the SHS Class of 2022 about how prepared they felt for the academic rigor of college courses.
There was general agreement that college involved more unstructured time and required more independent work than high school. With sporadically scheduled classes, all agreed that they needed to be self-motivated to use their free time wisely.
Scheduling aside, the classroom settings are different in college than in high school. Lecture halls with hundreds of students are new for every former Scarsdale High School student. Seminar classes take different forms and can be as long as two hours without teacher intervention. Labs can reach four hours long, over double the duration of the lab periods in Scarsdale.
The SHS graduates have also had to figure out how to get extra help from teaching assistants as professors often have limited office hours. Many adjustments had to be made.
Nonetheless, the Scarsdale High School graduates we spoke to felt they were well prepared academically for college courses and had the tools to navigate their new environments.
Rafaella Vogt, who runs track as a freshman at Lesley University explained, “The workload at SHS prepared me properly for college work and the strictness of deadlines. It definitely improved my work ethic and time management skills, along with providing me with the skills for college-level assignments.”
Jeremy Ng, a freshman at Yale University agreed, saying, “The heavy workload at college made organize my time. The humanities workload at Scarsdale was roughly similar to what I am facing now – the constant emphasis on refinement of writing in high school was incredibly valuable..” He noted one key difference: in many STEM classes at Scarsdale (with the exception of his experience in AT Physics), there are not always “Weekly Problem Sets” like in college, but, nonetheless, the weekly workload was similar.
“Nothing in my first year has seemed significantly harder than in SHS, nor have I ever felt unprepared,” added Aaron Klein, a freshman at Brandeis University. “Not that I was swamped with work in Scarsdale, but especially in terms of essays and papers, I felt very prepared. I’ve always felt like everything was achievable. I think that’s something that Scarsdale taught me – that any assignment can be compartmentalized. Assignments now aren’t intimidating as a result.”
Ng explained the difference in the timing of work/assignments at college. “The key difference is in academic ‘spacing.’ I’ve noticed that most of the classes here are substantially more staggered. Major assignments are due weeks later, but the amount of content in each of them is considerably greater.” He also noted less weekly feedback in college than in high school.
Klein echoed this notion, describing, “In Scarsdale, teachers would check in often and they were really accessible. In college, professors are there for you but you have to take the initiative yourself. I think Scarsdale instilled that asking for help is okay. They helped me feel comfortable reaching out to teachers, and that’s something that I feel has been really helpful.”
Although, inevitably, college classes deal with more advanced topics, the pace with which topics were taught at SHS helped students feel as if they could keep up, with Vogt insisting, “Scarsdale’s fast-paced and packed teaching style definitely matches that of most of my college courses.”
Everyone’s college experience is different, with school size and intended paths of study heavily influencing certain classroom dynamics. Nonetheless, common ways of learning are intertwined in all collegiate disciplines, and Scarsdale High School has undoubtedly done a good job at replicating many college learning environments. Even for the aspects that cannot be re-created, valuable learning, studying, and working tools were acquired that have easily translated to life beyond Scarsdale.
Despite the many differences in the teaching methods, the learning environment, and the work requirements between high school and college, the students agreed that the transition to college was a comfortable next step rather than an anxious leap.
Adam Katcher is currently a freshman at Columbia University, undecided with his intended major. Also a graduating member of the Scarsdale Class of 2022, Katcher says the content of this article represent a common consensus among his Scarsdale peers.
Happy 100th Birthday Jerry
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was written by Owen Pye)
Westchester resident and decorated World War II veteran Dr Jerome ‘Jerry’ Jacobson turns 100 years old on Saturday.
A lead bombardier in the 15th Air Force, Jerry was discharged in 1945 having earned the rank of captain, and having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the nation’s highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement.
Jerry was born in Jamaica, Queens, on 18 February 1923, one of six children, growing up in the Bronx and later Saranac Lake, NY, in the Adirondack Mountains. Here he learned to ski from a young age, a lifelong passion he pursued until he was 87 years old.
Attaining the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America, Jerry enlisted into the Army Air Corps in August 1942 as a 19-year-old, and was called into service to defend his country that October. Jerry was promoted quickly due to his ability, rising through the ranks to become a lead bombardier flying B-17s out of Foggia, Italy.
Upon his return from the war, he graduated with a degree from the Columbia University of Optometry. During this time, he met the love of his life and future wife Maura Bandler, then a kindergarten teacher (and as Maura B. Jacobson, going on to become one of the nation’s favourite crossword puzzle creators for New York Magazine).
Married in August 1948, they went on to have a daughter, Joanne, and later two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jerry lived in the Bronx for a great deal of his working life, where for 31 years he ran an optometry practice on West Kingsbridge Road. He spent the next 30 years living in Hartsdale, and now lives in Briarcliff Manor.
Renowned for his kindness, generosity and humour, Jerry has been interviewed in the US and given talks to UK schoolchildren on his wartime experience.
Once described in the book Untold Valor: Forgotten Stories of American Bomber Crews over Europe in World War II as a ‘master of understatement’, Jerry’s modesty and humility regarding his life’s achievements are a measure of the man, who quietly still goes to the gym for an hour every morning and puts in three miles on his exercise bike a couple of times a week.
The DFC is awarded to those in the Air Corps who ‘distinguish themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight’, although you’ll never hear a word of it from Jerry, who didn’t even tell his own grandchildren he had the medal until he was 99 years old.
Jerry’s niece, Sue Babcock, said: “Jerry is a one-of-a-kind special human being, a true gentleman, and always has a smile and kind word for everyone.”
The Scarsdale Foundation Grants 2023 Scarsdale Bowl Award to Janice Starr and Spotlight Award to the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps
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Janice Starr will be the recipient of the 2023 Scarsdale Bowl.As the Scarsdale Foundation marks its 100th anniversary, Janice Starr, an exemplary volunteer in the Scarsdale community with decades of commitment to volunteerism, will be the 2023 recipient of its venerated Scarsdale Bowl Award. The Bowl has been awarded annually since 1943 to those who have “given unselfishly of time, energy, and effort to the civic welfare of the community.” This year, the Scarsdale Foundation will also honor the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC) for its meaningful contributions to the well-being of the Scarsdale community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residents should receive an email with registration information for the Bowl Dinner and Award Ceremony which will take place on April 27th or visit www.scarsdalefoundation.org to register.
The Scarsdale Foundation promotes civic welfare in Scarsdale and helps local individuals and community organizations through student scholarships and project grants. It also promotes civic engagement and volunteerism with the awarding of the Scarsdale Bowl and the new Spotlight Award.
The Bowl Award
“Janice Starr is the consummate volunteer. Janice is a natural leader, has a wonderful character, and is inclusive and generous with her time and resources”, said Scarsdale Bowl Chair Erika Rublin. “She is a role model and an ideal candidate for this honor.”
The Bowl Committee, a diverse group of 15 community volunteers representing all areas and demographics of Scarsdale, selects the recipient after reviewing and vetting many worthy candidates who are nominated by the community. Following the Bowl Committee vote on Sunday night, Erika Rublin along with Suzanne Seiden, President of the Scarsdale Foundation, Elyse Klayman, Scarsdale Foundation Trustee, and Bowl Committee members Angela Manson, Ronny Hersh and Margot Milberg shared the news with Janice by Zoom. “I am so honored, proud, and of course, I accept!” said Janice. “There are so many worthy people who could have received this award. I love our community, and I am thrilled to be honored at this meaningful community event. Thank you so much!”
Janice will be honored at the Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Dinner on Thursday, April 27th at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. The entire community is invited to attend the dinner which will celebrate the Scarsdale Foundation’s 100th anniversary, as well as the rich history of community and volunteerism in Scarsdale.
Janice has been involved in many aspects of community service since she moved to Scarsdale almost 30 years ago. With her husband Ira, and three sons Eric, Matt and Andrew, the Starr family has lived in Fox Meadow since 1993. Janice has always taken on significant leadership roles with enthusiasm and positivity. She is skilled at motivating other volunteers and stakeholders and bringing people together for a common cause. She often graciously opens her home to host events for various community groups.
Raised in Syracuse, New York, Janice grew up in a tight-knit family in an apartment above her family grocery store where she developed an appreciation for business and community outreach. The first in her family to attend college, she received a BS from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She pursued a career in consulting with Booz, Allen and Hamilton until moving to Scarsdale and dedicating her life to being a full-time mother and community volunteer.
Janice currently serves as Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Board of Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service, Co-President of the Fox Meadow Neighborhood Association (a position she has held for well over a decade), a member of the Hoff-Barthelson Music School Board of Trustees, and a member of the Executive Board of Steve’s Camp at Horizon Farms.
In the past, Janice has helped lead many other Scarsdale Community organizations. Janice served as President of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale, President of the Junior League of Central Westchester, Co-Chair of the Administrative Committee of the SBNC, Officer of the Friends of Music and Arts in the Scarsdale Schools, member of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee, and in countless leadership positions in the various Scarsdale PTAs.
In addition, Janice has served on committees for organizations as wide-reaching as the Friends of White Plains Hospital, the Friends of the Einstein School of Medicine/Montefiore, the Westchester Interracial Women’s Council, the Alumni Association of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Scarsdale Advisory Arts Council.
Janice was honored at the Junior League of Central Westchester Gala in 2017 for her contributions to the Junior League and to the community at large. She was also honored for her contributions by Steve’s Camp at Horizon Farms at their annual Gala.
As Ronny Hersh, a member of the Scarsdale Bowl Committee said, “Janice has been actively involved in, and made significant contributions to, every aspect of Scarsdale’s community life – including activities related to the school, the arts, promotion of democracy and the development of mental health resources.”
Similarly, Suzanne Seiden, President of the Scarsdale Foundation said, “Janice is highly energetic and has amazing organizational skills. Her involvement in community work is not just wide ranging, but deep. She is always gracious and inclusive. I think she is a wonderful choice to celebrate for all her work for the Scarsdale community over the years.”
The Spotlight Award
(Left to Right) Abigail Fine, EMT; Joanne Ornstein, EMT; Kyle Shryock, EMT; Justin Bayer, Paramedic; Matt Chesler, EMT; Angela Manson and Erika Rublin. Photo by Suzanne Seiden
The Spotlight Award is meant to honor changemakers–people, whether individuals or organizations, who have made a tangible difference in the community’s quality of life in one specific area. As opposed to the depth and breadth required of the Bowl winner, the Spotlight Award recognizes specific improvement in an area or a problem solved after focused effort.
The Bowl Committee requested suggestions of individuals and organizations alike from the community and reviewed many worthy nominations before voting for The Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC) to be the first recipient of the Spotlight award. SVAC will be honored alongside Janice Starr at The Scarsdale Foundation Bowl Dinner on April 27th. This will be especially meaningful for SVAC since they were not able to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2020.
"We are honored and delighted to be recognized as the first-ever recipient of the Spotlight Award. The Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps has always been about neighbors helping neighbors. What started as a small group of dedicated volunteers and an innovative idea they could do something better, has evolved into a large organization that thousands have come to count on within four minutes of calling 911. SVAC’s providers see humanity at its worst, while believing they represent humanity at its best. We are, as always, grateful for the support of the community we serve," said David Raizen, President of SVAC.
A cornerstone and lifeline for the Scarsdale community for 50 years, the volunteers of SVAC were challenged as never before during the COVID-19 pandemic, but rose to that challenge. From 2021 onward, they provided COVID testing and vaccinations, including booster shots and pediatric vaccines for students. In December 2021, the volunteers of SVAC administered more than 170 booster shots and 100 pediatric shots on the very first day they were approved by the New York State Department of Health. In a few short weeks, SVAC provided nearly 2,000 vaccines, including free vaccines for homebound residents. During 2022, SVAC administered over 20,000 COVID tests & vaccines combined.
The Scarsdale Foundation looks forward to honoring these healthcare heroes and Janice at the Bowl Dinner. Please join us on April 27th!
(left to right, top to bottom) Margot Milberg (Bowl Committee), Suzanne Seiden (Foundation President), Janice Starr, Angela Manson (Bowl Committee), Erika Rublin (Bowl Chair), Ronny Hersch (Bowl Committee)
Scarsdale Chinese Association Celebrates the Year of the Rabbit
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Photo by James CaoAfter a three year hiatus due to COVID, the Scarsdale Chinese Association brought back their lunar new year celebration, this year grander than ever.
The party moved to the Surf Club on the Sounds in New Rochelle where the 225 attendees had plenty of space for their performances and an elegant Chinese feast supplied by O-Mandarin and Central Seafood.
The event was chaired by Elaine Wang and Vera Liu who opened the evening by saying, “During COVID we all stayed inside and even avoided each other. Now’s the time to have a party!” They recruited many to underwrite the evening, including their primary sponsor New York Life.
Mayor Jane Veron wished everyone a happy Year of the Rabbit and invited the Chinese community to visit Village Hall and participate in Village government.
The celebration included performances by dance troupes, starting with “The First Drum of the New Year, “ performed by the children, dressed in traditional red costumes. There were several dances by women dressed in ornate and colorful costumes interspersed with a violin solo, a saxophone solo, a vocalist and the seniors doing their umbrella dance. In between acts, a drum of raffle tickets was rolled out and tickets were drawn for cash prizes in red envelopes. The performances were completed by the communities most senior members singing Auld Lang Syne.
Host Vera Liu, who is a former television personality, was the master of ceremonies and announced each performance in both English and Chinese.
Once the performances were complete, a feast of many courses including lobster, toothpick lamb, fish, mushrooms, noodles and chicken was served.
The mood was festive and everyone appeared to be enjoying this celebration of community in a new venue.
Thanks to Elaine Wang, Vera Liu, Jing Lu, Xue Su, and Vivian Lin
Scarsdale Police Officer Charged with Assault
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The Westchester County District’s Attorneys Office has confirmed that Scarsdale Police Officer Dante Barrera, a resident of Elmsford, was charged with assault in the second degree, a class D felony, in Elmsford Village Court on December 2, 2022.
Barerra is charged with committing assault in Elmsford on the night October 14, 2022.
According to the complaint, “The defendant at the above date, time and place did strike the victim in the leg with a metal hammer causing extreme pain, swelling and bruising. The victim stated after being struck with the hammer by the defendant, she did lose consciousness due to the extreme pain. Victim later came to consciousness and discovered bruising on the left side of her face which was not there prior to her being struck with a hammer.”
A person is guilty of assault in the second degree when:
With the intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes such injury to such person or to a third person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument.
The defendant was arraigned in Elmsford Village Court before Judge Alphonse Naclerio on December 2, 2022. The attorney for the Westchester County Special Prosecutions Division asked for bail – “$20K cash, $40K bond, $50K partially secured bond at 10% - but the defendant was instead released on his own recognizance.” The court issued orders of protection for the victim and her family. The relationship between Barerra and the victim is unknown.
Barerra is suspended from the Scarsdale Police Department, however no specifics were provided about when his suspension began. According to a press release from the Scarsdale Police dated December 16, 2022, “On December 2, 2022, an off-duty Scarsdale Police Officer was arrested and charged with Assault 2nd Degree by the Village of Elmsford Police Department. The officer remains suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case. Inquiries relative to the arrest are to be directed to the Elmsford Police Department.”
We asked Scarsdale Village Manager Rob Cole for the Village’s policy on advising the public in a case involving a Village employee and he said, “Because of the privileged and confidential natures of active personnel matters and ongoing criminal investigations, public communication strategies are informed by the advice of counsel and the status of the matter being processed.”
We also asked Cole if the Village Police Commissioner, Trustee Jonathan Lewis, was advised about the suspension, and this is Cole’s response: “As Trustee Lewis explained, the chief reports directly to the village manager from a management and operational perspective, while the role of the chair of the public safety pillar, and police commissioner, is focused on strategic planning issues. As such, a report would not have been provided to him individually in his role as Police Commissioner. More generally, however, and in consultation with our labor counsel, the entire Village Board is provided privileged and confidential information about personnel matters when circumstances warrant."
Barrera is represented by attorney John D. Pappalardo who said, "Officer Barrera denies the allegations against him and we are confident that the criminal charges will be dismissed."
Barrera was inducted into the Scarsdale Police force in October 2020, and previously worked for Mt. Vernon Police for two years.
