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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 14 May 2026

Created: 14 May 2026

Last Updated: 15 May 2026

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Erica German is running as an independent candidate for the Scarsdale School Board. Before the election on May 19, she agreed to an interview to allow readers to learn more about her. See what she said below:

Please introduce yourself to Scarsdale residents.

My name is Erica German and I’ve been a Scarsdale resident and volunteer leader in our schools for 18 years. I currently serve as President of Scarsdale’s Parent-Teacher Council (PTC), the District-wide organization that connects all seven school PTAs. I’ve also served on the Quaker Ridge PTA Executive Committee twice, first as VP of Class Parents and then as President. I am running for the Board of Education as a private citizen, not in my role as PTC President.

My husband, Jonathan Potack, and I are the parents of four children–currently in 4th grade, 9th grade, and college, with our oldest graduating from college this year. In fact, this is my 17th consecutive year as a Scarsdale elementary school parent!

All four have attended Scarsdale schools, from Heathcote and Quaker Ridge through the Middle School and High School. Having children across a wide range of ages has given me a real-time view into the student experience at every level, from elementary school through the college admissions process at SHS. Our family has also had experience with special education services in Scarsdale schools, which has been an important part of our journey.

Professionally, I’m a practicing psychiatrist. I work with individuals, couples, and families, helping people navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and support their children. That perspective–listening carefully, understanding different viewpoints, and working collaboratively to solve problems–is something I would bring to the Board of Education if voters elect me.

How long have you lived in town and what do you value about the community?

My family’s connection to Scarsdale spans generations–my mother-in-law attended Scarsdale schools 70 years ago, graduating from Scarsdale High School in 1961, and my husband graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1994. My husband and I moved here in 2008, after completing our medical training at Mount Sinai Medical Center, when our oldest son was four years old.

Like many families, we came for the schools–but what has kept us here is the community. Over the past 18 years, we’ve built wonderful friendships and watched our children grow through an outstanding school system. We enjoy all that the Village of Scarsdale offers, including the pool, rec sports, the summer camp program, and the library.

I am so appreciative of all the people who work behind the scenes to make our Village clean, safe, and beautiful. There’s a real sense of care and responsiveness here, whether it’s in our schools or across Village services.

Even small interactions–like working with the Department of Public Works on a recent tree planting in front of my home–reflect a level of thoughtfulness and care that makes this community special.

This combination of excellent schools, engaged families, and a responsive, supportive Village is what makes Scarsdale such a special place to live.

You have had years of volunteer experience in town. Tell us about your roles, some of the initiatives you worked on – and anything you were proud to be a part of.

I first became involved in the Scarsdale school community in 2009 as a class parent and a Heathcote garden volunteer. Over time, I’ve taken on a range of PTA leadership roles at both Heathcote and Quaker Ridge, including serving as Quaker Ridge VP Class Parents, and then Quaker Ridge PTA President.

I now serve as President of Scarsdale’s District-wide Parent-Teacher Council. I work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators across committees including CHILD (special education parent support/advisory program), technology, safety, student wellness, belonging, and food services.

This role has given me a broad view of Scarsdale Public Schools priorities, as well as the opportunity to listen carefully to community concerns and bring those perspectives into ongoing conversations with Dr. Patrick, his team, and the School Board.

One area on which I’ve focused is academics, particularly the elementary math curriculum. I’ve worked to ask thoughtful questions, shared parent feedback with Dr. McIntosh and Dr. Patrick, arranged group forums as well as individual meetings between parents and Dr. McIntosh, and helped move conversations with District leadership toward solutions. As the parent of a fourth grader, I can appreciate parents’ concerns and questions regarding this issue.

As PTC President-Elect, last year, I worked collaboratively on a very important initiative at the high school: the introduction of an online grade portal. After hearing consistent feedback from students and families about the need for clearer, more accessible information about academic progress, I worked with the SHS PTA, Dr. Patrick, teacher representatives, parents, and students to advocate for this change.

I’m also proud of the work I’ve done to build community and foster inclusivity in Scarsdale schools. At Quaker Ridge, I helped organize three large-scale community-building events designed not just for students, but also to create meaningful connections among parents. Sometimes this bridge-building work is large-scale, but sometimes even the small gestures matter–like something as simple as encouraging nametags at events to make it easier for people to connect.

Another meaningful contribution for me was during COVID. I served on the District’s Mental Health Restart Committee, through which I was able to contribute both as a parent and as a psychiatrist. At the same time, I volunteered as a COVID vaccinator in Westchester County, spending 300 hours administering more than 2,000 vaccines to adults and children. In a personal capacity, I also helped local families and Scarsdale employees including teachers, school bus drivers, and sanitation staff navigate vaccine access during a very challenging time. Also during that time, I volunteered through the Physician Support Line, a national free hotline offering support by phone for physicians dealing with the stress of working through a pandemic.

Across all of these roles, what I’m most proud of is the opportunity to listen, to connect people, and to help move ideas forward in a collaborative and constructive way.

What professional skills do you bring to the Board of Education?Erica German

As a psychiatrist, my core professional skill is listening–carefully, objectively, and with the goal of helping patients develop a new or deeper understanding of an issue. I ask clarifying questions to help patients make sense of complex issues, and we work together to find solutions.

Those skills translate directly to what I believe I would bring to serving the community as a member of the School Board. In my PTA/C roles, I’ve often worked with groups that include multiple stakeholders with different or conflicting views. As a psychiatrist, I have professional training in leading groups. I strive to facilitate discussions in such a way that all participants can voice opinions and ask questions, making sure people feel heard, while also helping keep discussions focused, respectful, and moving forward.

I’m also trained to manage conflict constructively. I stay calm under pressure, think before I respond, and aim to communicate clearly and respectfully, even in challenging situations. At the same time, I’m not hesitant to ask tough questions and I share my perspective when it’s needed.

In addition to my clinical work, I teach first-year medical students communication skills, including how to navigate sensitive conversations, how to work collaboratively as a team, and how to handle disagreement productively. Those are the same skills that would support effective Scarsdale Public Schools governance and strong working relationships with District leadership and the range of stakeholders in the community.

As a physician, I also bring a deep understanding of student well-being, which I see as requisite to Board work focused on learning and success in Scarsdale Public Schools.

Lastly, as a psychiatrist my hours are flexible, with a part-time patient load. I would be available for the full range of School Board-related meetings and school visits, both during the day and in the evenings. I am accustomed to balancing my career and my school volunteer commitments for the PTC President role.

Overall, I believe that my professional skills would inform a thoughtful, collaborative approach to addressing Scarsdale Public Schools issues, grounded in listening, respect, and a focus on moving the work forward in a productive way.

As a parent, what do you feel are the strengths of the Scarsdale schools? What, if anything, would you like to see changed or improved?

As a parent with children who have gone through each of the three levels of the District, across multiple schools, and as a longtime parent volunteer and leader engaged with school-building and District-wide leadership, I’ve seen firsthand what Scarsdale does exceptionally well. The quality of teaching is strong, class sizes allow for real engagement, and there are meaningful structures like the middle school house model that support students socially as well as academically. At the high school level, the breadth of course offerings is outstanding–my older children were able to discover their interests and even potential career paths through electives and advanced coursework. I have also had the opportunity with my own children to experience first-hand some of the District’s very important special education programs.

Beyond academics, the extracurricular opportunities are exceptional, and our facilities continue to be thoughtfully maintained and improved. For example, the recent auditorium upgrade has created incredible opportunities for students involved in theater and technical arts. I also value the District’s commitment to student well-being, with generally strong access to counseling and mental health support.

At the same time, having been very engaged in Scarsdale Public Schools for many years, I recognize that it’s important to continue critically evaluating our program and improving.
For example, there are ongoing discussions around AP versus AT course offerings, and I think that’s an area where continued evaluation is important, particularly given how AP credit can impact students’ college pathways.

As the parent of a Scarsdale elementary-school student, with three other children who also attended Scarsdale elementary schools, I understand first-hand the frustrations about the math curriculum, and I would urge continued review, engagement with the parent community, and consideration of changes.

I’m also very focused on how Scarsdale schools approach technology. The landscape has changed dramatically, especially with the rise of AI. I think we need thoughtful, balanced policies in Scarsdale—with policymaking a responsibility of the Board of Education—that allow us to take advantage of new tools while still prioritizing critical thinking, communication, and strong foundational skills. It’s important to limit overuse of screens while ensuring students have safe, thoughtful access to technology that prepares them for college and careers.

Overall, I see a school district with tremendous strengths but ample room for improvement. I firmly believe that we in Scarsdale should always be asking how we can do even better. That belief has continually guided my years of active engagement in Scarsdale Public Schools as parent volunteer and leader. My goal would be to build on our foundation while continuing to listen, ask hard questions, apply independent critical thinking, adapt, and improve where needed.

Why did you decide to run for school board at this time?

I decided to run for the Board of Education at this time because I feel ready to contribute in a direct and impactful way. Through my work as PTC President, and more generally during my 17 years of engagement in the District, I’ve built relationships across all seven schools and with District leadership. I’ve developed a deep, textured understanding of the issues facing our schools. I’ve attended nearly all public Board of Education meetings over the past two years (and many BOE meetings prior to these two years, as Quaker Ridge PTA President and otherwise). This has given me a clear view of how the School Board, Administration, building leadership, and faculty operate.

I’ve found this work in Scarsdale Public Schools deeply meaningful. I derive fulfillment from listening to different perspectives, working through complex issues, drawing on my experience, and helping move conversations toward thoughtful solutions. Serving on the Board feels like it would be a natural next step—an opportunity to continue that work, but with a broader responsibility for oversight, policy, budgeting, and long-term planning.

I believe I can step into the role ready to meaningfully contribute on day one. Most importantly, I see Board of Education service as a way to continue to serve the schools and community that has given so much to my family over many decades.

Share any thoughts about Scarsdale’s non-partisan election system.

Scarsdale’s non-partisan election system, including the SBNC process, has a long history in this community and is designed to encourage thoughtful candidate selection and broad civic engagement. The SBNC Resolution provides that SBNC members should focus on potential nominees’ experience and qualification for Board of Education service. I respect the work that SBNCs have done over the years, and the many community members who have volunteered their time to participate in it.

This year, I put my hat in the ring for nomination by the SBNC and was not nominated. It appears that the committee deprioritized prior experience with and active engagement in the School District. I can’t speak to why that was the case. That said, going through the process did not change my belief that I have the experience, perspective, commitment, and available time to serve effectively on the Board of Education.

On a personal level, this decision is also meaningful to me as a parent. I want my four children to see that if you care deeply about something and believe you can contribute, it’s worth continuing to step forward, even if the first path doesn’t work out.

Ultimately, I decided to run independently because I believe there is value, this year, in giving all Scarsdale voters the opportunity to engage in the election of candidates for the two open seats. In a sense, I view my independent run as somewhat analogous to the independent runs of Pam Fuehrer and Alison Singer, in 2018 and 2021.

I see myself as participating in a democratic process in a constructive and respectful way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of that conversation with the community.

In your view, what are the biggest challenges facing the Scarsdale Schools?

In my view, a fundamental challenge is ensuring that curriculum and instructional decisions reflect meaningful community engagement. Families care deeply about their children’s learning. It is important to have transparent communication between families and the District, and for parent feedback to be genuinely considered.

Relatedly, I believe that one of the biggest ongoing challenges facing Scarsdale schools is finding the right balance around technology—both in how we use it to enhance learning and how we manage its impact on students’ lives outside the classroom.

During the COVID pandemic a few years ago, the Scarsdale community saw how essential technology was for continuity of learning. Since then, the conversation has appropriately shifted. Families are now focused on questions of screen time, smartphones, social media, and how schools can partner with parents to support healthy boundaries. As a parent of four, I understand how real those challenges are in daily life. Through my work on the PTC Technology Committee and engagement with Dr. Patrick, his cabinet, and principals, I’ve also seen the value of strong collaboration between families and the District in promoting appropriate digital use and digital safety.

Overall, I see the Board’s role as helping to navigate these complex issues by listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and ensuring that School District decisions reflect both educational expertise and the experiences of students and families.

Each year it seems to be more difficult to craft a budget that stays within the tax cap and funds the program. What to do?

It is increasingly challenging for Scarsdale to both stay within the State tax cap and fully sustain all of Scarsdale’s current education program, let alone advance the program over time. This challenge is linked to rising inflation and increased expenses, including rising healthcare costs.

The tax cap provides a benchmark, but budgeting to it can lead to trade-offs in preserving some of the hallmarks of a Scarsdale education–such as small class sizes, strong middle school structures like the house system, and robust course offerings at the high school.

I think the Board’s responsibility is first to look carefully for efficiencies and savings while being dedicated to sustaining the student experience in Scarsdale (in terms of academics, student supports, and extracurricular opportunities). We should continue to use reserves and other fund balance thoughtfully and strategically–not as a long-term solution, but as a way to manage volatility. It should be a priority to maintain a healthy fund balance, which is a key component allowing us to maintain a strong credit rating, leading to more favorable interest rates on our bond issuances.

That said, the Board needs to be transparent with the community about what is possible within the tax cap framework, and what trade-offs may exist. Ultimately if maintaining hallmarks of a Scarsdale-quality experience requires additional spending beyond what the tax cap allows, the Board should share this information with the community in a clear way and consider providing the community that option, as the District did successfully with the 2024-2025 budget.

Please comment on the recent antisemitic incident and the District’s and Board’s response?

The recent incidents of antisemitism were deeply painful for many in our community and prompted strong emotions and difficult conversations across Scarsdale. The incidents also highlighted how quickly situations like this can polarize a community, and how important it is to respond thoughtfully, carefully, and with a focus on bringing people together.

I come to this issue with a very personal family history. My grandparents were Holocaust survivors. My grandmother was deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1943 and survived transfers between multiple concentration camps before liberation in 1945. My grandfather also survived imprisonment in multiple concentration camps after losing his first wife and children in the Holocaust. After the war, my grandparents met in a displaced persons camp in Austria, where my father was born. This history is a profound part of my family story, and informs how seriously I take issues of antisemitism and hate.

In responding to incidents like this, I believe schools have an important responsibility in two areas: discipline and education. There must be clear, consistent, and firm enforcement of the student code of conduct so that behavior is addressed appropriately and expectations are understood.

At the same time, we need to ensure that students are learning about respect and the impact of words and actions on others.

Situations like this are extremely difficult, especially in a school environment, involving children, and they underscore the importance of helping young people learn how to navigate disagreement, emotion, and accountability in constructive ways.

If voters elect me to the School Board, I would support continued emphasis on programming, education, and faculty development that emphasizes respect, understanding of the diversity of the Scarsdale community, and a strong sense of belonging for all students. I also believe it is essential that the administration, principals, and the School Board are very thoughtful and decisive when these incidents occur, communicate clearly to Scarsdale parents and the community at large, and work to bring the community together during challenging moments.

Ultimately, our goal should be to ensure that every student and family feels safe, respected, and valued, and that our schools remain a place where difficult issues are addressed with both firmness and care.

If you do serve, what are your hopes for the schools in the next six years?

During my time as the Quaker Ridge PTA President-Elect, the District developed the “Scarsdale High School Profile of a Graduate,” centered on five core attributes: Critical Thinker, Skillful Practitioner, Lifelong Learner, Compassionate Leader, and “Non-Sibi” Community Member

As a Board Member, I would use this profile as a benchmark, asking whether our current programs, curriculum, and student experiences at each level reflect those goals for how Scarsdale students develop from K-12, culminating in graduation from SHS.

I hope that we can continue to provide an excellent K-12 student experience grounded in strong academics, meaningful opportunities, and a supportive environment for every child.

Teaching and learning must evolve, responding to a changing world and also to community feedback. We must focus not only on what students know, but also on how they develop as critical independent thinkers who can collaborate with others, and make meaningful contributions to their community. We must carry out this work in a financially responsible, sustainable way while making appropriate investments in Scarsdale schools, so we can maintain educational excellence for the benefit of Scarsdale children for decades to come.

Learn more at at www.ericagerman10583.com.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 13 May 2026

Created: 13 May 2026

Last Updated: 21 May 2026

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In a joyous and time-honored tradition, Scarsdale High School held their academic achievement and service awards ceremony on Tuesday May 7, 2026. SHS Principal Ken Bonamo hosted the event, commenting, “We are struggling as educators and as a society to understand what the world will be like in the era of AI. Soon we will look to you to solve these problems…. I know you will take the initiative…. We are excited at what the future holds for you.”

Ravi Vora and Principal Bonamo.With that he turned the mic over to department heads and community leaders to announce over 40 awards, with some students honored two and even three times.

English Department Chair Karine Schaefer spoke eloquently about the honorees.

About Katherine Grace Simpson, one of two winners of the English Department awards, she said, Katherine “wrote with maturity,” and demonstrated a “surprising use of language.” She “combines an old soul with modern literature,” and read extra Shakespeare plays to understand allusions to Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.”

Esha Mehta, also took home the English Department Faculty Award. Schaefer said she “reads with empathy and delight,” and “analyzes the nuances of complex text,” “demonstrates a keen ability to appreciate the complexities of the human experience,” and published a dozen poems in the literary magazine Jabberwocky. In an essay about the process of applying to college she wrote, “between crossing out and daring to keep, I found my voice.”

Anish Mehta.The Harvard University award went to Salma Sherrell who “derives joy from reading, comes to class early and stays late and loves to drop by teacher’s offices to “talk about books.” “She can dwell on each line, image and sound,” and “tackled the Harlem Renaissance on her own.”

Jabberwocky Editor Mer Goh was given the Audrey McGinn Writing Award. Schaefer said, “She is always writing,” and has “constructed several books of poetry.” She “prefers to read her words out loud,” and “her work is breathtaking.” “Her poems fuse vivid surreal imagery with a natural ear for sounds and rhythms.”

Next up was Eve Eisenstadt, Chair of the Fine Arts Department.

She presented the Excellence in Visual Arts 2D art to Ella Hurwitz, calling out her “refined sense of design,” Eisenstadt said that Hurwitz “explores, refines and executes her ideas with precision.” She called her a true visionary and a vital member of our classroom community.”

Audrey Li, Katherine Simpson, and Esha Mehta.The Excellence in Visual Arts 3D award went to Iliriana Mary Ramsey for her sculpting, drawing, painting and crocheting. Her “dedication shows, and “she offers guidance and encouragement to others.”

Mia Bornstein won the Excellence in Media Arts Award for “joyfully depicting childhood.” She is an “accomplished filmmaker, an award winning writer and is at home in the dream world of film.”

The FMA Excellence in Design Award went to Maya O’Doherty. Eisenstadt said Maya has a “powerful and authentic voice,” and “used drawing and painting as a personal language to express thoughts.” She has a “distinctive perspective that is unmistakenly hers.”

Last, the Art Department Permanent Collection Award, which is given to a student who produces work that will remain at SHS, was given to Andrew Mandel, whose work “awakens your senses.” Eisenstadt said Mandel was a “generous and enthusiastic presence,” with a “mastery of materials.”

Hana "Rune" Coulson and Iliriana Ramsey.Maureen Connolly, Chair of the Math Department presented faculty awards to four students.

She credited Nathan Tao for being an inquisitive and critical thinker who understood concepts across disciplines and led the robotics team to their first international competition.

In addition to earning the highest scores in his math classes, Shiven Manohar Lal Sood’s “actions make him stand out, helping others to make important connections and solve proofs and messy problems.”

Neil Sriram “produced work of the highest order and has the gifts of a genuine math researcher.” “He has incredible ability and natural curiosity,” and “loves math for the sake of math itself.”

Connolly said “Yutong Wang is one of the most gifted math students I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has an innate ability to think critically and come up with a solution in an elegant manner…. She is truly unparalleled.”

Six awards were granted in Music and Performing Arts by Chair Lisa Forte.

The Band Award for musicality, leadership, and service to the schools was given to Sofia Corriggio who plays the piccolo and flute and is “musically ambitious and unafraid of new challenges.”

Nathan Tao and Brian Zhao.Alexander Sharp, a vocal leader in the tenor and bass sections of the choir and a member of chamber choir who represented Scarsdale at NYSSMA all state competitions in his junior year, won the Choir Award.

The Orchestra Award for dedication, leadership and impact on the music community went to Audrey Li who is a violist in the orchestra, the President of TRI-M and performed in the young artist series at Lincoln Center.

Technical Studies Award went to Hana “Rune” Coulson for “passion and dedication, drive, technical curiosity and creative spirit.” The awardee “blended mermaids to bring us under the sea.”

Faye O’Gorman took home the FMA Drama Award. Forte said, “Her true love has been props…magic wands, teapots, her creativity has known no bounds. She loaned her organizational skills to the Drama Club, quietly contributing and being a presence behind the scenes.”

The Music and Performing Arts Department Award went to Evie Schiff who is company manager of the Drama Club, a section leader in the choir program and in the orchestra. She performed as Scuttle in the Little Mermaid and was called a “team player.”

Alexander Sharp and family.Science Department Chair Nicole Pisano presented awards to four students.

She called Ada Langford the “Center of the Science Olympiad team.” She demonstrated enthusiasm and kindness to the team who looked to her for guidance. She has a “collaborative spirit, uplifting members of the group and is a master at logistics.”

A Science Department Faculty Award went to Brian Zhao who she described as a “committed, loyal young man who fostered underclassmen and is a born leader, an excellent competitor and thoughtful decision maker.”

Another Science Department Faculty Award went to Kevin Dong who Pisano called a “true scientist who understands the complexities of analyzing problems.” He is “recognized by his teachers for Science Olympiad work and “developed academically and personally.” She remarked on Dong’s “sharp sense of humor” and said he “enjoys the process of learning.”

A researcher who understands collaboration and has a passion for discovery, Rachel Rakower took home a Science Department Faculty Award. Pisano said, “One could not ask for a student who is a better fit for the research program. She has gone above and beyond the expectations of the course. By participating in cutting edge research she engaged in content well beyond the scope of the course.”

Faye O’Gorman and family.Five Social Studies awards were announced by Chair Jenn Maxwell.

Camryn Culang won the Social Studies Achievement Award. According to Maxwell, she “showed outstanding growth, always striving to do her best work and giving every assignment her all.”

The Excellence in Social Studies Award went to Kate Simpson who Maxwell said was, “one of the most talented and insightful students” who “knows a lot about international economic and political issues. She lives, breathes history and politics.”

Another Social Studies Award was given to Ravi Vora who demonstrated a “true commitment to justice and equity on a global scale,” and won the Global Citizenship Day Award for his research on labor conditions.

A Department Faculty Award for deep personal interest in social studies was granted to Liam Maor, an officer for Model UN who did an internship at the Ukrainian mission in Brussels.

Arun Nayakkar also won a Social Studies Department Faculty Award for his understanding of the US Constitution. He established the Law Review Club and found a printer to publish their annual law review. Maxwell said, “he fosters productive discussions in class.”

World Language Department awards were announced by Department Chair Eliezer Espinosa.

He said that French Award winner Rachel Rakower “distinguished herself through quiet excellence, thoughtful engagement and a consistently high level of academic achievement.”

Camryn Culang.Latin Award winner Benjamin Cukierman “exemplifies the highest ideals of classical study, intellectual curiosity, scholarly rigor, independence of mind and a profound devotion to learning. He has distinguished himself not only through academic achievement but through the depth, sincerity and vitality of his engagement in the ancient world.”

Mandarin Award winner Hana “Rune” Coulson is “deeply dedicated, intellectually curious and consistently engaged.” Espinosa credited the award winner with “genuine interest not only in the language itself but also in the culture, perspectives and experiences that come with it.”

Spanish Awards went to two students. Madeline Wagg who “demonstrated unusual sophistication, nuance and control, listening carefully, reflecting deeply and continually pushing herself toward greater clarity, accuracy and expressive power.”

Anish Mehta was called a “truly exceptional student of Spanish.” He demonstrated a “remarkable understanding of authors such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his command of magical realism is especially impressive.” He brings an “optimistic, generous spirit to the classroom.” He won a Spanish Language Award.

The World Language Award was given to Rocio Alava Marino. “What sets her apart is not simply the quality of her work but the courage and integrity with which she approaches the learning process itself. She demonstrated “academic maturity and genuine character.”

Eileen Cagner, Chair of the Special Education Department announced the winner of the Steven Corbin Academic Success Award. Award winner Nicole Pierro displayed “remarkable resilience” and “chose the hard quiet work of returning to yourself.” She had the “courage to remain authentic.”

Evie Schiff and Benjamin Cukierman.In his final year as Director of Counseling, Dean Oren Iosepovici gave the Counseling Department Award to Zachary Rechschaffen for “success in the face of obstacles, resilience, kindness and perseverance.” He said, “he found his voice, taking risks and pushing himself out of his comfort zone in theater, music and athletics.” He has “compassion for others and is a “dedicated, empathetic individual.”

The Casey Ferrone Award honors a student who will pursue a career in education. This year’s award winner Isabella Marini has a love of learning, and a passion for working with children as a counselor and babysitter. She has an innate ability to connect with others, is empathetic and fosters a joyful environment.

The Halliday Clark Sr. Memorial Award Esha Mehta was called a “leader and an advocate” with a “passion for social impact.” Mehta “collaborated with state leaders on environmental legislation, was on the speech and debate team, cares for her community and exudes kindness.”

This year’s Scarsdale Rotary Awards were given to three students by Dan Gerardi. Noah Ng was praised for bringing comfort and joy to patients during years of volunteering in a hospital oncology department. He spent three years in the science research program and did fundraising and built houses for Habitat for Humanity. He is an outstanding student.

The second Rotary Award went to Yutong Wang for being an intellectual powerhouse, being an elite state qualifying diver, for her passion for mathematics, academic discipline, athletic dedication and personal integrity.

Shiven Sood, Ben Dinkin and Liam Maor.Scarsdale Rotary Award winner Ben Dinkin is kind, empathetic, a leader and takes the path less traveled. In addition to his interest in science, he recorded a full-length music album and is a part of many music ensembles.

Kate Hubell won the Retired Scarsdale Teachers Award. She was lauded for her integrity, loyalty, friendship, respect and moral courage. An avid climber, she volunteered at her gym and encouraged children to learn to climb and also serves on the Teen Library Board.

Mandy Lax came to the stage to give the Judith E. Weil Kindness Award which was named in memory of her mother Judy Weil who taught in Eastchester and was a PTA President at Heathcote. She said that award recipient Faye O’Gorman embodies a spirit of kindness and is thoughtful with an innate ability to understand how others are feeling. She uses her genuine spirit to create something larger than herself.

Scarsdale Foundation President Seema Jaggi presented an award to a student with “distinguished contributions within our classroom and our community.” She praised Hana “Rune” Coulson for “the ability to manage and find success in all they take on,” and for maintaining a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. Coulson is a member of the creative writing club, serves on the teen library board, and is a member of the Drama Club.

Rocio Alava-Marino and Salma Sherrell.The Michael McGill Book Award is given to someone who embodies non-sibi and makes meaningful contributions in the global community. This year’s award winner Rocio Alava Marino, performed, directed and produced in the Drama Club and put responsibilities first, even when faced with personal challenges. She is kind, empathetic and has an unwavering sense of purpose.

Oliver Kaiden was given a NYS Comptroller Student Achievement Award for a passion for history and government and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact. As a Civ Ed Advisor he was pivotal in supporting ninth graders. He is an active citizen with a commitment to service.

Another NYS Comptrollers Student Achievement Award went to Dylan Lemberg, a thoughtful listener who values diverse perspectives. He demonstrated a commitment to critical thinking and meaningful dialogue and showed remarkable leadership, emotional maturity, teamwork, resilience and integrity.

NYS Office of the Attorney General Triple C Awards for courage, character and commitment were won by Simon Conway who is organized, disciplined and managed a demanding academic schedule while writing, delivering a TED talk and mentoring younger students.

A second Triple C Award went to Grace Liebman for courage, character and commitment. As a Civ Ed advisor she fostered connection and community. She demonstrated a passion for the arts and remarkable courage as a member of the wrestling team.

The NYS Office of the Attorney General Civic Ambassador Award went to Gavin Tieng for being curious, hardworking and respectful and for contributing while valuing the opinions of others.
Tieng cofounded a successful tech start up and consulting firm, was a leader in school government and is genuinely dedicated to serving others.

The Dartmouth Award went to a naturally gifted student with a kind nature and a thirst for learning. Writer and Editor in Chief of Maroon, team captain and member of the Science Olympiad Team Alina Yang was this year’s awardee.

Neil Sriram and family.The Billy Safien Humanitarian Award was given to Anish Mehta who was the first student elected to the Scarsdale Board of Education. He is respectful, supports South Asian students and is a humanitarian. He was in the school government and also did endocrinology research.

This year’s Principal Award went to School President Ravi Vora for leading with humility, compassion, humor and poise. Bonamo called Vora a multi-tasker who takes action to make changes for the better. He noted Vora’s excellent verbal communication skills and said he is effective, thoughtful and a unifying leader.

The SHS Faculty Award Faculty Award for outstanding academic went to Neil Sriram. He pursued the most rigorous curriculum offered at SHS with double acceleration in math. He worked at a lab at Columbia University, earned an academic stipend, published a paper in Math Magazine and is already operating at graduate levels. A team athlete and a club member, he also taught technology to senior citizens.

Following the ceremony, the students assembled on stage for a photo opp and then enjoyed snacks provided by the Scarsdale High School PTA.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 14 April 2026

Created: 14 April 2026

Last Updated: 14 April 2026

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U.S. Congressman George Latimer (D-16th CD Westchester/Bronx) has secured the Democratic Line in his bid for a second term in Congress, submitting nominating signatures in excess of 9,500 names to qualify for the Democratic nomination. After a contentious primary in the 2024 season - and recent primaries for this seat in 2018, 2020 and 2022 - no other Democratic candidates submitted petitions in 2026, ensuring no June Primary for Latimer. In addition, no candidates submitted petitions for either the Working Families or the Conservative parties, creating a direct D vs. R competition with the GOP candidate in the fall election campaign.

"I'm deeply grateful for the dozens and dozens of local volunteers, from the Bronx to White Plains who went out door-to-door, in cold weather conditions, to collect these signatures. I'm deeply grateful to each and every one for their efforts, and the willingness of nearly 10,000 registered Democrats to support my renomination", Congressman Latimer noted. The petition witnesses - primarily local activist Democratic District Leaders - braved weather conditions from February 24 until the end of March, going door-to-door to meet registered Democrats eligible to sign a Democratic petition. By law, Latimer needed 1,250 valid signatures to qualify; the number submitted, over 9,500 names, surpassed the minimum requirement by more than seven times over. Signatures were delivered in 887 pages of petitions, exceeding the number of pages submitted by the Republican candidate by more than 500 pages.

Latimer has won 18 general elections for positions for the Rye City Council, Westchester County Legislator, State Assemblyman and State Senator, and twice for Westchester County Executive. He won his second term as County Executive with 62% of the vote in the general election, and succeeded in 2024 to the House of Representatives with 72% of the vote.

"The people of these communities make the ultimate decision, and I know I have to make a positive case for their vote every single time. I have in Congress maintained the same energy level and effort I have delivered in previous races, and whether election year or not, I'm constantly out in my communities speaking and listening to my neighbors. I intend to make a strong case in November for what we can accomplish over the next two years, with different, dynamic leadership in the House", Latimer added.

In 2026, New York's 16th CD, the center of attention the last few electoral cycles, will cede the spotlight to New York's 17th CD - - Northern Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and a part of Dutchess, which will see active primary and general election battles this year.

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Written by: Joanne Wallenstein

Published: 09 April 2026

Created: 09 April 2026

Last Updated: 09 April 2026

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Eric ThurmSHS grad Eric Thurm is working at an organization that’s near and dear to our hearts. It is called Free Press – not to be confused with “The Free Press” founded by Bari Weiss.

Free Press was founded in 2003 to protect free speech and press freedom, fight hate and misinformation, achieve affordable internet access for all, and advance racial equity in media.

How to achieve these goals?

We asked Thurm to tell us about himself and to explain the work of the Free Press and his role at the organization.

Here is what he shared:

I graduated SHS in 2010 and did undergrad at the University of Chicago. For several years after graduating, I worked as a critic and journalist, writing about TV, film, books, and internet culture for outlets like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Baffler, and GQ. At the same time, I founded and ran a literary-comedy hybrid event called Drunk TED Talks, which was exactly what it sounds like — comedians, MacArthur Genius Grant winners, academics, and more, talking about topics ranging from the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire to Carly Rae Jepsen. I also wrote a book about board games, which was published by NYU Press as part of the Avidly Reads series. For the past couple of years before starting at Free Press, I worked as a story editor on the Wondery podcast Scamfluencers and oversaw state and municipal legislative campaigns for the National Writers Union, including the passage of state laws in New York, California, and Illinois securing workplace protections for freelancers.

Free Press is a nonprofit that's been around since 2003, advocating for an improved and more just media. We're funded through a mix of grants from foundations and individual donors.

Our work covers several different issue areas like Net Neutrality, First Amendment protections and free speech, and combating consolidation across media. There are a number of different initiatives and projects within those areas, including several that I'm still learning about myself!

The National Writers Union, which I'm a member of and where I'd been coordinating state legislative campaigns, has collaborated with Free Press on a couple of different projects, so this was a very natural extension of that work.

My job title is "Civic Media Campaign Manager," which essentially means I support and execute efforts to get states to pass strong policy around local news and community information. Our goal is getting states to invest in local news—especially in communities that are in news deserts, or that have been historically underserved by media—as well as other ways for people to get crucial information.

This approach primarily takes after New Jersey's Civic Info Consortium, which has been able to provide millions of dollars in direct grants to newsrooms across the state while maintaining a strong firewall between elected officials and editorial decisions. NJCIC has been able to support more journalism focused on local government in New Jersey, local news in places like Atlantic City, and Spanish-language news for immigrant communities that often lack accessible news. Pennsylvania recently advanced a pair of bills out of committee that would create a similar state Civic Info Consortium and a fellowship program to support early and mid-career journalists, and we're working on campaigns in several other states. (Here's our press statement on the PA bills.)

If readers want to help support independent reporting, I would encourage them to get involved in our anti-censorship work! There are lots of opportunities for people to make their voices heard, whether that's by telling the FCC to stop engaging in political bullying or by supporting broader coalitions and events we're participating in … like this rally our co-chief executive recently spoke at with Jane Fonda.