The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Byram Hills High School Juniors and Seniors Honored at Awards Ceremony

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Byram Hills High School juniors and seniors were honored for their individual achievements at the annual awards ceremony on May 25 in the high school theater.

“We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the achievements of all of the students who are behind me on stage,” Principal Christopher Walsh said. “It’s been such an incredible year, for so many reasons, for our high school community.”

This year, Byram Hills students were recognized by organizations including the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the New York State School Music Association, Regeneron, the College Board, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center, Con Edison, Section 1 Athletics, and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. 

“Countless other local, state, national and international organizations recognized Byram Hills students for their achievements,” Mr. Walsh said. “Our students were celebrated for their work in and out of the classrooms, both at school and on the road, and even remotely.” 

He thanked the students’ families for their endless support.

“None of the students would be able to be up here without all that you do for them,” Mr. Walsh said of the students seated on the stage. “Thank you for the hours and hours of support that enabled them to achieve so much.”

The top honor for a graduating senior, the Hy Blatte-Jack Wollenberg Memorial Award, is given to a student with a humanitarian outlook, a willingness to extend himself for others, and an optimistic approach to life and its challenges. 

Mr. Walsh presented the award to Ross Eagle, hailing him for his leadership, involvement and willingness to help.

“This student always looks on the bright side and sees challenges as an opportunity for growth and learning,” Mr. Walsh said. “He is kind, compassionate and cares deeply for his community. This student reflects the values of Byram Hills High School.”

Along with the award, Ross received a $1,000 scholarship from the PTSA, $100 to donate to a charity of his choice, and by tradition, gave a speech during the ceremony. 

“When looking back on our time at the high school, it was nothing short of unusual, and a true test of our resilience,” Ross said, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic had shifted the mindset of students. “But it taught us an important lesson: that is, to make the most of the time we have and not to worry about the things that are out of our control.”

The PTSA Caruolo Leadership Award, which is decided by a student vote and comes with a $1,000 scholarship, was presented by Assistant Principal Kristen Sautner to senior Irene Byrnes.

The award goes to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and exhibits character, dedication, loyalty and humanity. Ms. Sautner noted that Irene is described as dynamic, intelligent, fun loving, kind to all and always willing to lend a helping hand. 

“She has strength in her convictions and has shown that she can support and lift up others while also making her voice and point of view heard,” Ms. Sautner said. “This student works hard to ensure the success of those around her. She is also known for being astute and recognizing when a fellow classmate may be in need of help and demonstrates genuine care and willingness to assist others.”

The awards ceremony was filled with applause and pride as dozens of students were recognized, a wonderful way to kick off the end of the academic year.

 

News and photo courtesy of the Byram Hills School District

 

Athletic Conditioning with Club Fit’s Mat Rios

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Calling all athletes! Summer may be here, but the 2022-2023 school year is just around the corner, so why stop your training now? Club Fit’s cutting-edge fitness training programs have expanded into the world of sports. Get conditioned for your travel team, junior varsity, varsity, or collegiate sport by training with our Athletic Conditioning Coach and Master Trainer Mat Rios. Don’t wait and possibly fall behind the pack; allow Club Fit tp  jump start your training and get you ready for your upcoming season today.

In addition to his CPR and First Aid Certifications, Mat is an NCSF Certified Master Trainer who has his B.S. in Exercise Science from Mercy College and Associates in Sports Medicine from WCC, where he was named student of the year in his program. Mat specializes in training athletes of various sports including soccer, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, football, volleyball, tennis, wrestling, hockey, and field hockey. Mat’s education and experience has allowed him to learn how to train and develop athletes of all ages where he continues to help his clients see progress in their sports and overall health.

Mat’s passion for working with kids and training athletes stems from working at a day camp, babysitting, and playing soccer since he was a young child, all the way to a collegiate level at WCC. Due to his extensive knowledge and dedication, he became the Personal Trainer for this Division 3 soccer team at the age of 20.

Mat’s training program will utilize many areas of the Club’s 100,000 square foot air-conditioned facility including but not limited to an indoor track, functional fitness turf, cardio and weight machines, TRX straps, and multiple studios.

Mat’s Philosophy of Fitness states “if you never failed, you never tried hard enough” so come test your limits with him at Club Fit. Athletic Conditioning with Mat is open to anyone ages 12 and up who are serious at improving their health and their athletic performance. Want your friends to join you? Small group training options are also available, and non-members are welcome.

For more information, contact Donna Berta at dberta@clubfit.com or 914-250-2769 and come stop by the Club for a free tour at 584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor. Club Fit can’t wait to hear from you and help you improve your game!

 

 

The 2022 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Returns October 15

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The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) will take place on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Chappaqua Train Station. This year’s Festival will be the largest one yet–some 9,000 visitors are anticipated with 150 authors in attendance.  

In its ninth year, the festival, promoting community, literacy and a return to normalcy, will have authors covering multiple genres and reading levels, author readings, illustrator demos, book signings and books for sale. Food will be available this year from gourmet food trucks and from the Chappaqua Farmers Market. CCBF will support literacy programs in area schools. This years’ theme will be “A Walk Through The Woods,” inspired by Hudson Talbott’s stunning poster art on behalf of the CCBF this year. Talbott is an author and illustrator who has written and illustrated over 27 books, including the recently published A Walk In The Words. 

Decorations and themed tables are also planned to bring even more excitement to a fun filled day of meeting our favorite authors in person.

150 Authors in Attendance

Since its inception in 2013, the CCBF has grown from 65 authors to 160. Acclaimed authors this year include Dan Gutman, author of 160 children’s books like The Genius Files series and his first graphic novel, My Weird School. CCBF is also thrilled that 2021 Lambda Literary Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature Tracey Babtiste, author of the just released, Because Claudette, will also be returning to the festival this year. Mike Curato, author of the winning graphic novel, Flamer, also returns.  

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the creators of their favorite characters and to appreciate that there is a real person behind the art and the words on the page. Visitors arrive from throughout the tri-state region. Admission and parking are free, and the event is rain or shine. Visit ccbfestival.org and follow facebook.com/chappaquabookfestival

Judge Judy and Nicole Sheindlin, BRI Westchester and Former Board President to be Honored at WCA Annual Spring Benefit June 1st

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Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) will hold their annual Imagine A Child…WCA Annual Spring Benefit on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022, starting at 6:00 pm at the Surf Club in New Rochelle, New York. This year WCA will honor Nicole Sheindlin and Judge Judy Sheindlin of Her Honor Mentoring; The Building & Realty Institute (BRI) of Westchester; and Dr. Katherine Lobach, former WCA Board President and Chairperson.

“We are very excited about our annual spring benefit and looking forward to celebrating three outstanding honorees next week.” said Allison Lake, Executive Director of the Westchester Children’s Association. “At the same time, we are reminded by recent events in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas that we need to be ever more vigilant and persistent in our advocacy to ensure that every child in Westchester is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges than ever before. These honorees are shining examples of what each of us can do to help children in our communities, and anywhere else – across the country, or around the world.

Honorees who are expected to receive awards at this year’s WCA Spring Benefit include:

The WCA Edith C. Macy Award for Distinguished Service, given in recognition of extraordinary contributions to children’s well-being, will be awarded to Nicole Sheindlin and Judge Judy Sheindlin of Her Honor Mentoring. Their mission is to provide unique learning opportunities and resources for young women, as they connect the needs of our public education system with powerful resources in the business community. Their belief is that connecting strong, positive, female role models with young women changes everything. Her Honor Mentoring was developed by Nicole Sheindlin and Judge Judy Sheindlin as an innovative and pragmatic way to boost self-confidence in young women in the workplace and everyday life. For more information visit herhonor.org.

“Since Nicole and I started Her Honor Mentoring 16 years ago, it has been incredibly gratifying to see hundreds of young women become outstanding members of society, as leaders in their fields, wonderful mentees themselves, and most of all, independent women who are truly making a difference in the world,” says Judge Judy Sheindlin. “It is an honor to receive this award and I share it with all of them.”

The WCA Corporate Children’s Champion Award will be presented this year to the Building & Realty Institute (BRI) of Westchester. This award recognizes and honors a business or organization with an outstanding record of advocacy, actions, and/or philanthropy that has substantially benefitted young people in Westchester. BRI Westchester advocates for the best interests of the realty industry to government and the community, provides knowledge and resources to their members, and creates opportunities for their members to build relationships and improve their businesses. WCA and BRI found synergy on the Welcome Home Westchester campaign that combines several companies involved in the home building and development of housing with economic leaders such as the Westchester County Association and Nonprofit Westchester, academics and think tanks that have extensively examined the housing question, organizations dedicated to fighting against homelessness and supporting families in need, faith leaders and community advocates to drive forward a new conversation around affordable housing in the county. For more information visit buildersinstitute.org/whw/.

“We have long admired WCA’s ability to analyze, educate, advocate and lead on the critical policy issues that face Westchester’s children, including the urgent need to address a county-wide housing shortage that puts so many children at-risk of homelessness, housing insecurity, or facing barriers to educational attainment.“ said Timothy Foley Chief Executive Officer, BRI of Westchester & the Mid-Hudson Region. “WCA has been one of the cornerstones for the Welcome Home Westchester campaign we launched in the past year to advocate for building the housing we need, and we are honored to work side-by-side with them on this issue.”

The WCA Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to Dr. Katherine Lobach, former WCA Board President and Chair. Dr. Lobach, a pediatrician, learned early that effective health care for children often required advocacy on their behalf. This awareness and activity were a constant element of her career as a clinician, teacher, and administrator, and upon her retirement, brought her to the WCA Board as president in 2005.During her tenure, she participated in WCA’s efforts to provide in-school support to Westchester preschool students with social and emotional issues. She also led an initiative to improve data collection and develop outreach activities at WCA which offered adolescents an opportunity to receive preventive health care and formed a County-wide collaboration to expand newborn and toddler home visiting services in Westchester. Today, she continues to advocate to reduce child poverty.

“Dr. Lobach has devoted her life to the health and well-being of children, as a pediatrician, public health leader, and as a mother and grandmother.” said Ann Umemoto, WCA Board President. “ We are very grateful for her tireless efforts in support of our youth over the years, and we look forward to recognizing her contributions, along with our other special honorees at this year’s event.”=

Donations and sponsorship for this event will help WCA continue its advocacy and work for children in Westchester. To reserve a seat or for more information about the program, visit wca4kids.org/imagine/ or contact Debbie Campbell at 914.946.7676 x300 or via email at dcampbell@wca4kids.org.

About Westchester Children’s Association: Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) is a multi-issue, child advocacy nonprofit that works to ensure that every child in Westchester is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges. Since 1914, WCA has been the leading independent voice for Westchester by identifying their needs, making those needs known to the public, and ensuring those needs are met through advocacy and mobilization efforts. For more information about Westchester Children’s Association, visit www.wca4kids.org . 

HHREC Announces Students Honored in Second Annual White Rose Student Research Contest

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May 25, 2022– The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC) held their second annual White Rose Student Research Contest for 7th-12th grade students in the greater Westchester County NY area. The 2021/2022 contest theme was Auschwitz and the Hungarian Deportations.

Jake Morton, Woodlands Middle School

This year, HHREC honored students and teachers from Irvington High School, Westchester Day School and Woodlands Middle/High School via Zoom. Participating students who chose to compete in the contest submitted essays or original documentaries based on research of primary source and secondary source materials. Student and teacher entries included:

7th and 8th Grade Winners – Rachel Tratt, Westchester Day School and Jake Morton, Woodlands Middle School; and Finalist Annshiya Pulikkottil Sam, Woodlands Middle School.

11th and 12th Grade Winner – Alexandra Pollack, Irvington High School

Sponsoring Teachers – Christopher Barry, Irvington High School; Kasie Peralta, Woodlands Middle School; and Jill Rivel, Westchester Day School.

This contest is sponsored by the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center, and it is named in memory of the White Rose, a resistance movement consisting of German university students. The project commemorates the efforts of the brave young people who gave their lives for what they believed in. HHREC is encouraging teachers to utilize this writing contest as a classroom exercise.

“We are pleased at the response we received this year from area teachers and their students about the program we have developed to further their knowledge of the Holocaust.” said Julie Scallero,  Co-Director of Education, Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. “This project commemorates the efforts of brave young people during the Holocaust who gave their lives for what they believed in. May their memories inspire us to reflect upon our own responsibilities as citizens in a democratic nation.”

Winning entries for the HHREC White Rose Student Research Contest were identified by a panel of Blue-Ribbon judges that included Richard Berman, Ph.D. Muma College of Business, University of South Florida; Debbie Lewis, HHREC GenerationsForward speaker; Elena Procario-Foley, Ph.D. Professor of Religious Studies, Iona College; Debbie Minchin HHREC Educators Program Committee; and Audrey Reich Art Specialist, The Birch Wathen Lenox School

The top prize winner in each age level was awarded a cash prize, and the sponsoring teacher of each first prize winner was awarded a voucher for use on professional development and/or Holocaust resources.