How did you feel after finding out you were going to be a finalist for the Posse scholarships? Excited, very, very, excited. The whole process was a huge ego boost, as I got chosen again and again out of many other candidates through the first and second interviews. Being a finalist was like an extra ego boost because you're one of the special selected 20 out of the 3,000 something that applied. Plus, you have the opportunity of going to an elite school, like Vanderbilt, tuition free for four whole years, so, yes, I was absolutely ecstatic. What made you apply to the Posse? My guidance counselor, Ms. Terraferma, is the one who told me about Posse and encouraged me to apply. I thought I should listen to her and try it out to … [Read more...]
Meet WHSAD's Students
Get to know WHSAD's students, past and present.
Senior, Daniel Rojas, Participates in Coop Tech Carpentry Program
The Coop Tech program provides students, such as Daniel Rojas, with opportunities to explore their passions. In the following narrative, the WHSAD senior shares his experience in the Carpentry program. Daniel working on a project I chose to go to Coop Tech because I wanted to learn new things. I looked at it as an opportunity to learn new things that would help me for my future. At Coop Tech, I'm in the Carpentry class. I chose Carpentry because I like to build things, and I like to work with my hands. In this class I'm learning the basics of Carpentry like how to work properly with power tools and how to read the ruler. Also, in the next term I will be learning the importance of safeness to work (OSHA). Something that I like … [Read more...]
WHSAD Senior, Quiller Augustin, Participates in College Now
Through his College Now experience, Quiller was able to enjoy studying at the historic CCNY campus and meeting students from high schools such as Stuyvesant and Bronx Science. In the following post, Quiller Augustin shares his experience in the College Now program at The City College of New York. If interested in pursuing such an endeavor, students should speak with their guidance counselor. Quiller at work on his design for an egg drop project. During the summer I took a College Now class at City College.The class was Architectural Expressions. In that one month period, we did three separate projects. We also studied and learned about drawing objects in different methods and practiced drawing objects in said methods. Our first … [Read more...]
Interview with 2019 WHSAD Alumnus, Reginald Huggins
Thank you to Reggie for taking the time to answer the following questions about his start at Howard University and how WHSAD prepared him for the beginning of his college career. 1. What is college life at Howard University like? It’s close to being an adult. Having to buy my own food and toiletries, and being responsible for everything that I’m involved in school-wise and socially has made it seem like I have my own apartment. Otherwise, D.C. is very slow paced compared to NYC. Even though I still have access to public transportation, I feel like NYC was more accessible to tour. Being from NYC and now having to use a D.C. Metrocard and its different prices for different stops made it slightly complicated when I'm used to only … [Read more...]
Interview with WHSAD Valedictorian Tyler Ng
From left to right: Damon Daniels, 12th grade Creative Connections; Tyler Ng, 2019 Valedictorian; Maria Basilio, Assistant Principal Before the end of the school year, I had the opportunity to sit down with the class of 2019 valedictorian, Tyler Ng. Tyler is a bright young student who says his commitment, perseverance and sense of responsibility helped him achieve the honor. From the beginning of the school year he said, "My main goal at WHSAD is to graduate and eventually achieve the role of senior Valedictorian." As ambitious as it seemed, with hard work Tyler made it possible. However there's a lot more to the Senior than meets the eye. One thing not many know about him is that Tyler doesn't live in the New York. He lives in New … [Read more...]
WHSAD Senior Oscar Bejarano joins the Solar One Green Construction training program.
WHSAD Senior, Oscar Bejarano, was recently accepted into the Solar One Green Construction training program. With his acceptance, Oscar will receive four days of hands-on training at the Solar One facility, an automatic paid internship in the green construction trades at the completion of training, free industry recognized training and OSHA certification, and job placement through March 2020. The following are some thoughts from Oscar about the opportunity. The Solar One Green Construction program is both a training program and an internship opportunity. The point of the four days of training is to teach the students about safety and the many possible dangers on a construction site in varying fields (electrical, carpentry, plumbing … [Read more...]
Chandler Mclaurin-Student of the Month
My main goal in WHSAD is to stay focused and be successful by the time I graduate. This is important because it’s an independent goal I want to follow. By staying focused and saying to myself every day, "I can do this," I will achieve, and I find encouragement by reminding myself that I need to achieve this goal. I believe what makes WHSAD special is that it’s an architecture school, but it accommodates everyone and their specific goals. For example, the jobs we can get are not only architecture and design specific, but also SYEP and the community service opportunities. Also, I make the announcements for the school every morning. The school has a lot of connections that are unique and cool when it’s time for us to network. WHSAD has … [Read more...]
Emely Patino-Service in Schools Leadership Program
WHSAD Sophomore Emely Patino this past Spring Break was offered an extremely amazing opportunity to participate in a Service in Schools Leaders program in collaboration with the DOE. The program is essentially about taking students from various different backgrounds and helping them overcome many of their problems regarding public speaking in a direct way. The students in the program got to collaborate with one another and learn about how to use their voice to help in the community. Below, Emely gives insight into her experience with the program. Q: How did you get to become a Service in Schools Leader? A: So, Ms. Spaziani one day spoke to me and other groups of students during third period. She [Ms. Spaziani] wanted to tell us about … [Read more...]
Justin Lopez-Class of 2020
Mr. Rodriguez, Justin's English teacher, says, "[Justin] blends into any task given to him in ELA and surfaces with an insight that is not common for someone his age. In short, Justin's adaptability is unique." Student correspondent, Mayra Gomez, interviewed Justin on his thoughts regarding his nomination, his years at WHSAD, and advice to those seeking to have successful high school experiences. Justin Lopez, currently a junior at WHSAD, was extremely shocked to be told he was student of the month for February. However, he thinks he has received this recognition due to his growth throughout high school. Justin says he’s great when it comes to completing work last minute, but it is also one of his biggest flaws in school and in … [Read more...]
Antonio Rojas-Class of 2019
Mr. Powers, Antonio's English teacher, says, "Antonio is an academic chameleon. He can adapt to most any situation. From group work, to essays, to artistry. He can do it all and he can do it all exceptionally." Student correspondent, Maya Ortiz, interviewed Antonio on his thoughts regarding his nomination, his years at WHSAD, and advice to those seeking to have successful high school experiences. Senior, Antonio Rojos, decribes his four years here at WHSAD as a very enlightening experience. He finds our school very flexible, with many opportunities for all kind of interests students have. He advises to take advantage of the internships the school provides and also to use office hours wisely because they will help you in the long … [Read more...]