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Written by Vivian Zweig

Published: 09 May 2023

Created: 09 May 2023

Last Updated: 09 May 2023

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On Wednesday, May 3^rd, the Scarsdale community was proud to celebrate students who have demonstrated exemplary achievements, academic excellence, and service to the community at the 2023 annual Scarsdale High School Awards Ceremony. Principal Kenneth Bonamo delivered the night’s opening remarks and was delighted to honor and recognize students who have personified the school’s motto, non sibi—not for oneself alone. The students selected to receive awards personify this motto for the leadership positions that they have assumed within the community and their efforts to make the world a better place.

Awards were distributed by the leaders of Scarsdale High School’s academic departments in the following disciplines: English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, Music and Performing Arts, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages. Students were also recognized for demonstrating qualities valued by the Scarsdale community—kindness, compassion, and tenacity.

Dr. Karine Schaefer, the Department Chair of the English Department, was proud to distribute the Brown University, Harvard University, Princeton University, and Audrey McGinn Creative Writing awards to those who have not only demonstrated a love of literature but also the ability to synthesize and communicate complex ideas and analyses with a degree of sophistication beyond their years. Dr. Schaefer distributed the Audrey McGinn Created Writing Award to Abby Ruth Michaelis, a gifted writer, and poet, who commands the attention of her readers through a striking sense of voice and with breath-taking turns of phrase. Michaelis recently drew inspiration from Frankenstein to write a ghost story that rivals the works of Mary Shelley and Lord Byron, capturing the complexities and vulnerabilities of human behavior.

Next, Dina Hofstetter and Debra Asher-Zitrin distributed the Excellence in Visual Arts 2D, Excellence in Visual Arts 3D, Media, Friends of Music & the Arts Elisa Draper Art History, and the Friends of the Music & the Arts Permanent Collection awards to students gifted with special enthusiasm and talent for the Fine Arts. The Elisa Draper Art History Award celebrates the memory of Elisa Draper, a fifth-grade teacher at Quaker Ridge Elementary School who touched the lives of hundreds and who is remembered as a cherished member of our community. Tobey Rosewater was the proud recipient of this award for his scholarship and budding enthusiasm for art history.

Ms. Asher-Zitrin and Elisa Forte, the District Coordinator of Music & Performing Arts, were thrilled to distribute the Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Music & Performing Arts Department, Friends of Music & the Arts Drama awards to several young, skilled, and devoted musicians for their outstanding commitments to the Music & Performing Arts and the Scarsdale community. The Orchestra Awards was given to Andre Couto, the Master of the Concert and Chamber ensembles. Couto recently performed at Lincoln Center, and his contribution to our community’s Music and Performing Arts programs has been inspiring.

Maureen Ellison-Connolly, the Department Chair of Mathematics, Computer Science, and STEAM, was delighted to recognize the achievements of the talented young men and women of this community who demonstrate tremendous creativity, superior problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of mathematical thought. The Rensselaer Mathematics & Science, Technical Services, and Math Faculty awards were distributed to students who embodied these qualities. Leon Rhode received the Rensselaer Award for his participation in specialized quantum computing courses and outstanding performance at many mathematics competitions.

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Nicole Pisano, the Department Chair of the Science Department, recognized the achievements of bright and creative students who demonstrated a commitment and passion to science and the ability to conduct cutting-edge research projects in their respective fields. Ms. Pisano awarded the Excellence in Science, Excellence in Research, Bausch & Lomb, and the Science Department Faculty awards to students who have exemplified these qualities and tirelessly strive to improve their understanding of the natural world. Cindy DeDianous was awarded the Excellence in Science award for not only her ability to think critically and draw connections between the realms of science but also for being our first finalist at Regeneron STS, a highly competitive and prestigious science research competition for her exemplary research on diabetic retinopathy, a condition that may result in vision loss and blindness in diabetic patients.

Following Ms. Pisano, Jen Maxwell, the Department Chair of the Social Studies department, awarded students who display a passion for social studies inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Maxwell announced the Social Studies Achievement, Excellence in Social Studies, and Social Studies Faculty awards to diligent students, who bring perspectives and knowledge that enrich the learning experience of the classroom. Isabelle Goldban received the Social Studies Faculty award for her exemplary performance in multiple Social Studies electives, where she is always willing to take a contrarian position to challenge her peers to think critically.

Mary Leech, the Department Chair of the World Languages Department, distributed the French, Latin, Mandarin, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, and World Languages Department awards to talented students who have demonstrated curiosity and mastery of language. These students not only rapidly engage with new content and synthesize eloquent and thought-provoking responses, but display a high regard for diversity, skills fundamental in today’s world. Amanda Nudelman received the Spanish Language Award for her mastery of the language, both written and spoken. Thomas DiLorenzo was given the Latin Award, not only for his easy and effortless use of the language but also for using his skills to contribute to the community. DiLorenzo has spent countless hours tutoring young, often disadvantaged students, in Latin for several years.

Finally, students demonstrating tenacity, kindness, and resilience were recognized for their contributions to the school and local community by various members of the Counseling Department and other prominent members of our community. Dean Iosepovici, Counseling Department Chair, gave the Counseling Department Award to Oleksandr Romanenko. Romanenko’s life was turned upside-down by the war in Ukraine, which forced him to flee his home and seek safety. He arrived alone at Scarsdale, where he is staying with family, and was recognized for his incredible strength, courage, and tenacity.

Mr. Bonamo closed the evening by recognizing two students who have offered great service to our community with diligence and distinction. Carly Gelles was the recipient of the Faculty Award for her thirst for knowledge and exemplary achievements, among them mastery of Spanish, Latin, Mandarin, and American Sign Language and outstanding performances in Speech and Debate. Over the summer, Gelles worked as a counselor at Gallaudet University, a private research university for the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. There, she taught children American Sign Language, and even received her own sign name, “Eyelashes.” Receiving a sign name is considered a gift and an honor and demonstrates acceptance into the Deaf community. 

Varun Bansal, recipient of the Principal's Award Varun Bansal received the Principal’s Award for his contributions to the school and local community during his time serving as School President. According to Bonamo, Bansal was “compassionate, analytical, and energetic.” However, his reach extended far beyond the typical student leader role. Bansal pioneered the creation of the school’s team for the Wharton High School Investment Competition, founded the DECA club, and volunteers at a local community center, helping residents file their tax returns.

Below is a comprehensive list of the evening’s awards and recipients:

English 

Brown University Award - Natasha Pereira

Harvard University Award - Sebastian A. Verrelli

Princeton University Award - Anna Mone

Audrey McGinn Creative Writing Award - Abby Ruth Michaelis

Fine Arts 

Excellence in Visual Arts 2D Awards - Orly Iris Kornstein & Olivia Liu

Excellence in Visual Arts 3D Award - Anna L. Toscano

Media Award - Joseph M. DiMartino

Friends of Music & the Arts Elisa Draper Art History Award -Tobias Rosewater

Friends of Music & the Arts Permanent Collection Award - Leila E. M. Kerr

Mathematics 

Rensselaer Mathematics & Science Award - Leon Rode

Technical Services Award - Andrew I. Lewis

Math Faculty Awards - Jackson Thomas Fielding & Matthew Zhao

Music & Performing Arts 

Band Award - Isaac B. Wood

Chorus Award - Steven C. Su

Orchestra Award - Andre A. Tsou

Music & Performing Arts Department Award - Hyunjin Lee

Friends of Music & the Arts Drama Award - Eliot I. McClafferty

Science 

Excellence in Science Award - Ali El Moselhy

Excellence in Research Award - Jaden V. Tepper

University of Rochester - Bausch & Lomb Award - Kevin Daniel

Science Department Faculty Awards - Cindy Y. DeDianous, Tyler H. Handler & Sebastian A. Verrelli

Social Studies 

Social Studies Achievement Award - Ivanna O. Nwokeji

Excellence in Social Studies Awards - Jesse Green & Lana Weiser

Social Studies Faculty Awards - Isabelle J. Goldban & Daniel Rublin

World Languages 

French Award - Hyunjin Lee

Latin Award - Thomas D. DiLorenzo

Mandarin Award - Estelle J. D’Alessio

Spanish Language Award - Amanda D. Nudelman

Spanish Literature Award - Mason Y. Lau

World Languages Department Award - Carly S. Gelles

School Wide Awards 

Steve Corbin Academic Success Award - Nathaniel P. Lewis

Casey Ferrone Memorial Award - Elizabeth L. Wachs

Counseling Department Award - Oleksandr Romanenko

Junior Scholarship & Service Award - Maya Vora

Junior Academic Excellence Award - Nina Maor

Yale Book Award - Kyle Pidedjian

The Scarsdale Inquirer Awards - Jade D'Agostino & Irene Li

Judith E. Weil Kindness Award - Alexandra C. Schwartz

Scarsdale Rotary Club Awards - Jedd D. Frydman & Rose Kinoshita

Retired Scarsdale Teachers’ Association Award - Daniel Rublin

Scarsdale Foundation Award - Matthew L. Barotz

Michael V. McGill Book Award - Anushka Kumar

NYS Comptroller's Student Achievement Award - Sophia M. Garcia

NYS Office of the Attorney General “Triple C” Awards - Riley E. Iasiello & Nicole Y. Zhou

Dartmouth College Award - Yuval Cherki

Halliday Clark, Sr. Memorial Award - Sebastian A. Verrelli

Billy Safian Humanitarian Award - Anna F. Feldstein

Scarsdale High School Faculty Award - Carly S. Gelles

Principal’s Award - Varun Bansal

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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 17 May 2023

Created: 17 May 2023

Last Updated: 17 May 2023

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Hunter SchultzOn Monday, May 22, 2023, Hunters CMT4B3 Research Foundation, will host its First Annual Golf Tournament, “Play Fore A Cure'' at the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York, to fund research for life-saving treatments for children and young adults with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease type 4B3. The sold-out event will host over 300 guests from our Westchester community.

In May of 2020, six year old Hunter Schultz, the grandson of Robin and Billy Schultz of Scarsdale, was diagnosed with CMT4B3. They were told there was no cure or treatment. CMT4B3 is a progressive neuromuscular disease, similar to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and ALS. CMT affects 3 million people worldwide, however it is ultra-rare for young children to have an early on-set of this disease. Children with CMT4B3 lose the ability to walk, limb deformities, the use of their hands and potentially their sight and/or hearing. Eventually the disease can compromise a patient's breathing, which can lead to premature death. Rather than sit back and watch their grandson and other children just like him deteriorate, they founded Hunters CMT4B3 Research Foundation to advance treatments for this disease.

In addition to the golf outing, there will be a ladies card party, vendors, dinner, live music and silent/live auction. They hope to raise substantial funds for research and development of treatments and a gene therapy. “We are overwhelmed by the love and support we are receiving, which enables us to spread awareness of this devastating neuromuscular disease.”

Their research efforts are highlighted in the current issue of The University of Miami Medicine Magazine, “DNA Detectives, a family’s journey to cure a rare genetic disease.” In less than 3 years, they have remarkably: hosted an International CMT4B3 Research Symposium, raised over $1,200,000.00 for research and development of treatments, assembled a renowned Scientific Advisory Board, listed as a Peripheral Nerve Society patient resource, developed disease models, mice, rats and zebrafish through National Institute of Health programs and contracted with laboratories and universities worldwide to find a cure!

WHEN: May 22, 2023 The Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York

FOLLOW: @hunt2cureCMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

For more information about the foundation please visit www.cmt4b3research.org.

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Written by Wendy MacMillan

Published: 02 May 2023

Created: 02 May 2023

Last Updated: 02 May 2023

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Heather WatersOnce again Scarsdale High School stands out as a vanguard in innovation and global education. On Friday April 28th, the SHS Design Lab and Steam Program hosted its first annual Global Entrepreneurship Challenge (GEC) inviting six other international teams to find solutions to universal problems that are experienced around the world.

The program, spearheaded by SHS teachers Heather Waters and Lisa Yokana, used the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which “provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” as inspiration and a framework for the student’s work. Using the seventeen sustainable goals as guidance, students were encouraged to find a local issue and work in a team to find realistic solutions. According to Waters and Yokana, the teams from each school met with one another throughout the problem-solving process to share their thoughts about the issues at hand, and to exchange local perspectives and cultural norms.

Also during the process, students were given the opportunity to pitch their solutions to an array of expert mentors (including U.N. representatives) for commentary and feedback before the final submission and presentation. These experts included:

Amir A. Dossal- President, Global Partnerships Forum- Distinguished Fellow, Health & Healthcare, World Economic Forum

Anna M. Polomska-Risler -Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development

Will Kennedy- Senior Program Officer, United Nations Office for Partnerships

Khalid Elachi- Executive Director of MCW Global Education in under resourced communities

Oliver Libby- The Resolution Project Entrepreneur

Joan Ai– Founder, Prepared Child- Co-Founder, Blanchard House Institute

Joan Dulitz- Teacher of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairment

Michelle Sterling- Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council-Sustainability Mentor

Ron Schulhof -Scarsdale Conservation Advisory Council-Sustainability Mentor

Jonathan Hooper- Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment

Fast FashionThe Austin Eco Bilingual School
First to present their idea to the audience, was The Austin Eco Bilingual School who traveled to Scarsdale all the way from Argentina. The team of six high school students began by detailing the problems with “fast fashion” and the detrimental impact it has on our environment. According to the team, fast fashion contributes to 10% of global co2 emissions, 85% of garbage, and 20% of global water pollution. Their solution was to create a program starting at their own school called Upcycle: Reduce Your Fashion Footprint. The team created an app that creates a centralized process and allows people to quickly and easily resell their used clothing. The team from Argentina had great success with their app and program at the Austin Eco Bilingual School and hope to expand it to the rest of their community and beyond.

Let’s Swap
Next to deliver their presentation was the Uccellis Team from Italy, who attended the event via Zoom. The Uccellis Team describe the problem they were trying to tackle by stating, “High school students don’t have enough academic support: supplies have a huge economic toll on them and their families and they aren’t very sustainable, the need for extra school tutoring courses adds to the economic impact.” To minimize this economic and environmental toll, the team from Italy created “Let’s Swap” a website that “improves quality education by sustainably providing and facilitating academic support exchanges between high school students.” The website allows students to connect with other students and communicate about what they would like to exchange. The website provides users with a variety of options including school supplies, textbooks, tutoring, and other miscellaneous materials. In closing, the team shared that they hope to “provide all students with the opportunity to learn and to have access to books and online tutoring.”

Ron Schulhof providing praise and feedback to the teamsAlways There
The BPK Penabur Team, from Indonesia, also joined the event via Zoom. This team created an app to provide users with various safety features that coordinate to emergency services wherever they happen to be in the world. They named the app Artemis, which the team related means “Always There” in ancient Greek. The App, which can be used in several different languages, includes components like maps and tracking services, emergency numbers for whichever country you are in, important news headlines, and online education to teach users safety techniques and self-defense. Artemis was designed to help prevent abductions so in addition to tracking services and links to call local emergency services, users can fill out a missing person report right in the app.

Heartbeat in a Box
The Bolles School from Jacksonville, FL., also made the trek to Scarsdale to present their GEC idea in person. This team aims to help homeless people by providing them with medical supplies and pamphlets in a portable, sustainable bag which they dubbed, “Heartbeat in a Box”. As the team explained in their presentation, healthcare is a basic human right that many of the 150 million homeless people in the world don’t have access to…a situation the Bolles Team hopes to help remedy. Each “Heartbeat in a Box” includes pamphlets in multiple languages that help decode medical jargon and have simple visual instructions. The bags, created for the homeless population in Jacksonville, also contain eco-friendly bug spray, sunscreen, homemade soap sheets, gauze and tape, led lights and an alarm system for dangerous situations. While these bags were designed with the specific needs of the Jacksonville population in mind, the Bolles Team also interviewed coordinators of a shelter in the northeast so they would be able to adapt the bags for homeless people in various climates who might have different needs.

The Uccellis Team from Italy Table Tunes
Our hometown SHS team, (Henry Nova, Chelsea Berson, Daphne Boockvar and Alex Tretler), aims to help students with fine-motor skill issues have better access to playing instruments and enjoying music lessons like their peers. As the team explained, most musical instruments are created for able-bodied people who own fine-motor dexterity, preventing many impaired students from enjoying the benefits of learning how to play music; benefits like reduced stress and improved cognitive function. To help alleviate this disparity, the SHS Team invented a musical device they call Table Tunes. To ensure that they built a thoughtful and appropriate musical device, the team met with music and special education teachers from Scarsdale and further abroad. With advice from these experts, they were able to produce an easy to use, ergonomical, and sustainable device that helps to bring smiles, joy, and a sense of connection to its users. Another key element of Team SHS’ Table Tunes idea is that they published instructions to recreate the device online, allowing anyone with internet access to replicate Table Tunes, truly making the idea accessible to all.

Cerita Plastik The Bolles Team from Florida
To close out this amazing event another team from Indonesia, The Binus School, joined virtually to present their solution to the “significant and persistent problem of plastic waste that poses a threat to the environment and human well-being”. To combat this problem, the Binus Team developed Cerita Plastik, an upcycling program, “Where waste turns into treasure and dreams turn into reality.” As they describe, “our goal is to convey stories through plastic creations and contribute to the existing government programs on waste management.” Some of the products the team plans to create include stylish brooches, bags and pocketbooks, and even furniture.

With its motto of “Non-Sibi” (not for self, but for others), the Scarsdale district continuously messages the importance of listening, collaborating, and demonstrating respect for other perspectives and cultures…but the Global Entrepreneurship Challenge was a powerful opportunity for students to practice these important life-skills in real time. Every one of the impressive teams that showcased their hard work, was poised, well-spoken, and demonstrated a sense of professionalism far beyond their years. The ingenuity, resourcefulness, and dedication to this year-long project was on full display during each presentation.

The team from Scarsdale High School presented "Table Tunes"Heather Waters who said the event was “a great opportunity to connect with the larger global community and to recognize that we all face the same issues” was too humble to highlight that her own hard work and dedication to this project saw her honored with the Global Expression and Thought Prize for the Entrepreneurship Challenge curriculum which she developed in partnership with Lisa Yokana.