News

04/28/2019

Student Volunteer Interviews Alumni at Reunion

During Reunion 2019, Student Volunteer Alexandra N. ‘20 Connected with Alumni.

My name is Alexandra N. ’20, and I am the Editor-in-Chief of Poly Prep’s yearbook, The Polyglot, as well as a Gray Key Ambassador. I have held both roles since 9th/10th grade and have had the opportunity to be a part of so many events, gatherings, and projects for our iconic school.

As a Gray Key Ambassador, I have volunteered at Poly’s alumni Reunions since my freshman year. Each Reunion that I have attended, I have had the privilege of capturing the day through my photographs, Instagram Takeovers, and my favorite part — the interviews I’ve conducted. Being able to hear stories and advice from all the alumni inspires me and I always learn new things about Poly and its community.

Transforming my interviews into snippets of people’s lives to share with the Poly community is an incredible honor. I find it so moving to connect with the alum, hearing about what Poly means to them, and thinking about my own experiences as well, as I have been at Poly since Pre-K. They have shared how Poly influenced their lives. I am excited to find commonalities with the alumni that comes from intriguing and heartfelt dialogue — one of my conversations has continued after Reunion. It is wonderful being surrounded by alumni, getting to know them through their years at Poly. The alumni I’ve met during Reunion over the years truly cherish all that this school has done for them.

I hope you enjoyed my Instagram Takeover. For those of you who may not be on Instagram, below are my photos and stories from the day. I had a great time meeting everyone!

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Stellene Volandes ’89, Editor in Chief of Town and Country Magazine was an avid member of the Theater Department participating in every musical and play, during her time here at Poly. She vividly recalls her senior year when the Richard Perry Theater opened, providing the students a real home for their performances. A handful of teachers left lasting impressions and played roles in her life after high school. Ms. Beiles, a teacher at Poly, inspired Ms. Volandes, helping her to craft arguments, and “push her in all she wanted to do”. The memorable trip to London with the Head of the Drama department, Jennifer Jones, opened her eyes to incredible things. Poly Prep allowed Volandes to perform, sing, find inspiration and be a theater kid. She took part in Glee Club, Concert Choir and so many wonderful aspects of what Poly offered. Stellene Volandes’ advice for Seniors, “Make sure you are always prepared on interviews. Know the information on the company, the publication, the people. Know what you can bring to that company or job.” As students and parents feel today, Volandes described how she felt years before, “The minute I walked into Poly, I knew it would change my life forever, and it did”. This is Alexandra Nava-Baltimore ‘20 taking over and enjoying hearing all that Poly’s alumni have to share!
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Dominique Sharpton ‘04 was an avid member of the theater department participating in many of Poly’s wonderful musicals and plays. Sonya Baehr, then Director of Poly’s theater, inspired Dominique, taught her life lessons, was hands-on and helped her with her Senior Plan. Shari Fogler ran the ABC mentors in Poly and helped Dominique by supporting her, in addition to bringing people together and making a safe space for uncomfortable situations for the students. Fogler helped students to be their true selves, “brilliant, beautiful people” no matter who they were. Ms. Sharpton enjoyed being a part of the Gospel Singing Group and the Step Team during her high school career. She felt Poly was an outlet for her to express herself and wants to encourage students at Poly to grab every opportunity that they have here and try everything that they can. Poly gives people the freedom to try out new things and find what is best for them. This is Alexandra Nava-Baltimore ‘20 taking over and thanking the alumni for their insight!
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Dr. Morton Levitt ‘64, former Editor in Chief of the Polyglot (yearbook) felt that it was important for him to work on a book that held memories for everyone. Choosing photographs filled with significance, such as the building of the Verrazano Bridge was meaningful to Levitt as it allowed him to share the story of his year and archive memories. During his time in Poly, Dr. Levitt’s English teacher, Larry Hayden positively impacted his ability to write, use proper grammar, and pushed him to do his best. According to Dr. Levitt, in addition to preparing him to be a good student, Poly taught him to network, face the world, and self-discipline. These are skills that follow a person through their life. This is Alexandra Nava-Baltimore ‘20 taking over and cherishing all the memories shared by the Poly alumni!
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