Each year a group of WHSAD students visits The Jewish Heritage Museum-A Living Memorial to The Holocaust to bear witness not only to the atrocities that took place in Europe but also to the strength of the human spirit. Such trips provide perspective and information that can only be gleaned from textbooks; therefore, those students in attendance deepened their understanding of these times through exhibits, artifacts, personal narratives, etc. Below, a few students have provided their thoughts about the trip and how such knowledge will impact them for the rest of their lives. The Jewish Heritage Museum was a fascinating experience, providing me with new facts about the lifestyle and the horrific changes that arrived. People back then … [Read more...]
Sophomores Attend “Illinoise” at Park Avenue Armory
Every year WHSAD students have the unique privilege of working with teaching artists from Park Avenue Armory. This experience provides students with opportunities to explore art connected to a current production taking place at the Armory. Starting in late February, sophomores began working with Armory theater and visual art teaching artist, Leigh Apoulos, and WHSAD alum and visual artist, Shar Galarza, on a stop motion project based on the production of "Illinoise", which is inspired by Sufjan Stevens' award-winning album of the same name. Stayed tuned for another story about the students' project. For now, what follows are some of the attending students' reflections on "Illinoise". The show “Illinoise”, ahh what an experience, … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Visit Crème/Jun Aizaki Architecture Firm
Freshmen in high school find themselves in brand new environments that are often overwhelming and intimidating. Meeting new peers, navigating a new environment, and gaining more advanced knowledge are not easy tasks. However, at WHSAD there are many opportunities for freshmen to gain a solid foothold that will assist and inspire them over the course of their four years. One such opportunity is visiting the different architecture firms with which the school is in partnership. Through such excursions, students not only get a chance to interact in a more relaxed setting but also enjoy exposure to experiences that could inspire their future decisions when it comes to study and career. In the following narratives, two WHSAD freshmen offer … [Read more...]
Record-breaking Results for WHSAD Junior, Robert Tirado
On January 6th, at The Armory Hispanic Games, WHSAD Junior, Robert Tirado, came up big in both the 55 and 200 meter events, setting Van Arsdale records in both. The following is an interview in which Robert shares some of his thoughts about the experience and how track and field has been part of his life. Tell the story of when you first became interested in running. I remember back in middle school I used to race my friends and people in the school for fun, which made me realize that i'm actually pretty good at running. At the time, I aimed to keep going and join the track team in high school. Also, my mom ran back in the day, so another thing that interested me was to be faster than her. We used to race home after school almost … [Read more...]
WHSAD Freshmen Attend The Rite of Spring/ common ground[s] at Park Avenue Armory
Freshman, Alison Sanchez, wrote this article with contributions from freshman classmates and Freshman English teacher, Ms. Ortiz-Feliciano. On December 4, freshman students of WHSAD traveled to Park Avenue Armory to view two performances: The Rite of Spring and common ground[s]. Before the performance began students were taken into the Veterans’ Room where they were introduced to teaching artist, Marsh Swiney, who provided students with a brief introduction to both performances, as well as a set of guidelines they would follow as audience members. Students would then remain in the Veterans’ Room waiting to be seated for the performance. It was during this time that students were then asked to share any questions they had … [Read more...]
WHSAD Sophomore, Shea Koiner, Shares His Thoughts on Extracurricular Activities
What activities are you involved in? Why did you join these activities? I joined some of them to help me with getting into a college, for fun and for future career options and opportunities. What are the benefits of participating in these activities? CTA Architects and Makerspace are the ones that matter the most for college and careers. Open houses and lighthouses help me get better and practice my presentation skills and the Polish Castles Book Project I did for fun and because it would help other people since they would have something to put on a resume. How have you grown from participating in these activities? All of the after-school activities have helped me. I got way better at my presentation skills, I got to … [Read more...]
WHSAD Freshman, Morgan Shoken, Reflects on Her Extracurricular Experiences
What activities are you involved in? Why did you join these activities? What are the benefits of participating in these activities? How have you grown from participating in these activities? What skills do you still want to develop and how could participating in extracurricular activities help you with this development? What is one memorable experience that you have had from participating in these activities? How do you balance your extracurriculars with your classwork? Aside from school, what do you enjoy doing? … [Read more...]
WHSAD Freshmen Visit The Tenement Museum
Freshman, Alison Sanchez, wrote the introduction to this story. On November 16th, a select group of 9th grade students were chosen to participate on a trip to the Tenement museum as a part of their ELA unit’s essential question- “What does it it means to be ‘American?’” Students were also encouraged to gather insight on the lives of immigrant families which opened a window to the American story. The tenement museum is located on 103 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. This museum allows visitors to explore the historically recreated homes of immigrant, migrant, and refugee families who lived in the city tenements between the years of 1863 and 1935. The tenements were once home to an … [Read more...]
WHSAD Junior, Jayden Belle, Shares His Thoughts on Extracurricular Activities
What activities are you involved in? -As a Junior I am currently involved in CTA, an afterschool program focused on giving architecture students a taste of how it feels to be an architect. I'm also involved in the film club which brings our imaginations into reality using studio level filming and audio equipment. As a third year, I have also been in the article club and have written articles for the school’s website. I have also taken the responsibility and signed up for Work Learn and Grow, a program run by Saint Nick’s Alliance that helps aspiring teenagers recognize their plans after high school. One of the more fun activities I'm involved in is the Dragons and Dungeons club. A dear friend who is also very invested in Dragons and … [Read more...]
WHSAD Senior, Jennifer Segundo Ramirez, Reflects on Her Extracurricular Experiences
What activities are you involved in? Why did you join these activities? What are the benefits of participating in these activities? How have you grown from participating in these activities? What skills do you still want to develop and how could participating in extracurricular activities help you with this development? What is one memorable experience that you have had from participating in these activities? How do you balance your extracurriculars with your classwork? Aside from school, what do you enjoy doing? … [Read more...]