The Column

In the midst of a global pandemic, it's clear that not everyone is okay. There’s a lot to worry about, and so it's no surprise that a lot of us are feeling down, hopeless, scared, and uncertain of the future. We worry about our family members who may not be in the best physical condition, the state of our future academics with the SATs and AP exams, and those who are seniors, wonder if they’ll ever see friends again before going to college. With so much negativity and uncertainty in the air, the Community Service Club decided to do something about it. Seeing that our community needs a break from the worries of this pandemic, they went to work. During the first week of April, The WHSAD Community came together to spread positivity. … [Read more...]

In this work, Antonio Perez, WHSAD Senior and Editor-in-Chief and founder of WHSAD's school newspaper, The Column, provides his personal feelings regarding the school shut-down. His thoughts reveal the heartbreak many of WHSAD's seniors, and seniors across the city, state, and country, are experiencing due to the consequences of the pandemic. I still remember the days leading up to the school closures. I still vividly remember not only the day I found out, but the morning after. The emptiness and silence of the train car as I returned to New York, my empty soul staring out the window. When I found out schools were closed until possibly April 20th I was in bliss, I instantly called Jonah and Ariana, and words couldn't describe the … [Read more...]

As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to affect the globe, mandatory social distancing and quarantining grow rapidly throughout the nation. NYC in particular is taking a huge blow with over 38,000 confirmed cases, along with the 914 deaths as of Sunday, according to the New York Times. Schools are shut down, leaving many students stranded in terms of activities to do (outside of online school sessions). I sympathize with this, as I too hadn't any idea of what I was going to do being stuck at home all day. I know it can be tempting to brush off warnings of not going outside during these trying times, when you're a bored teenager who doesn't think they'll be affected. But, I should reiterate that NYC has the most confirmed cases in the U.S. (and … [Read more...]

Architectural Grille is an entirely operating manufacturing facility that specializes in customized linear bar grilles and perforated grille using a wide variety of materials. Their products are uniquely created using only "state of the art" equipment like water jets, lasers, and CNC turret shapers and lathes. The main focus of the company is to create unique designs and distribute them on metal plates which are used in mainly ventilation and heating systems. Their utilized materials include aluminum, brass, bronze, steel and stainless steel. The Architectural Grille club at WHSAD is fully operated by Alain Codio, Senior teacher of WHSAD Architecture and Autocad. The following is a list of interviews with all the Architectural Grille … [Read more...]

In times like this it is easy to get carried away and lost amongst all that is happening in the world. We at The Column have always prided ourselves with being able to give students a platform to speak about topics and issues that are relevant and important to them. With our Stay at Home Edition of The Column, we wanted to make that goal ever more apparent. Students not only have a platform to express their interests but also to voice their experiences with what is currently happening in the world. We are stronger then ever and will not give up or lose hope. Through our expression of art and writing we will make it through this together. Below WHSAD Students express their experience with the quarantine thus far through several … [Read more...]

The Co-op Tech program provides students, such as Brandon Rodriguez, with opportunities to explore their passions. In the following narrative, the WHSAD senior, shares his experience in the automotive program.  I chose to go to Co-op for the hands-on experience. Throughout my time with Ms. Terraferma, I explained that I would be going to a school that taught a certain trade in which could further progress my career choices and experiences. In this school I decided to go with Automotive. This class is very diverse and it really shows with the amount of people who are passionate about cars, even those that have the “need for speed” within their mindsets. I believe my favorite thing about this class is working on cars that come in … [Read more...]

On Thursday, February 27th, a group of WHSAD students attended a Black History Month function at the New York City Department of Buildings. Mr. Victor Body-Lawson, of Body Lawson Associates, provided insights regarding what it took for him to found a firm and the challenges related to succeeding in the architectural field. Thank you to Ms. Lisa Lewis from the Department of Buildings for arranging the event and making the students feel so welcome. The students' speeches are posted below. Their work in writing and then preparing to present required commitment during after-school, weekend, and holiday hours. These students demonstrate how so many of WHSAD's students are willing to go beyond regular school time in order to realize … [Read more...]

Ms. Wilson (The Internship Coordinator at WHSAD): Construction skills is a pre-apprenticeship program that students apply to in the spring semester of their senior year. They participate to prepare them to enter the unionized building trades in the trade union of their choice. Joshua Cruz: This acceptance impacts me by giving me new skills to learn and an opportunity in the construction field for my future. I feel pretty excited to experience this program and see what type of skills they are going to teach me. I’m expecting to learn construction skills and have a good time and do a lot of hands on activities. This contributes to my goal because if I do well in this program I could get a good paying job which can help get me financially. … [Read more...]

The Department of Buildings works to ensure the health of all people who build, work, and live in New York City by managing the lawful use of over one million buildings and construction sites throughout the five boroughs. The Department is committed to delivering efficient service to all New Yorkers by constantly evaluating fair resource distribution that meet safety regulations and the residents needs. By doing so, they make the lives of a New Yorker, safer and easier (https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/about/about.page) This year the DOB welcomed three WHSAD seniors: Emmanuel Perez (far right), Ajani Thorpe (far left), and Fransisco Sandoval (back right). When asked about their work, each student described the experiences they … [Read more...]

Career Discovery Week is a time for NYC sophomores to explore the job world and engage in the discovery of different career paths. As a part of career week, WHSAD students explored the corporate job world at Vornado Realty Trust. Students enjoyed presentations from Vice Presidents and Recruiters while they also toured one the Farley building, one of their big projects under construction.  On Thursday, Feb 11, the sophomore class took a trip to Vornado Realty Trust company. Senior Vice President, Josh Glick discussed the history of Penn Station and the company's main objective for the future plans of 2 Penn plaza in a presentation. Vornado is a real estate company whose main focus is on transforming New York City’s buildings and growing … [Read more...]