The Column

Thursday, May 16th, WHSAD had the honor of hearing from Holocaust survivor, Mrs. Toby Levy. The talk has become an annual event thanks to Project Witness, an organization dedicated to educating the world on the stories of survivors and victims alike. Growing up Jewish in Nazi occupied Poland, Mrs. Levy's struggles were immense, and unfortunately not uncommon. She was one of millions who suffered the effects of the Holocaust, including 8 of her friends and family she went into hiding with. But despite all she’s been through, she still works to spread love. It is incredibly brave and inspiring how she looks back on her life with only gratitude to those who were there for her, instead of hate for those who were not. Mrs. Levy had been kind … [Read more...]

This is WHSAD's second year working with CTA architects. According to its website, "CTA's work is rooted in the belief that the careful, appropriate restoration of existing buildings is among the most sustainable activities of any Architecture practice." Students in the mentorship engage in projects that dovetail with this portion of CTA's mission statement and learn both hard and soft skills. Oftentimes students have commented that the CTA mentorship is rigorous and puts students on the spot not only to present ideas to the professionals, but also to accept constructive feedback that lacks sugarcoating. During the mentorship students apply the design process, collaborate with peers and mentors, and gain a greater grasp on software programs … [Read more...]

Lake Como has been an ongoing project for I believe more than 5 years. I began working on Lake Como my freshman year in 2020 remotely and made significant progress since then. This year makes it my fourth year working on Lake Como. The primary goal of this project is to take advantage of Lake Como’s natural features and create an enhanced asset for the town, making it unique from the towns around it.  The goals of this project are environmental conservation to protect the natural beauty and biodiversity of Lake Como, community engagement to engage local communities involved in decision making processes and ensuring their interest and concerns are addressed to each part of the project, and tourism promotion to enhance Lake Como’s … [Read more...]

Thank you to Ms. Heather Butts of H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths and all the partners who offered support to our students on their projects. Jennifer Segundo Ramirez and Mariah Nieves, WHSAD Seniors What has been your project? I worked on the Corporal Thompson Park Playground Renovation Project on Staten Island.  This project aimed to transform the playground into a fun and inclusive space that involves children of all ages.  A key priority was ensuring the safety of all children using the playground and addressing the primary concern of parents in the community. Additionally, the community involvement was important as the playground serves the local residents and is intended for their enjoyment.  What other students … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]

In early March, some WHSAD Juniors had the opportunity to further their knowledge of college environments and standards through an overnight trip into New England, starting in Boston, hitting Boston Architectural College and MIT, then heading down through Rhode Island for Roger Williams and Brown. All of these schools were uniquely different in the programs offered, campus, and student life. With such a diverse selection, students had the opportunity to learn more about the kind of school they hope to go to, small or big, urban or suburban, relaxed or intense. Additionally, it helped inspire students to work for the future they desire.  After a lengthy bus ride and a pitstop for lunch, the group arrived at Boston Architectural College. … [Read more...]

Related is a multi-billion dollar developing real estate company spanned across 25 different states — half of the U.S. — and is the largest owner of affordable housing in the country. But, that’s only the exterior. During career discovery week a group of students along with Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Codio, and Mr. Auffrey got to take a look at the interior of the company. Physically and metaphorically.  Down at the heart of Hudson Yards — a neighborhood on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan and the last stop on the Manhattan bound 7 train — lies the headquarters of Related. However, Hudson Yards isn’t just the location of their headquarters, Related owns and develops that plot of land. Related is an in-house developer that oversees the … [Read more...]

Last Wednesday a group of 11th grade students went to see Hamilton live on Broadway! This was a rare and wonderful opportunity made possible by Gilder Lehrman and the Rockefeller Foundation. In addition to the show, students were able to participate in a Q&A with the cast and crew afterwards. It was truly a wonderful experience, from the performance to the knowledge that came with it.  In order to participate in the event, students were required to create a short video based on the founding era. Attending student, Olivia Sokolowska, described the project as a learning experience:  “Through the project I learned more than I previously knew about founding era history.” Students had to do their own research, and find their own primary … [Read more...]

“A  life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” The great Jackie Robinson, the breaker of the color barrier.  Going on trips such as the one to the Jackie Robinson museum is important because they hold historical significance. The museum commemorates the life and achievements of Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in professional baseball. Visiting the museum provides an opportunity to learn about his impact on not just his baseball legacy but his advocacy and business as an African American. These trips also help preserve his legacy. By visiting this museum, we plant the legacies of Jackie Robinson in our minds which preserve and keep his work from being forgotten. There is a lot that we can learn from … [Read more...]