On Sunday, 18 June, the Class of 2017 was celebrated during Wheatley’s 60th Annual Commencement Exercises! It was a wonderful ceremony filled with outstanding student speeches and musical performances.
Susan Checkla, our District Publicist, has shared some additional photos from the day. Furthermore, I was able to secure from parents some videos of some of the student performances.
You can view the Commencement Program here: Graduation Program 2017
Earlier today, Wheatley held its 60th Commencement Exercises — this year in celebration of the Class of 2017! The 10:00 am ceremony included four wonderful musical performances and four impressive student speeches. It was a moving ceremony befitting Wheatley’s 60th graduating class! The ceremony also debuted the new Commencement Gowns!
Congratulations to all of the graduates and their families!
You can view a copy of the Commencement Program here: Graduation Program 2017
Earlier this evening, 14 June, our 13th Annual In Recognition of Excellence dinner was held. During a very busy time of the year, this remains one of my favorite evenings. Through our students’ own voices, attendees are reminded of the deep and lasting impact our faculty have on our students’ academic, emotional and social lives. The celebration of the relationships formed and connections made is what makes for such a special evening!
With so much talent in our school, it is still possible for some students to not get the recognition that they deserve. To recognize these students, the In Recognition of Excellence award was introduced eleven years ago. This honor is given to a group of students who have demonstrated outstanding service to school and community, demonstrated respect and concern for fellow students, and set high expectations for themselves as they have achieved their goals.
The recipients of this award were asked to select one teacher, staff member or coach from their experiences at North Side, Willets Road, and Wheatley who had the greatest positive impact on their life.
Congratulations to our recognized students and the faculty they acknowledged:
Last week, Wheatley’s 6th Annual Research Symposium was held in our lobby (for the poster sessions) and a Room 450 (for the senior research presentations). The breadth and scope of the topics covered a large range of science research topics.
We are thankful to have such wonderfully motivated students along with the faculty to support their efforts. Particular thanks to our Science Research Coordinator, Ms. Alexis Blondrage, for her work with these students and her coordination of the evening.
Heydi Manjano, one of our graduating students, has been involved in Nassau BOCES Cosmetology program at its Barry Tech Campus. As part of this program, Heydi takes classes at Wheatley in the morning and classes at Barry Tech in the afternoon. On Wednesday evening, Barry Tech had its graduation ceremony for students who had successfully completed one of its many programs, and as part of that program, Heydi was recognized as the Outstanding Cosmetology Student.
Congratulations to Heydi on this wonderful
recognition!
Wheatley Junior Vani Kumar is one of our extraordinary science research students. In the spring, she had an article published in The Epoch Herald, a new online international magazine (of which she is the Chief of Editing).
Vani’s article was entitled “CRISPR- The Little Known Technology Which Will Change the Future of Humanity” and was based on her science research work. The magazine article is quite approachable, so please take a moment to read it here: http://wp.me/p7Mlzz-Ro
Congratulations to Vani and thanks to our Science Research Coordinator, Alexis Blondrage, for her support of all of our research students.
One of the final few awards given during our Academic Awards Evening is the Susan Bergtraum Leadership in Action award.
Susan Bergtraum has been the model of an active and engaged community member. A long-time resident of our district, she was an active parent in our schools, and she served as a Board Trustee for 15 years, including five years as Board President. Presently, she is serving schools districts from across the state as President of the State School Boards Association. Last year, in honor and recognition of her past, present and future service to our school and community, we established the Susan Bergtraum Leadership in Action Award for the senior who best epitomizes the action leadership exhibited by Susan Bergtraum.
Presented by Mrs. Diane Cumming, Wheatley PTO co-president, here is what was said about this year’s recipient:
This year’s recipient is an outgoing, intelligent, compassionate, and remarkable student. Kind-hearted and generous in actions and spirit, this student radiates a special warmth and supportive nature that is very inviting to others. Rarely seeking the spotlight, this student speaks with confidence and poise. With an extra-curricular résumé that is quite impressive, this student’s legacy at Wheatley is secure.
A love of learning, a willingness to lend a helping hand, and a desire to help those who are underprivileged have been this student’s guideposts at Wheatley and in the community. She has been significant leader with the “Hand in Hand” program at Temple Sinai. As a volunteer, she has coordinated social and educational activities for children currently living in homeless shelters in New York City. She is a generous with her time and is focused on making a difference in the lives of others.
It is our distinct honor to present the 2017 Susan Bergtraum Leadership in Action Award to Rachel Koty.
