Scarsdale Speech and Debate Team Excels at National Championship in Salt Lake City
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Scarsdale students set new records at the NSDA National High School Speech and Debate Championship tournament in Salt Lake City from June 12-17. The tournament brought together over 5,000 of the top speech and debate students representing high schools from all fifty states, as well as some international students. Students must pre-qualify to participate in the championship. Scarsdale High School sent a squad of seven students to represent the Hudson Valley region in the tournament. It was a record setting event for Scarsdale in several aspects.
First, Scarsdale High School senior Justin Cooper, a two-time NY state champion, became the first Scarsdale student to reach the final round at nationals since 2011. He also is the first student in Scarsdale history to reach the final round in his event (original oratory). After 13 rounds of competition and from a pool of 256 elite competitors, Cooper placed third in the nation in original oratory (winning a trophy and a $750 college scholarship). He also garnered first place in the final round of competition, winning the President's Bowl award and a $250 scholarship. Cooper finished his career at Scarsdale High School as the "winningest" speech and debate student in Scarsdale history, surpassing the former record-holder by nearly 800 NSDA points (points are accumulated during a student's high school career and are awarded based on success at tournaments).
In addition, Scarsdale won a "School of Excellence" award for the first time ever. This award is given to the top 20 schools in total speech points at the national tournament. Two Scarsdale students, juniors Zach Kapner and Keshav Rastogi, were quarterfinalists in extemporaneous speaking (top 30), and senior Daniel Altabet was an octofinalist in original oratory (top 60). Their tournament points, along with Cooper's, combined for the team award. In addition, sophomore Arjun Ravi was a semifinalist in extemp commentary, and sophomores Zoe Landless and Ismail Ameen represented Scarsdale High School as well. Coach Joe Vaughan accompanied the team for the competition.
Emily Hirsch Celebrates her 99th Birthday
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Emily Hirsch of Scarsdale's Candy 'n Cards celebrated her 99th birthday on June 16. The day began with a birthday party at Lange's of Scarsdale with a birthday cake and personalized balloons. Her son, grandchildren and even a 16 month-old great grandchild were there – along with other well-wishers. Later on, Hirsch was interviewed at her store by News12.
We asked her to tell us the secret to her longevity and here is her advice:
- Get up everyday and go about your business
- Be happy
- Hopefully have good genes
Emily has been running her store on Spencer Place for 49 years and is one of Scarsdale's favorite retailers. The store has a wonderful collection of cards, candy and gifts with the bonus of Emily behind the counter to greet you.
Happy Birthday Emily! Wishing you a century of happiness in Scarsdale.
A Glorious Tribute on Memorial Day
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- Written by Harvey Flisser
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Although organizers feared that rain would ruin the Memorial Day festivities, the day dawned bright and clear. The Scarsdale Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday May 30 were hosted by American Legion Post 52 Commander Thomas Adamo. The Master of Ceremonies was Robert T. Gillin, a retiree from the U.S. Navy and the Parade Marshall was John Steger.
The Scarsdale High School Band performed along the parade route. Jonny Turousky played "Taps". The invocation was given by Deacon Ted Gaskin, a WWII Marine Corps veteran. Other participants were the Scarsdale Police and Fire Departments, PBA Color Guard, the 56th National Guard Brigade, Scarsdale Boy and Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Little League, Youth Soccer, Youth Hockey, Scarsdale Volunteer Fire Companies, SVAC, and Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution.
There was a dedication ceremony at the Scarsdale Memorial Garden honoring deceased members of Scarsdale American Legion Post 52 with a plaque presentation in tribute to Richard Limbacher by Admiral Nelson Heyer, another retiree from the U.S. Navy.
Photos and Text above by Harvey Flisser
We also received the photos below from the ceremony at Memorial Park that followed the parade:
Larry Brown: A Teacher to Remember
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Scarsdale students and staff were saddened to hear their beloved history teacher, Larry Brown, will be retiring this year after 14 years of teaching at SHS. Students who were in Mr. Brown's classes, consider themselves lucky to have spent the year enjoying his humor and kind personality. "Mr. Brown has the ability to make any subject he taught fun and exciting", stated Steven Berke, one of Brown's students.
Brown has spent his entire teaching career at Scarsdale High School. In fact, he never applied or interviewed at any other school. Brown explained his path to teaching, "I had sold my interest in a business. I was in my late 40's and my wife looked at me and said you're not staying home. Then the next day I went and signed up at Manhattanville to get my certification to teach. I ended up substituting here before I was even certified and while I was here, Mr. Harrison asked me if I wanted to do my student teaching here, under his guidance. A job opened while I was here student teaching which I filled for the rest of the year and when it opened permanently I applied". The SHS community feels lucky that Brown started and ended his teaching career here.
When I asked Larry if he thought that he would like teaching when he first started, he explained to me that he tried to have no expectations and kept an open mind about starting his new career. Brown explained that since he had already been working for 25 years before starting to teach, he was accustomed to the stress of work and did not have trouble with the pace of SHS. "I was certainly satisfied with teaching because you can't help but love the kids in this building. This is the beauty of teaching at Scarsdale. Your colleagues are unbelievable professional and wonderful to be around. The administration is incredibly helpful. The driving force; the beauty of teaching in this building are kids. These kids are remarkable to be around." After a few years of working at SHS Brown was offered an administrative position. "If I wanted to be in the admin world I would have never left business. I was running things, and then I wanted to be with the kids. I did not want to do anything that took me away from being in a classroom with kids". This sentiment displays Brown's outlook and personality as a teacher. Brown looks to make true connections with his students in and out of the classroom.
Mr. Brown plans on continuing his connections with his past and current students even after retirement. When I asked Larry about his plans after retirement, he told me about a charitable organization he is in the process of creating that involves past graduates from SHS. "I am looking to put together a community service organization that will connect with graduates from this building that now live in the area. I started that process of putting together a large network of kids who are graduates of Scarsdale who want to do community service but they don't have the time to organize it". Along with working on community service, Brown said he is involved in a couple business opportunities that will keep him occupied after retirement.
Mr. Brown finds it rewarding to watch students grow over the course of their four years at SHS. "You could tell the freshmen that Thomas Jefferson was black and they would compliantly write it in their notebook and make sure that they share that with you on the next test. And you could tell a senior that the sun is out on a bright day and they will fight with you for 49 minutes. That has been true from my beginning at Scarsdale High School through today. And I love both parts of that, watching the remarkable evolution that kids go through in this building over four years." Mr. Brown also noted that he has stayed in touch with many students who have already graduated. "Watching kids now who I had as juniors and seniors that are out of the building now is amazing. I am having dinner tonight with a student who graduated four years ago. Kids who weave their way through this community are incredible kids. I will be crying at graduation. I will be wearing sunglasses because I will be crying."
Sam Fisch, an SHS graduate who is close to Mr. Brown explained Brown's impact on his life,"Mr.Brown is in my books for being one of the most influential people that I have crossed paths with. He embraccs qualities that most of us can only wish to acquire in our life. As a teacher he attempts to influence those qualities onto his students. Larry pushes his students inside and outside of the classroom to go beyond what they think they can do. By, far, Brown was and still is the funniest, sincerest and most lovable guy I know."
Mr. Brown's emotional attachment to his students has made him an impactful teacher at Scarsdale High School and he will truly be missed.
Scarsdale Students And Their Senior Options Internships
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Every year seniors at Scarsdale High School start their Senior Options programs in early May and begin the transition process out of the school and into the real world. Students end their classes and final tests at the end of April and then begin a 6 week long internship. According to the school website, the Senior Options program is "the culmination of students' careers at Scarsdale High School." Students enjoy ending their classes to begin more practical learning. The program allows students to apply to internships that interest them. Students are able to experience working in the real world, for many students for the first time. "The program allows students to extend the skills and knowledge that they have developed in school by applying them in areas of personal interest." Students and the community both benefit from the student's work programs. Many students work at local venues like restaurants in the village or real estate offices. Other students work in other towns or over state lines. Each student is assigned a faculty member to monitor their progress and what they've learned on the job. Students must keep time logs, signed by their internship employers, and hand them in each week to ensure accountability. "To ensure that this experience will be rigorous and worthwhile, seniors work closely with faculty members", states the Scarsdale website.
At a traditional internship the student works 30 hours a week, 5 days a week. The student chooses to intern in a field or category in which they may be interested in pursuing as a career. While some believe the students' senior year would be better completed in a classroom, most of the community supports the Senior Options program and rely on the students' help. Some interesting programs include working at an art gallery or working around horse stables. Scarsdale10583 profiled a couple Scarsdale students and their fascinating internships.
Cara Blumstein is working at Samuel Owen Gallery in Greenwich CT for her Senior Options project. Cara has always been passionate about art and found senior options to be the perfect opportunity to explore the art world. "I am really enjoying learning about both sides of the business of art, both the creative and the selling, as well as everything in between", explained Cara. While at the Gallery Cara performs a variety of tasks, both creative and professional. She is currently assisting in a line of art pieces created entirely out of folded paper butterflies. "At the studio, I sort, fold, and pin the paper butterflies that are cut from vintage comic books and decommissioned currency. Lee, my boss, then uses these butterflies to create large, colorful targets and stars, amongst other things", explained Cara of the art pieces pictured. "I also enter pieces of art into the cash register system and help with other administrative tasks", elaborated Cara. The whole process of creating the butterfly pieces and other art was surprisingly difficult and time consuming. "I was really surprised by how labor intensive creating the pieces is. A lot of contemporary artists use machines to streamline the creation process, but the butterfly pieces are truly handmade, start to finish" described Cara.
While she loves working at the gallery, the working world is new to Cara, like many other senior options students. "Commuting is definitely one of the less fun parts of Senior Options, but I try to pass the car rides by listening to podcasts", stated Cara. She explained that she has a newfound respect for her parents who have been commuting and working hard for years. She now better understands their lives. "I admire that my parents can fit in activities, like exercising or meeting up with friends, before and after work. I come home each day thoroughly exhausted!"
This internship has further inspired Cara to pursue art as a career. "I have always been interested in art, and this internship has only increased my excitement to enter the art world. I hope to pursue a career in the gallery or museum world, and I love working for the Samuel Owen Gallery team!" exclaimed Cara.
Steven Nicodemo is working the counter at the Provisions Bakery in Pelham for his Senior Options. So far he has been taught to work the register and take customer orders by the phone or in person. Steven says he enjoys working at this bakery especially because the bakery has a friendly-family environment. Steven said, "I do have an increased level of respect for my parents because I never realized what it was like to work a 9 to 5 job". So far Steven is enjoying his Senior Options experience and it has opened his mind to possibly considering this venue as a career option.
Mike Blank is working at City Hall for NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. Mike explained what he has been doing "Recently I have been working a lot for the Chief of Staff of Intergovernmental Affairs, making an organized chart that details the hierarchy of everyone working within IGA as well as their contact information and position. I also have been helping her by scheduling interviews with multiple applicants for a high ranking job within the Department of Education" Mike's Senior Options sponsor is is the director of the Department of Education.
Mike has been able to see first hand the problems that his sponsor deals with. Mike explained, "he has been dealing with a charter school that wants to co-locate with a public school in Queens, a situation that has caused protests by parents from the public school. I have been conducting research on the public school for him".
Mike has also "worked for the Director of Social Services by creating a spreadsheet of the governmental representatives (Council Members, Assembly Members, State Senators, and Members of Congress) of the city's homeless shelters. Additionally, I have been helping the DC rep by contacting the offices of New York's congressmen and senators about public constituent events in NYC so that de Blasio can make appearances". Blank explained that he finds his senior options very enjoyable because he is passionate about the topics and issues he has faced in City Hall. He further explained that he enjoys being in City Hall because of the "cool architecture, paintings of political figures, and the demonstrations that happen outside of it fairly often and also the food outside of City Hall is also amazing". He is surprised to see how passionate government workers are about what they do. Mike said the experience has furthered his interest in going into politics and government as a career.
Lucas Tesler is working with groomers at Boulder Brook Stables in Scarsdale. Lucas described his main activities at his job saying, "I care for the horses, clean their stalls, put their saddles on, feed them, work around the barn." Lucas is also in charge of painting the polls that the horses jump over." Additionally I have been doing lots of painting. The horses do a lot of jumping over painted wooden polls and they get knocked and battered with use. I have been tasked with sanding and repainting these polls", explained Lucas. He does a lot of manual labor outside painting and working. He says this new experience has given him a "newfound respect for manual labor. It takes a lot of discipline and energy, and I am not nearly as good at simple tasks as the experienced guys. Believe it or not, there is a right way to sweep the floor." Lucas says that Senior Options has given him a new interest in horses, and he would like to take up riding at some point. He has enjoyed working with the groomers who work there and learning about their lives. "Every single groomer is an immigrant, they speak varying degrees of English. I have spoken to many of them about their personal lives and working at Boulder Brook has given me a new respect and insight into the lives of people who are members of a very different ethnic and socio-economic class than the one I'm used to".