This past weekend kicked off another installment of the WHSAD and H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths Little Free Library project. WHSAD students and staff, H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths Co-founder and Executive Director, Ms. Heather Butts, and local representatives gathered to construct the libraries which will find homes in various communities throughout our city. The goal for each library is to inspire heightened levels of literacy and community solidarity as the “take a book, leave a book” grassroots philosophy rests on local residents’ involvement. The builds had everyone working together with the library kits, assembling the wooden pieces with glue, screws, and power tools. After construction, decorating commenced, allowing each group to illustrate … [Read more...]
The Column
Archived here is every article written for WHSAD's student run newspaper, The Column.
Interview with Diana Reyna
On November 14th, former Deputy Borough President and long-time WHSAD supporter, Diana Reyna, visited WHSAD. I, along with George Pinto, had the opportunity of interviewing Diana and getting some insight towards her values and goals for the future. The beginning of the discussion started with recollecting Diana's support of WHSAD'S Architectural Preservation Program all the way back in 2009. Diana Reyna: "I saw the potential of career readiness and truly embracing all the components that a student at a young age can be excited about learning… And have what is a school that can model an education that invigorates a classroom, that has the potential to make learning fun and be able to change the course of that young person. The … [Read more...]
WHSAD Junior, Angel Diaz, Reflects on WHSAD
How would you rate your experience at WHSAD? I would rate my WHSAD experience as very different than any other school I’ve been to. WHSAD has a very light hearted but serious atmosphere, and it’s not like any other place What could you tell other WHSAD students about the programs with which you may be involved? I would tell other WHSAD students to enjoy them. They’re all very fun, and they help you get a grasp on a skill. Like Newspaper or Makerspace, it could come in handy for the future, so enjoy them. They’re potentially really helpful and look good on your resume. Could you describe your experience with the … [Read more...]
WHSAD Junior, Abraham Galindo Reflects on WHSAD
How would you rate your experience at WHSAD? I rate my experience in WHSAD as very good because WHSAD has great teachers who try to bring the best out of you everyday. You also have your peers supporting you and giving you a good time in classes. I like the opportunities given in WHSAD and love the fact that teachers are willing to help you improve as I student. I liked that the time given in assignments isn’t too heavy and the fact office hours are always open to me. I like that if you can’t do work on time, teachers could give you more time with it as long as you're getting work done and putting in effort. What could you tell other WHSAD students about the programs with which you may be involved? I tell students through my … [Read more...]
High Rock Session 2
Wednesday, November 2 marked the group’s second trip to the Greenbelt Conservancy Park. Today, we were going to start physical work, unlike our previous trip when we hiked around the park and learned about it. After an introduction to tools and safety, we were split into two groups. One group worked on rebuilding check steps on a trail, while the other group worked on planting trees to close a trail. As one of the students on this trip, I believe the day was, although a bit tiring, an exciting trip for us all, as we were able to learn about how to use new tools that some of us might not have used before.Yochana Dimanche, WHSAD Junior Today’s experience at Greenbelt was less leisurely and more tiring. We didn’t get to eat junk food and … [Read more...]
MSK’s Breast Cancer Walk
Through October 10th to October 14th, WHSAD's MSK raised money towards the American Breast Cancer Society in support of spreading awareness for breast cancer throughout the community. Throughout the week baked goods along with other snacks were sold with the funds then being donated to the American Breast Cancer Society. On the Sunday following this week, October 16th, some of WHSAD'S staff and students attended Making Strides of Central Park, to spread awareness and show support for both survivors and those lost to cancer. Sweatshirts were designed by K-Shima Noble and Regina Reneus, two WHSAD seniors, for MSK members to wear while walking, as a display of their support. Below are statements from some of those who attended the walk: … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Return to Greenbelt Conservancy Park
On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, WHSAD students left their classroom environment in cooperation with the Greenbelt Conservancy Corps to explore a new environment for another year. For many of us, this was an opportunity to see NYC outside of the traffic and noise. And for others, a way to start their careers. Last year, half of the program was online, and we weren’t able to experience it in its entirety, but this year, students will be able to collaborate with each other to help make the Greenbelt Park more accessible for everyone. Our experience at Greenbelt was an informational and exciting experience, in which we learned about the park we would be working in. Yochana Dimanche Today was an exhilarating experience that I thought I … [Read more...]
Autumn Gonzalez, WHSAD Class of 2017
Autumn Gonzalez is a WHSAD alumnus who graduated in 2017. While in high school, Autumn participated in many after school activities, such as SkillsUSA, open houses, architecture club, and was also a student ambassador. “She knew how to manage her time, she was very punctual, and a go-getter,” says Mr. Codio, the 12th grade Architecture and Design teacher. Now Autumn is an executive assistant at a non-profit film production company called Shine Global. Shine Global produces films targeted to helping children and telling stories you otherwise wouldn't hear. Post high school graduation she began studying architecture at City College, but after only a semester, she realized that this wasn’t what she wanted to do. She felt a little lost and … [Read more...]
WHSAD Students Visit New York City Department of Buildings
On Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, a group of WHSAD students from all four grades took a trip to the Department of Buildings (DOB) in Manhattan. The 12th grade Architecture and Design teacher, Mr. Codio, hoped that from this experience we would gain knowledge about architecture and engineering as well as connections to different programs and internships through the DOB. The DOB works with every architecture, engineering, or construction related firm in the city to help build safe and sustainable buildings by creating laws and regulations about what should and should not be allowed. Along with this work, they give awards to helpful products they think are effective and promote those products to be used more commonly. Because the DOB works with … [Read more...]
WHSAD Juniors reflect on their SCA Internship
SCA or "The School Construction Authority" is an architecture firm based in NYC that specializes in building and modernizing schools, according the company's mission statement. During the springtime, Mr. Rodriguez (Architectural Drafting teacher for sophomores) gave students a flyer to apply for an internship at the SCA, which is how two students found about the internship and the potential to work at an architecture firm. WHSAD Juniors, Jared Birks and Isaiah Grant Phillips, were fortunate to attend the SCA Internship over the summer. I was fortunate to speak to these students about their experiences. Student Interviews Jared M. Birks Alex - Hello Jared Birks, Introduce yourself..Where did you attend this summer for your … [Read more...]