The Column

Freshman school reporter, Sara Diaz, interviewed Ryan and wrote this story. When was the last time you visited our school? I was just here last semester, so in the fall I was working on converting a commercial building into a residential building, and we had to build a physical model of our design. So, I came here to laser cut acrylic and chip wood to build a model. What was one of your favorite things that WHSAD had to offer throughout your four years of education? WHSAD actually offered me a lot of stuff. I would say architecture grill. It was a program where we partnered with an architecture grill company by Gowanus in Brooklyn. We would go there every Tuesday after school and we got to work with them, create our … [Read more...]

Student reporter, Miguel Hernandez, wrote this story. On February 13th Mr Codio and Ms. Cumberbatch received CTE awards. CTE stands for Career and Technical Education. These are electives that teach students about a certain career, Architecture being one of those careers. The award received recognizes the hard work and dedication teachers have put into educating students about their fields with a high standard in their classrooms. A CTE award is an amazing award to have received. How Did They Get There? When Mr. Cornell arrived at WHSAD as principal, the architecture program was struggling and nowhere near how it should have been. Mr. Codio was one of the first people hired by Mr. Cornell, in an attempt to fix the program. Mr. … [Read more...]

Each year, WHSAD’s Sophomores engage in an eight session residency with teaching artists from Park Avenue Armory. In the past, students have constructed collages using various media, crafted backdrops for scenes they scripted, and built subway cars out of plastic pipes to convey what NYC commuter life could be like. Each of these projects has some connection to a work the students viewed at the Armory, allowing them to investigate an artistic production in a deeper and more personal way. These sessions allow students to engage with one another in ways different from what takes place in a typical English classroom, from striking a pose in a tableaux to using iPads to record mini-films and voice overs. Every year, students have a great deal … [Read more...]

Saidjohn with Laela Sluchevsky, Assistant MEP Estimator, Turner Construction Company, and Co-Managing Director of our Gensler New York office, on being named Chairman of the Board of ACE Mentor Program of America. By Saidjohn Saidganiev, 2026 WHSAD Graduate, ACE Mentor Program of Greater New York Scholarship Recipient, and incoming student at Syracuse University Sophomore year, I made a deal with myself. If I wanted a shot at a good college, I needed to build something—an extracurricular base, a resume, a reason for someone to take a chance on me. The first thing that came to mind was a program I had heard about freshman year and completely ignored: ACE. I go to Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design. Freshman year, … [Read more...]

The New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) is a formal recognition awarded to graduating seniors who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and one or more world languages. To earn the Seal, students must meet rigorous criteria, including earning a specific number of points through high school coursework, state exams, and a Culminating Project presented to a panel of experts. For New York students, pursuing the Seal is a powerful way to validate their linguistic and cultural identity while gaining a competitive edge. It not only distinguishes college applications and resumes but can also lead to advanced course placement or university credit, all while celebrating the 21st-century skills necessary for success in our … [Read more...]

Each year, WHSAD expands on its extracurricular offerings for its students. These new opportunities allow more students to participate in passion projects and, in turn, learn more about themselves. While many of the projects fall within the realm of the school's bread and butter of architecture and design, we also maintain a strong interest in developing programs in our humanities department. This year, our students delved into global investigations through their participation in Model U.N. and gained a greater understanding of diplomacy and debate. As per its website, "Model UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. Many of today’s … [Read more...]

Junior, Miguel Hernandez, wrote this story. Thank you to guidance counselor, Ms. Erneste, for the photos and taking time to speak with Miguel. College trips. You've probably heard of them around WSHAD. The trips show you around the college, and give you a feel of how college life might be with that school. The colleges show you around their campus, while giving you information about wherever you are. The main goal for them is to entice you into wanting to apply to their college.  What do these trips look like? The Juniors of WHSAD went on a couple of trips recently. One of them being to Kean University, and on the same day, NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology), both of which are located in New Jersey. Both colleges had … [Read more...]

In this narrative, Sophomore, Jose Tavares, muses about the performance and his impressions of Park Avenue Armory. WHSAD is proud to call Park Avenue Armory a community partner for many years, and we thank everyone who has continued to strengthen this essential resource for our students. It all begins with what the actor of Mercutio calls the “naive start”, subtle glances at each other as we sit in our chairs waiting to what will happen. There is so much excitement because there is so much unknown for many, and the simple fact that friends are there adds to the pile of emotions. There is relaxation when sitting, constant giggles and out of pocket conversations emerging. Suddenly however these conversations are interrupted by the … [Read more...]

Junior, Alison Sanchez, wrote this story. Specials thanks to producer, Jay Heit, for inviting WHSAD staff and students to the screening and speaking with students at the school the next day. On January 27, 2025, students of WHSAD were given the opportunity to view 999: The Forgotten Girls at the Striker Center. The screening took place on Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the day when the Red Army liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, freeing thousands of remaining prisoners and revealing the full extent of the Nazi extermination system to the world. 999: The Forgotten Girls tells the true story of 999 teenage Jewish girls who were betrayed by their government after being misled and deceived. The film chronicles the experiences of … [Read more...]

Student reporter, Miguel Hernandez, interviewed Matthew and wrote this story. On December 15th, 2025, Matthew Wintje, a senior at WHSAD, received an award called the MVP Scholar-Athletes award. He is one of the 55 students who receive the award across the 5 boroughs. They received the award and a dinner in their honor at Yankee Stadium.  What is the Scholar-Athlete Award? The Scholar-Athlete Award is an award given to students across the 5 boroughs of New York City. 11 students from each borough are selected to receive this award. To receive the award, they have to meet certain criteria. They have to achieve at least an 80% GPA throughout all four years and to have participated in at least two sports. To have either of those is … [Read more...]