Seven Byram Hills High School seniors have been selected as semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program, allowing them to compete for about 6,700 scholarships worth approximately $24 million in the spring.

The semifinalists are Ethan Alderman, Ying Yin Chen, India Edwards, Keira Fan, Chloe Ferreira Szilagyi, Vasily Ouyang-Christiansen and Evan Thorsen.

“Congratulations to our outstanding National Merit semifinalists,” Principal Christopher Walsh said. “This achievement reflects their hard work, commitment to learning and dedication to academic excellence. The Byram Hills community is extremely proud of them.”

Guidance Chairperson Kristina Wilson also congratulated the students.

“This honor represents your perseverance and commitment to success,” she said. “We commend you and are excited to see what the future holds.”

More than 1.2 million students entered the scholarship competition last year as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The Byram Hills students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists, who represent less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. The nationwide group of semifinalists includes the highest-scoring students in each state.

To become a finalist, students must submit an application that provides information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, work, honors and awards. They must write an essay and earn standardized test scores that confirm their earlier performance on the qualifying test. 

Most of the semifinalists are expected to become finalists. The finalists will be announced in February, and the scholarship winners will be announced from April to July. The winners are selected for their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The Byram Hills High School National Merit semifinalists are, from left, Ethan Alderman, Ying Yin Chen, India Edwards, Keira Fan, Chloe Ferreira Szilagyi, Vasily Ouyang-Christiansen and Evan Thorsen.

Byram Hills High School proudly announced that the Class of 2026 valedictorian is Max Charney and the salutatorian is Alex Lewis.

The students will each deliver a speech at graduation on June 23.

“Congratulations to Max and Alex, exceptional students who worked extremely hard at Byram Hills,” said Principal Christopher Walsh, who announced the news to applause at graduation rehearsal on June 17. “They’ve not only grown academically, but also in leadership and civic engagement. They represented the very best of Byram Hills and made important contributions to our school community.” 

Max will attend Harvard University.

“I feel incredibly honored and grateful,” he said of being named the valedictorian. “It represents my individual academic effort as well as the time and energy the Byram Hills community has generously provided me all along the way.”

The key factors to his academic success, Max said, were “an enjoyment of the learning process and continued dedication.” “I couldn’t have achieved this accomplishment without the immense support of my incredible teachers, friends and family,” he added.

Max is passionate about all academic subjects and applies his knowledge and curiosity to address real-world challenges.

He is a standout, award-winning student in the three-year Byram Hills Authentic Science Research Program, where he was known as a brave thinker who posed bold questions. Max completed three notable independent research projects in the time most students finish one.

In 11th grade, Max created a deep learning computer model to help predict the prognosis of cancer patients based on genetic and clinical data, a project that won first place in  Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair.

For his second project, Max developed machine learning models to predict the effects of two treatment approaches on patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. He co-authored a paper on this work, which was presented at a conference of the European Society for Medical Oncology.

As a senior, Max was selected as a scholar in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search and won first place in Behavior and Social Science at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair for his third project. In this computational social science research study, Max used a unique data source — vast amounts of Amazon customer reviews — to assess social behavior and created methodologies that can be used to study countless other social phenomena at large scales.

Max also founded Career Chats, a nonprofit organization that aims to enhance career readiness for high school students through interviews with professionals from around the world in various fields. At Byram Hills, he launched the first Career Chats club, and other schools have started their own chapters. Max gave a presentation on Career Chats to the 2025 United Nations General Assembly, and the organization was also featured in Forbes.

Max won the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in New York’s 17th District for creating NewsCompass, which was featured in the U.S. Capitol and uses machine learning to detect political bias in the news media and connects users across ideological divides. 

Max is a member of the Cum Laude Society for outstanding academic achievement, a member of the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, and was a National Merit Commended Student.

As a senior, he won the Ken Hamilton Memorial Award for exceptional computer science skills and the Abe Shahim Science Research Award. As a junior, Max was honored with the Harvard Prize Book Award for excellence in scholarship, character and commitment to others.

He was also a president of the Tech Club, and led an effort to obtain an Insta-Grant from the Byram Hills Education Foundation for a desktop computer to help students learn about hardware. He was a captain of the Math Team, a teaching assistant for AP Computer Science A, and was invited to the Student Leadership Board.

Max said he is well prepared for life after high school. “Byram Hills helped me develop indispensable critical thinking and analytical skills,” he said. “I’ve also gained substantial knowledge and learning frameworks to draw from in the future.”

An important lesson Max learned is to “take initiative: start assignments early, seek and pursue your passions, and ask teachers for help when necessary.” 

“Life feels rewarding when you actively engage with opportunities instead of waiting for them to find you,” Max said.

Alex will attend Muhlenberg College, where he will be in the highly selective RJ Fellows Honors Program for high-achieving students who have shown exceptional curiosity, and play Division III tennis. He plans to study mathematics and physics and hopes to become a teacher in one of those subjects.

“I feel very happy and proud,” Alex said of being the salutatorian. “It was very nice to hear that my hard work in high school paid off. Even though I was never studying and working with the goal of being salutatorian or valedictorian, it’s nice to get the recognition.” 

Alex’s primary interests have been math, science and government. Alex said he “learns a lot and thinks a lot and tries to apply it in order to make the world a better place.”

Well-respected in the school community, Alex was nominated to serve on the Athletic Advisory Committee, the Student Grading Committee, the Student Leadership Board and the Acting with Integrity Committee.  

When Alex was a junior, Byram Hills announced it would hold its first Student Government election in about 20 years. Alex had studied election systems on his own and was interested in using math to make voting more representative and fair. One of his biggest accomplishments was convincing Byram Hills to adopt a ranked-choice voting system for the school election. 

This year, Alex won the New York State Comptroller’s Student Achievement Award for academic achievement and outstanding community service, the Byram Hills Social Sciences Award for growth in social studies and an award for outstanding achievement in mathematics for a senior, an honor he also won junior year. He won the Yale University Book Award last year as well.

An exceptional athlete, Alex played on the Boys Varsity Tennis team for five seasons, culminating this year as captain when he led the squad to a New York State championship in the team event. Alex was also a state finalist in eighth grade, earned All-League honors and was a state finalist and team MVP last year.

He is a member of the Cum Laude Society for outstanding academic excellence, president of the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, president and a captain of the Math Team and was a teaching assistant in AP Computer Science Principles.

Alex said he excelled in high school by forming relationships with teachers, attending office hours, paying attention to detail and getting assignments done a day early. “I built strong habits and just kept going,” he said.

An important lesson Alex learned in high school is that “personal relationships matter.”

“Life is a lot easier, and school is a lot easier, when you’re friendly with your teachers and your peers,” he said. “School is easier when you enjoy it, and that starts with the people.” 

Alex said the high school teachers are “great people and mentors,” who inspired him to become an educator.

“They shaped the way I plan to live my life,” he said. Highlighting a time when math teacher Rebecca Barnum allowed him to teach a lesson, Alex said the Byram Hills teachers “give you opportunities to find yourself and grow.”

“I’m grateful for the people in this place,” he said, “and everything they’ve done for me.”


Pictured from left to right are Class of 2026 Salutatorian Alex Lewis and Valedictorian Max Charney.

 

The Byram Hills Boys Varsity Tennis team captured the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II team championship, the program’s first state title. 

The Bobcats defeated Bayport-Blue Point 3-0 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens for the championship on June 12.

“Every player on the team worked hard all season and their grit, determination, sportsmanship, passion, mental toughness and hard work were all contributing factors to their victory,” Coach Jamie Taffet said. “Congratulations on this momentous occasion.”

The victory marked the sixth state title for Byram Hills Athletics and further cements Byram Hills’ reputation as Tennis Town.

“Congratulations to our athletes and coaching staff on an incredible season and a remarkable achievement,” said Scott Saunders, the District’s Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. “Through hard work, dedication, and teamwork, they have earned their place in Byram Hills Athletics history.”

The team captain, senior Alex Lewis, said: “After five years of being on this team, and coming within a single win of the title twice, to finally get it felt so good.”

“Everyone did their part and everyone played amazing,” he said. “It was amazing in every way imaginable.”   

Alex had high praise for Coach Taffet.

“She gave us all so many good tips throughout the match,” he said. “Speaking for the team as a whole, she held us to a high standard during practice, and it clearly paid off. Her vast knowledge was invaluable."

Continuing the tradition of honoring state champions, Byram Hills will host a parade through Armonk to celebrate the team on June 24 at 5 p.m. The parade will start at H.C. Crittenden Middle School, travel down Main Street and end with a ceremony at Town Hall.

In addition to Alex, the team is made up of Ethan Adamsky, Rajan Bobra, Nevyn Dani, Arun Das, Benjamin Davidoff, Nate Grossman, Theodore Lashmet, Brett Lipton, Vasily Ouyang-Christiansen, Matheus Paslar Bunemer, Jordan Perry, Leo Raff and Peter Weil.

Before this state title, the Girls Varsity Tennis team won a state championship in 2021, 2022 and 2024, the Boys Varsity Soccer team won in 2007 and the Boys Varsity Baseball team won in 2015.




 

Byram Hills High School senior Gavin Bunting won a Patent Application Award at the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals for the AI-based computer program he developed that would streamline video documentation from the da Vinci robotic surgical system.

Gavin, a member of the Byram Hills three-year Authentic Science Research Program, engineered a highly accurate, easy-to-use tool that automatically filters out irrelevant content from lengthy videos of robotic surgeries that are used in archiving, research and education. The program would reduce hours of manual work and human error.

In March, Gavin’s work was recognized at the Westchester Science & Engineering Fair with the New York Invents Award, which included the opportunity to present his work at the New York Invention Convention in Albany in May. At that statewide event, he won a gold medal, securing him a spot at the national Invention Convention in Dearborn, Michigan, at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation from June 3-5.

The award comes with patent application services provided by an intellectual property law firm to assess the feasibility of applying for a patent and assist in the patent application process, Gavin said.

“I’m grateful that my invention was recognized on the national level,” Gavin said. “The convention was a great experience.”

He developed the computer program because he found that even though the da Vinci robot can seamlessly record surgeries, doctors still spend hours of valuable time manually reviewing and editing videos for various uses.

“Gavin has persisted over three years to develop an important innovation to aid future surgeons and enhance the use of robotic surgery,” said Stephanie Greenwald, director of the Byram Hills science research program. “Gavin is a thoughtful and diligent scientist who is destined for great success, and we are honored to be a part of his journey.”

Gavin, the first Byram Hills student to compete at Invention Convention, plans to study computer engineering at Purdue University.

 

Byram Hills High School inducted five students into the International Thespian Society, highlighting their individual theatrical accomplishments with The Varley Players, on and off stage.

Dr. Douglas Coates, theater teacher and adviser to the Byram Hills International Thespian Society troupe, celebrated the inductees, juniors Benjamin Andrews-Silby, Avery Lombardi, Amelina Milio, Darby Schlosser and Maeve Sullivan.

“You have earned this honor through your sweat, your talent and your unwavering dedication,” he said at the June 4 induction ceremony. “We could not be more proud of you, and we cannot wait to see how you continue to shape the legacy of The Varley Players.”

To become a member, students must earn points by participating in Byram Hills theater productions, in onstage and backstage roles.

The Byram Hills troupe was created a year ago. Seniors Sarah Bogart, Emi Nagura and Nicole Nassar, who were inducted in 2025, helped lead this year’s ceremony.

“These three are absolute pillars of The Varley Players and our troupe of thespians,” Dr. Coates said. “They made history last year as some of our very first inductees, and thanks to their hard work, talent and high standards, they've paved the way for tonight.”

He concluded the ceremony by saying: “Always remember our motto, which comes from Alexander Pope's ‘An Essay on Man:’ ‘Act well your part,’ there all the honor lies.’”

The society, which dates to 1929, recognizes student achievement in theater and celebrates performance and production. More than 2.4 million students have been inducted.

 

The 31 seniors in the Authentic Science Research Program were celebrated on June 3 at the 37th annual Authentic Science Research Symposium, which followed the theme of “To Those Who Inspire.”

The keynote speaker, Dr. Monica Pozzuoli, is a 1994 Byram Hills High School graduate who participated in the three-year Authentic Science Research Program. Inspiring the students in the audience, she traced her journey from a science research student to becoming a pediatrician, now working to enhance the clinical care of children with autism.

Dr. Pozzuoli, whose son Aidan is a Class of 2026 science research student, praised the continued strength of the science research program and its tight-knit, supportive community.

“It has been truly inspiring to watch you all grow as scientists over these past three years,” she told the students. “Take the skills that you have learned through the ASR program and apply them to each phase of your life. You have the tools to tackle difficult tasks and accomplish great things. Don’t shy away from new opportunities or experiences. You can do it.” 

Senior speaker Gavin Bunting, an award-winning student, recounted the inspirational lessons he learned from his science research mentor. As soon as Gavin joined their first Zoom meeting, his mentor immediately brought him into his world and was always there for him.

In different ways, the science research teachers also inspired Gavin “to be a true research scientist.” He praised Dr. Caroline Matthew for teaching him to read a scientific paper, program director Stephanie Greenwald for teaching him to write a research paper, and James Gulick for teaching him to effectively present his work.

“Three teachers in three years with three valuable skills I will carry for the rest of my life,” Gavin said. “None of them did it in a single dramatic moment, but they did it quietly, one class at a time. That’s the kind of inspiration that always stays with you.”

He urged the seniors to remember the lessons they learned over the last three years in science research: treat people like they belong, show up consistently and turn failures into learning opportunities.

“This journey continues,” Gavin said, “and one day somebody else will open their laptop, click ‘join’ on a Zoom call, and we will be the people on the other end providing that inspiration.”

Senior science research diplomas were presented to: Beatrice Bachmann, Spencer Berkowitz, Anika Bobra, Gavin Bunting, Sophie Cai, Sienna Cavada, Max Charney, Lindsay Coady, Riley Conigliaro, Elizabella Dec, Kimberly Eagle, Andrew Gershuny, Josh Goldman, Leo Greco, Joseph Hashem, Matthew Ishkanian, Chase Keller, Karis Lee, Selina Li, Jeremy Loots, Claire Mauney, Maya Melathe, Heather Millman, Angelina Nie, Aidan Pozzuoli-Doyle, Emmy Rasamny, Abigail Shrayer, Cashlyn Smith, Chase Tabankin, Chloe Wolf and Katelijne Wolvius.

 

Byram Hills High School honored dozens of juniors and seniors at the annual Awards Ceremony, recognizing their individual achievements and accomplishments.

“Our students have been recognized this year in academics, arts, music, athletics, leadership, civic engagement, character and service,” Principal Christopher Walsh said at the May 27 ceremony. “That range matters because Byram Hills has never defined success in only one way. We’re proud of our academic excellence, of course, but we are equally proud of kindness, creativity, perseverance, teamwork, integrity and service to others and our community.”

For the seniors, he said, the ceremony is another milestone on the path to graduation.

“It’s a chance to recognize not only what they have accomplished, but also the character, strength and adaptability they have shown over the past four years,” Mr. Walsh said. “They faced challenges, adjusted to change, supported one another and continued growing into the productive and responsible citizens and leaders we know that they will become by the time they graduate.”

The night was a reminder to the juniors that their own senior year is quickly approaching.

“Continue to grow as learners, leaders, artists, athletes and citizens and enjoy the time you have left here, because it does go very quickly,” Mr. Walsh said.

The final award, the Hy Blatte-Jack Wollenberg Memorial Award, is the highest honor for a senior and recognizes a student with a humanitarian outlook, a willingness to extend themselves for others and an optimistic approach to life and its challenges.

The award was presented to Dylan Gasch, honored for being trustworthy, kind, friendly, dependable and for strengthening school spirit and student voice. He is a captain of the varsity football team, a peer leader, a member of the Acting with Integrity committee and vice president of Student Government.

“He’s the kind of person who shows up, does the work and supports the people around him and never needs to make it about himself,” Mr. Walsh said, adding: “His character is not something he turns on for certain moments. It’s not something he performs. It’s just who he is every day.”

In his speech, Dylan recalled moving to the District when he was going into eighth grade. He didn’t know many people and was nervous about how he would fit in.

“I told myself to treat people like they were having a bad day and it was my job to cheer them up,” he said.

He started playing football, made more friends, gained confidence and began having conversations with more people.

“I found you can talk to almost anyone, even if you don’t have much in common, as long as you’re kind and you smile,” Dylan said. “This simple approach helped me in so many ways.”

People think that to be a really social person, you need to be loud and talk a lot, Dylan said.

“But it’s really more about listening and connecting with one person at a time,” he said.

“I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to meet so many great people during my time at Byram Hills,” Dylan said. “If I could, I still wouldn’t change a thing about my years here. I look back on my time here with happiness, pride and gratitude. It costs nothing to be kind, but you get so much from it in return.”

Dylan will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the PTSA, and $100 to donate, which he said he will direct to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Dozens of students were recognized during the ceremony, where they were applauded by classmates, relatives and the school community.

The complete list of winners:

GUIDANCE AWARDS

JAMIE TESTA ONWARD AND UPWARD SCHOLARSHIP
Given to a senior who shows exemplary commitment to helping others and dedication to public service.

GIADA ROCCO
 

MICHAEL TYLER FISHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Presented to a senior who demonstrates care for others and the community, as Michael had exemplified.

DYLAN GASCH
 

NORTH CASTLE POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Presented to a senior who has shown academic excellence and a commitment to the North Castle community.

SPENCER BERKOWITZ
 

ARMONK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD
Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated impressive business acumen, responsibility and dedication either as an employee of a local business establishment or as an entrepreneur.

RODRIGO CANDELA LEVANO
 

ROGER CASE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Given to a senior for academic achievement and outstanding community service.

KIMBERLY EAGLE
 

THE NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER’S 2026 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Given to seniors for academic achievement and outstanding community service.

ALEXANDER LEWIS
GIULIANNA VELLA
 

STATE SENATOR SHELLEY MAYER’S 2026 STUDENT IMPACT AWARD
Presented to seniors who have gone above and beyond through leadership, service and a deep commitment to making a difference. Students demonstrate their impact in many ways, including academics, athletics, the arts, civic engagement, community service and more.

TYLER BOYD
MADISON CLARNER
 

TULANE UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Awarded to a junior who embodies Tulane’s motto “Not for one’s self, but for one’s own” and is a true servant leader.

ANDREW GRODIN
 

HARVARD PRIZE BOOK AWARD
Given to outstanding juniors who display excellence in scholarship, character and commitment to others.

KEIRA FAN
VASILY OUYANG-CHRISTIANSEN
 

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA JEFFERSON BOOK AWARD
Presented to a junior who embraces creativity and innovation, and embodies the spirit of discovery, much like the University’s founder, Thomas Jefferson. The student is a demonstrated citizen leader who works to improve their community locally or globally.

INDIA EDWARDS
 

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Presented to an academically outstanding junior who demonstrates intellectual leadership and strong character. This student also best exemplifies the spirit behind Princeton’s motto, “In the Nation’s Service and in the Service of Humanity.”

EMMA DALLAS
 

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD
Awarded to juniors who exhibit excellent academic achievement and who contribute to the extracurricular activities of the school.

LILAH ALTMAN
EVAN THORSEN
 

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOK AWARD
Presented to a junior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and scholarly research in a rigorous college preparatory program.

ALICE TARDIEU
 

YALE UNIVERSITY BOOK AWARD
Presented to a junior in recognition of outstanding personal character and intellectual promise with diverse skills and leadership qualities.

AARON CUSHMAN
 

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Given to juniors having an academic interest in engineering, business, science or liberal arts.

Leadership Award: ANISHA BOBRA
Achievement Award: VEDANSHI RAVI
 

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOOK AWARD
Given to a junior with outstanding character and high academic achievement, who provides important service to school or community.

BRETT LIPTON
 

BRANDEIS BOOK AWARD
Presented to an outstanding junior who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice or volunteer work.

EMERY MATUSOW
 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD

CHARLOTTE SANDERS
 

ENGLISH AWARDS

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN EXCELLENCE IN WRITING AWARD

LILLY ALONZO
 

SENIOR ENGLISH AWARDS
For outstanding senior English students.

CLAIRE MAUNEY
ALEXANDRA ZODDA
 

ED WALZER WRITING AWARD
This award was established by the family of Ed Walzer, a graduate of Byram Hills who went on to have a career as a writer. The family has asked that the English department present the award to dedicated writers in the hope that they will pursue their passion for writing.

NICOLE NASSAR
 

THE YEARBOOK AWARD

LUCAS YOON

 

SOCIAL STUDIES AWARDS

SOCIAL STUDIES OUTSTANDING JUNIOR AWARD
Awarded to an exceptional junior who has achieved outstanding scholarship in the subject of Social Studies.

VEDANSHI RAVI
 

SOCIAL SCIENCES AWARD
Given to a senior who has shown exceptional growth in the field of Social Studies.

ALEXANDER LEWIS
 

NORTH CASTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AWARD
Given to a senior who has excelled in American History, European History and/or the senior electives.

LILLY ALONZO
 

HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT AWARD
Presented to a senior who is an outstanding and serious history scholar.

SOPHIA DEEKS
 

THE NORTH CASTLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY HISTORICAL RESEARCH AWARD IN HONOR OF RICHARD LANDER AND DORIS FINCH WATSON
Given to a student who has an interest and passion in historic research to honor North Castle’s late town historians.

ANGJELINA VATAJ
 

MATHEMATICS AWARDS STUDENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM
For outstanding achievement in Mathematics.

Outstanding Senior: ALEXANDER LEWIS
Outstanding Junior: AARON CUSHMAN
 

THE KEN HAMILTON MEMORIAL AWARD
Given to a senior who has displayed exceptional skills in software design, programming, systems analysis and hardware configuration, and who demonstrates excellent understanding and appreciation of computer science.

MAX CHARNEY
 

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AWARD
For outstanding achievement in Math/Science.

LUCAS GARLAND

 

SCIENCE AWARDS

THE FARADAY AWARD
Presented to a senior who can manage long-term projects from inception to conclusion and create solutions in non-traditional ways.

GAVIN BUNTING
 

BYRAM HILLS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE
Awarded to an outstanding senior for excellence in science.

ZIQI NIE
 

BAUSCH & LOMB AWARD
Presented to an outstanding junior science student.

KIRA ROSEN
 

BYRAM HILLS AWARD FOR POTENTIAL IN SCIENCE
Awarded to an outstanding junior for potential in science.

ALISSA BRICKEL

 

WORLD LANGUAGES AWARDS

WORLD LANGUAGE AWARD
Honors the senior that has demonstrated a superior command of the language.

For general excellence in French: ZIQI NIE
For general excellence in Italian: EVAN REISS
For general excellence in Spanish: KIMBERLY EAGLE
 

THE DUAL LANGUAGE AWARD
Awarded to a senior that has demonstrated a superior command of two upper level languages, taken concurrently.

DYLAN STOLTZ

 

FINE ARTS AWARDS

PTSA ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

NICOLE NASSAR
 

BYRAM HILLS HIGH SCHOOL ART AWARD

ZIQI NIE
 

SENIOR AWARD: COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS

SARAH BOGART
 

BOBCAT MARKETING AND MEDIA AWARD

JOSHUA HERR
 

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA AWARD

EVAN REISS
AVNI SUNDARAM
ALEXANDRA ZODDA
 

THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARD

STEPAN SARKISOV
 

THE JOHN PHILIP SOUSA NATIONAL BAND AWARD

JOSHUA HERR
 

THE NATIONAL CHORAL AWARD

SEBASTIAN MANGIONE
EMI NAGURA

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARDS

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AWARD

SOPHIA DEEKS
BRIAN DiPIETRO
 

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS

VINCENT GRECO AWARD
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated resilience and has been a positive contributor to the Byram Hills High School community.

RODRIGO CANDELA LEVANO

MICHELE DELAMONICO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This award celebrates the memory of a beloved teacher, colleague, mentor and club advisor at Byram Hills High School. The BHTA and the BHAA honor a senior student who exhibits the qualities that Michele was known for: resilience, love of learning, collaboration, service to others, sense of humor and academic engagement. Michele gave back to our community in many ways. She left behind a legacy of care, commitment and community building. The award is given to a student who personifies those ideals.

NICOLE NASSAR
 

PTSA CARUOLO LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is granted to a senior on the basis of leadership, character, dedication, loyalty, humanity and interest in education.

MATTHEW GELLER
 

HY BLATTE-JACK WOLLENBERG MEMORIAL AWARD
This award goes to a senior who has a humanitarian outlook, a willingness to extend themselves for others and an optimistic approach to life and its challenges.

DYLAN GASCH

The Varley Players at Byram Hills High School delivered a whirlwind of comedy with “Buy One-Act, Get One-Act,” featuring six one-act plays.

In a twist, the 10-minute comedies were solely directed and designed by students. They staged fantastic performances of “Sure Thing,” “Words, Words, Words,” “The Universal Language,” “Cosmic Fruit Bowl,” “Out of Order” and “Surprise” on May 15-16.

The directors, juniors Ben Andrew-Silby, Liana Brown, Dario Cobos, Jack Levy, Darby Schlosser and ninth grader Alex Petlyuk, took great ownership over their plays. They each built their own team of students who served as their stage manager, assistant stage manager, lighting designer, set designer, costume designer and sound designer. The directors held auditions and cast their own plays, which starred two to four actors each.

“They did an incredible job,” said Dr. Douglas Coates, the Byram Hills chorus and theater teacher who oversaw the production. “It’s stunning what they achieved and what they’ve learned.”

Directing allowed the students to see theater from a different perspective and get a full view of the creative process.

“The experience they are gaining is invaluable,” Dr. Coates said. “When an actor understands the technical constraints of the lighting designer, or a director appreciates the organizational burden of the stage manager, they become better collaborators and more empathetic leaders.”

The directors, who had all previously been cast or crew members with the Varley Players, enjoyed their new role and learned a lot.

Directing “Out of Order” was “incredibly rewarding,” Darby said.

“The cast and rest of the creative team were a dream to work with,” she said. “They understood what I was looking for and made it happen without hesitation.”

Darby, who starred as Roxie Hart in “Chicago” last year and as Marie, the Fairy Godmother, in “Cinderella” in March, said being on the other side of the production team was eye-opening.

“I learned so many organizational and communication skills through this process,” she said. “From rehearsal schedules to tech schedules, it was essentially all up to us students. We really took charge and worked with each other to stay on track.”

As the director of “Sure Thing,” Jack, a third-year Varley Player who starred as Prince Topher in “Cinderella,” also noted the difference between acting and directing.

“I had to think of the whole picture, like how the actors interacted, how the scene flowed, and how the audience would experience, and hopefully appreciate, each moment,” he said.

“I learned how important collaboration is,” Jack added. “A lot of the best moments came from working with the actors and trying different things until it clicked. I also learned how many small details are needed to make a good show, especially in a short play where every line counts.”

Dario said directing “Words, Words, Words” was a great experience, though a little stressful because of the organization, planning and time management needed to put on a successful show.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “The final product was really rewarding, but the process of doing it was definitely stressful. It also made me grow as an actor.”

Dario, who appeared in “Almost Maine,” “An Ideal Husband,” “The Hollow,” and “Cinderella,” said he gained a greater appreciation for the work of directors and “how much work they really do to make sure the final product is as great as you see it is on stage.”

Dario also noted the important collaboration he had with his actors and the other directors.

“It was very helpful to have that experience of collaboration because it really is all on you,” he said of directing.

Liana, who directed “Surprise,” said: “I learned that there is so much work behind the scenes that goes into making the show successful. I got to step into many roles and step out of my comfort zone to make my vision come to life, and it was so rewarding in the end.”

The students were happy with their productions.

“The finished product turned out absolutely amazing!” Darby said, noting that her show got many laughs. “The audience's reactions were priceless!”

Jack said his cast, made up of fellow directors Dario and Liana, “did an absolutely incredible job.”

“Hearing all of our friends and family reacting in every moment was proof that our play came together,” he said.

Jack, who also appeared on stage in “Words, Words, Words,” said acting in a student-directed play was a great experience.

“It felt more collaborative, there was much more artistic choice, and it was exciting to see how different directors approached their shows, and the interpretation of each script,” he said.

“This was one of the most valuable experiences I've had in theater,” Jack said, “and I learned so much about both acting and directing from it.”
 

 

One by one, they were carefully placed, hand-painted rocks in various sizes, shapes and colors. Less than an hour after the largest rock, emblazoned with “HCC” was placed in the center, a meaningful installation of rocks had taken shape around it outside of H.C. Crittenden Middle School.

The rocks, painted by students and faculty members, are all one of a kind, yet they are connected through a unifying theme. Each rock features a mandala, a design that radiates from a central point into a circle, or a spiral and has touches of gold paint.

The plan for the installation of mandala rocks was the work of the new after-school club Art for H.C.C., which creates art to help make the school a more beautiful and welcoming place. Everyone in the H.C.C. community was invited to paint a rock, and a group of students positioned the rocks on an empty bed of mulch to the right of the main doors on May 11.

“This inspiring installation shows a sense of community and pride in our space,” said art teacher Joanna Bergelson, the Art for H.C.C. adviser. “Everyone who will see it is going to feel the power of individual artistic expression creating a unified artwork.”

The installation itself is in a circular shape that mimics the mandala design on the rocks. And while some rocks have quiet, calming designs, others are more celebratory. “Each rock has a lot of personality, considering it’s a rock,” Ms. Bergelson said. 

“Whether a rock has brighter colors or is monochrome, or has loose brushstrokes or an intricate design, they all come together, and the differences in the individual pieces are what make the installation more visually pleasing,” she said. “What’s creating a dynamic composition is that there are so many artistic voices from our school community joined together.”

The mandala is a design found in cultures across the globe and throughout the centuries, Ms. Bergelson said. Painting a mandala can be relaxing, and because the artist is not re-creating an object from reality, like a landscape or portrait, they can feel freer as they create, she said.

Teachers enjoyed painting mandala rocks during part of the April faculty meeting. Students also loved painting the rocks and felt the collaborative artwork showcasing the creativity of students and faculty makes the school feel welcoming.

“It’s joyful,” sixth grader Mason Tassone said, noting the different colors. “It pops.”

Mason, who helped paint the H.C.C. rock, said the installation “shows as a community at H.C.C., we’re all connected.”

Another sixth grader, Mirabelle Backs, said together, the rocks bring warmth and welcoming.

“They all look really good and vibrant and pretty together, which I love,” she said. “It looks like it’s going to bring so much beautiful art and inspiration to the school.”

Sixth grader Shayna Usherenko, who painted five rocks, agreed that the rocks looked great together. 

“It looks very united,” she said. “Even though they’re all different colors, they all match well together. It’s very peaceful.”

When people walk past the art, Shayna said, “I think they’ll remember H.C.C.’s community and how we worked well together, just like the rocks.”

Minna Shah, also in sixth grade, added: “All the hard work that people put into this shows how much everybody loves the school.”

Byram Hills High School students in the National Art Honor Society worked with the Art for H.C.C. club on this project, building another artistic bridge between the schools.

 

Voters approved the Byram Hills Central School District’s 2026-2027 $106,142,956 budget by a vote of 437-138, or by 76%, in the May 19 election.

The budget reflects a $1,184,333 decrease, a 1.1% reduction from the previous year. It maintains class size guidelines, academic programs that have supported student success, athletic and extracurricular programs and transportation services. The District managed costs through enhanced operating efficiencies. The District also paid off the remaining balance on a 30-year bond, leaving the District debt-free.

The budget reflects a 5.25% increase in the tax levy, which exceeds the allowable tax cap and required 60% voter approval.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our caring school community,” Superintendent Dr. Jen Lamia said. “This budget provides a high-quality education and programs for our students. Thank you to our voters.”

Two Board of Education members were elected to three-year terms: newcomers Sally Cavada and Kevin Landesman. They will replace retiring board president Lara Stangel, who has served since 2016, and Lori Kanner, who has been on the board since 2017.

“Thank you to Lara and Lori for your years of service and dedication to Byram Hills,” Dr. Lamia said. “You have supported our school and community through your vision and steadfast support of all students. Welcome Sally and Kevin. We are excited to have you on the board and appreciate your goal to serve our District.”
 

Two academically talented Byram Hills High School seniors, Claire Mauney and Angelina Nie, have each won a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

They are among the nearly 7,000 students who will win scholarships this year from the group of 15,000 National Merit finalists. The scholarship winners are chosen for their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Angelina plans to attend The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Honors Carolina) and study biology.

“I’m honored to be recognized as a National Merit Scholar,” she said. “This achievement recognizes not only my effort and dedication in my studies, but also the support and encouragement of my teachers, mentors, friends and family. I am deeply grateful for their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey.” 

Gary McCarthy, her school counselor, noted that Angelina is an award-winning art and science research student.

“Equally brilliant and curious, Angelina brings the same passion and originality to the science lab and the art studio, where her work and love of discovery reflect a mind always seeking to understand the world in new and meaningful ways,” he said. “We are so proud of Angelina and thrilled to see her recognized as a National Merit Scholarship winner."

Claire will attend Duke University and intends to double major in economics and statistical science. “I’m honored to receive this scholarship, which reflects years of hard work and perseverance, and I’m excited to continue pushing myself academically in the years ahead,” she said.

Her counselor, Gary McCarthy, said Claire is driven by deep intellectual curiosity. Through her independent study of Advanced Placement Macroeconomics and Microeconomics and her award-winning science research study on social-emotional learning in multilingual classrooms, Claire has demonstrated great initiative and a genuine desire to improve the world, he said.

“Claire brings a quiet determination to everything she does, consistently challenging herself to understand ideas in their fullest form,” he said. “What stands out even more is the way she supports those around her, lifting her peers with generosity and humility, often without seeking recognition. I could not be more proud to see her receive this well-deserved honor.”

More than 1.3 million students entered the scholarship competition as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
 

Byram Hills High School celebrated 11 students who have committed to playing their sport in college next year, applauding their accomplishments and wishing them success with their new teams.

“We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for their dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence,” said Scott Saunders, the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. “Their achievements reflect years of hard work on and off the field, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish at the next level.” 

The students are Ryan Arcamone, Bates College, baseball; Zach Bourkadi, Concordia University (Montreal), track; Frankie Cangelosi, Union College, football; Brayden Fang, University of Hartford, lacrosse; Nick Fortugno, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, wrestling; Zara Gardam, Odessa College, golf; Kevin Kendall, SUNY New Paltz, basketball; Alex Lewis, Muhlenberg College, tennis; Maura Lunde, Catholic University, track; Nate Pettengill, Colby College, track; and Jaden Zipper, University of New England, football.

Before each athlete was introduced at the April 29 ceremonial signing day, Byram Hills teacher and Boys Varsity Soccer coach Matt Allen commended them for all of the “unseen hours” and “quiet discipline” they put into their sport. “I think it’s the decision to really keep going when it really would have been easier to stop, as all of you have probably had those exhausting moments when you couldn't carry forward, and yet you persevered.”

About 7% of high school athletes play in college, Mr. Allen noted, and these 11 students didn’t reach this level by accident.

“You got there because you repeated the small things,” he said. “You did the ordinary things until they became extraordinary. You showed up, you worked harder and you believed in yourselves. And today is a celebration of what you’ve accomplished.”

A closer look at the athletes:

Ryan Arcamone, Bates College, baseball: Ryan has a .397 on base percentage, scored 37 runs and stole 28 bases in 55 games. As a pitcher, he averaged more than one strikeout per inning over 55 2/3 career innings with an ERA of 3.04. He is a leader on the team and models a positive attitude, with a team-first mentality. 

Zach Bourkadi, Concordia University (Montreal), track: Zach has grown into a leader on the team, someone his teammates respect and look to for guidance. He holds the school record for the 55-meter indoor hurdles and 4x200-meter indoor relay and earned All-League honors for the 55-meter and 110-meter hurdles and 4x200-meter relay and All-League Honorable Mention in the 55-meter dash.

Frankie Cangelosi, Union College, football: Frankie served as a phenomenal wide receiver and excelled when the pressure was on. He earned All-Section honors as one of the top wide receivers in Class B. 

Brayden Fang, University of Hartford, lacrosse: Brayden is a long stick midfielder and defender for the undefeated Byram Hills lacrosse team. A four-year varsity player, he is a natural leader with a team-first attitude and is a strong, intelligent defenseman with great field awareness.

Nick Fortugno, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, wrestling: Nick is a five-year varsity wrestler who amassed over 150 career wins. He is the all time leading wins leader in Byram Hills history. He was a four-time Section One champion and captain and a major part of the only two sectional championships in program history. 

Zara Gardam, Odessa College, golf: A great competitor who is a strong force on the golf course, Zara has a tour average of 75.6 and her lowest score is a 71. In 10th grade, she finished in the top five in the state.

Kevin Kendall, SUNY New Paltz, basketball: Kevin had an amazing career for the Bobcats. He has an overall record of 51-15, is a two-time Section championship winner, won the ConEd Player of the Week award and earned All-Section honors this year with 18.1 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game. 

Alex Lewis, Muhlenberg College, tennis: Alex was a state tennis finalist in eighth and 11th grade and won the All-League Sportsmanship Award. Among his many school activities and accomplishments, he is a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee.

Maura Lunde, Catholic University, track: Maura welcomes the challenge of the 800-meter, an event that allows her to race to her best level. She earned All-Section and All-County honors in the 4x800-meter relay in 2024, competed at the state meet in the 4x800-meter relay in 2025 and earned multiple All-League honors in the 800-meter and the 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter relays. 

Nate Pettengill, Colby College, track: Nate is a leader who consistently supports his teammates and pushes others to improve. He sets a strong example through his attitude and dedication. He holds the second-fastest time in Byram Hills history in the 4x100-meter relay and the sprint medley relay, the school record for the 4x200-meter relay and earned All-League honors for the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays.

Jaden Zipper, University of New England, football: Jaden has become an invaluable asset for the Bobcats. His onside kicks that shifted the momentum, booming punts resetting the field position in a game, and steady point-after-touchdown kicks allowed the special teams unit to become a force. He is an incredible student of the game and his vision during film sessions and advice to others served as a major bonus for the team.

The Byram Hills Fine Arts Department is celebrating notable achievements in music and art this spring.

The Byram Hills Central School District was honored with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation. The award honors districts for leadership in advancing music education and expanding equitable access for all students. 

“We’re thrilled to be recognized for all of the wonderful music opportunities available to our students throughout the District and Byram Hills’ deep commitment to the performing arts,” Director of Fine Arts Marc Beja said. 

The District went through a comprehensive application and review process and was evaluated on District support, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. The foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry.

Byram Hills High School junior Adley Aronsky was named a New York City finalist in Junk Kouture, an international fashion design competition that allows only recycled materials.

Her work, “Warrior Artist,” will be featured in the Junk Kouture Festival of Finals 2026, a live event on the Junk Kouture YouTube Channel on May 20. It will showcase the work of city finalists from New York, Paris, Dubai, Milan, and London and will end with designers being selected to advance to the Junk Kouture World Final.

Adley created her design in Fashion Design I, the new 3D art class at Byram Hills. For her ensemble, she sewed a corset top and skirt from an old curtain, added tiers of used paintbrushes to the skirt and dried paint blobs and the word “ART” to the top, a look that represents the fight against conformity and excessive waste. 

“I am so grateful for the opportunity of having my dress included in the wider Junk Kouture community," she said. "I am very proud of the hard work I’ve put in, and I’m excited to see if it can take me even further in the future! I loved looking at all the other finalists’ designs - everyone is very talented and creative.”

The work of 10 student-artists at Byram Hills High School was selected for the Young Artists show at the Katonah Museum of Art.

The students are seniors Spencer Berkowitz, Sarah Bogart, Rylie Casler, Matt Geller, Eva Gross, Joy Jiang, Tori McWilliams, Julia Miller, Angelina Nie and Alexa Vargas. Their work includes ceramics, digital illustration and digital photography, drawing and painting.

Being in the show is an immersive experience for students, who collaborate with museum officials and art educators and take on the roles of curator, designer, installer, graphic designer and artist to help plan and produce the show.

The exhibit, which runs from May 3 through May 24, features more than 350 pieces from students at 40 high schools in New York and Connecticut.

 

Byram Hills High School inducted 59 sophomores and juniors into the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, a recognition of their achievements in mathematics.

“It is a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate the mathematical accomplishments of each and every student standing up here,” math teacher and Mu Alpha Theta adviser Elyse Cohen said at the April 28 induction ceremony. “These students have worked hard to be in the seats that they are in today.”

For membership, students need an A average in at least two levels of high school math and must perform 10 hours of community service.

The officers of the honor society spoke about the history and future of mathematics and reflected on their personal experiences during their time at Byram Hills.

Junior India Edwards, one of the honor society secretaries, recalled being inducted a year ago and feeling imposter syndrome, doubting whether she belonged. Her mother advised her to “never waste a crisis,” and she didn’t.

When she used to think of math only in terms of numbers, answers, scores and calculations, India said she had “created a narrow definition of success for myself.” But, she said, “math grew from black and white numbers to a process that values both perseverance, creativity and growth. And in understanding that, I could better understand myself.”

Don’t shy away from crisis moments, India urged the inductees. “Don't let them pass you by,” she said. “Don't let them define you either. Find that middle ground and use them. Let crisis challenge you to think differently, to grow, to discover what you're capable of and how to get there.”

Another honor society secretary, senior Chase Keller, urged the new members to put themselves out there and take advantage of the opportunities that come from being in Mu Alpha Theta. Last year, he helped create a financial literacy program for middle school students and helped lead the first year of the algebra TA program.

“Neither of these existed when I first joined, but they only became real because I took the initiative and used the resources around me to help build something meaningful,” he said. “That's what makes Mu Alpha Theta special.”

Senior Ariana Guido, the vice president, mentioned the discouraging aspect of mathematics, wondering if you’ll ever need to take the derivative of a complex function or recognize a Fibonacci sequence in the future. But, she said, mathematical concepts transcend problem sets.

“Despite popular belief, math requires a significant amount of creativity and outside-the-box thinking,” she said. “It is a training of the brain to think in a unique way that no other subject can quite evoke. So, whether you are choosing to study STEM in college or not, the cognitive skills you have and will continue to harness at Byram Hills will serve you in ways you may have never even imagined. To me, that is your why.”

Senior Alex Lewis, the president, discussed the novel “Project Hail Mary” and the recent Artemis II mission to the moon. The fictional story of a character far from Earth who encounters an alien that does not speak English and the real-life space mission made possible by astronauts, engineers and scientists from many nations both share a powerful idea. “Math is a universal language,” he said.

“Math gives us a common framework for understanding the world and even potentially for understanding each other,” Alex said. “That's part of what Mu Alpha Theta celebrates. Not just solving problems, but exploring a language that connects people across classrooms, countries, and maybe someday, even planets.”

Each new member was recognized and given the Mu Alpha Theta pin.

The inductees were Ava Accurso, Ethan Alderman, Jada Baskind, Liv Bergstein, Luca Blum, Alissa Brickel, Liana Brown, Emma Dallas, Maxwell DeLuca, Sofia DiMeglio, Matthew Dizenzo, Talia Drazner, Zoe Fisher, Siena Giordano, Ava Gitler, Benji Goldberg, Nate Grossman, Sydney Hecht, Paloma Hussain, Ryan Jakubek, Brett Kaplan, Mercer Katz, Alexandra Kayne, Ian Klugman, Matthew Kohl, Hudson Lazar, Ocean Lee, Lila Leon, Daniela Marder, Emery Matusow, Alexandra McLaughlin, John McNulty, Gabriela Olego, Jordan Perry, Kieran Porter, Zachary Price, Maeve Rippy, Lucas Rivalsi, Flavie Rondeau, Kira Rosen, Farrah Rosenman, Juliette Rosner, Eli Roth, Joey Schachter, Darby Schlosser, Jonathan Schoenhaut, Nathan Schweitzer, Max Seiler, Aisling Shields, Nate Siminerio, Kendall Sorenson, Noah Stopnik, Maeve Sullivan, Reese Tolchin, Lila Vincequerra, Kayla Wee, Peter Weil, Benjamin Wolf and Vienna Zeppieri.

Mu Alpha Theta, the national high school and two-year college mathematics honor society, was formed in 1957. It is dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students. More than 100,000 students are in the honor society in the United States and abroad.

With Swiss yodeling, Irish step dancing and traditional Japanese drumming, along with food from around the world, Byram Hills celebrated the many cultures represented in the District at the PTSA’s third annual Multicultural Night. The April 10 event at H.C. Crittenden Middle School featured the traditions, food, music, customs and crafts from 27 countries, highlighting the rich cultural backgrounds that make up our school community. The H.C.C. lunchroom became a global showcase where attendees could “travel” from country to country and sample international cuisine, see traditional clothing and learn about cultural practices. Each country and culture was represented by families taking pride in presenting their heritage, with colorful decorations and interactive displays on every table. The event featured 15 performances, including dances and a folk story from Zambia. “Multicultural Night was a powerful reminder of what makes our community special,” PTSA Multicultural Committee Chair Elvira Gibaldi said. “While we all come from different backgrounds, our shared community is what connects us all.”



 

Byram Hills High School students in the Authentic Science Research Program had a strong showing at the online Tri-County Science & Technology Fair, with one advancing to the New York State Science Congress competition.

Junior Chloe Ferreira Szilagyi placed first in the environment category and qualified to compete at the state event in June based on her high score. 

Her research focused on algae in the Kensico Reservoir, one of the most vital water supplies in New York. Chloe was the first to document the types of algae in the reservoir, identifying 12 major groups of algae, as well as determining that peaks in toxin-producing cyanobacteria occurred earlier than expected. Her findings pave the way for more accurate forecasting of future harmful algae blooms in the reservoir.

“Congratulations to Chloe and all of our students who competed at the Tri-County fair and conducted outstanding original research,” said Stephanie Greenwald, director of the science research program at Byram Hills. 

Senior Gavin Bunting placed second in math/computers. The third-place winners were senior Angelina Nie in biology, senior Claire Mauney in clinical/social psychology, senior Jeremy Loots in earth/space, senior Max Charney in math/computers and junior Ying Yin Chen in physics.

Students from Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties competed in 11 categories in the competition, which was organized by the nonprofit Putnam Children's Discovery Center.

The event has celebrated student achievement in STEM since 1994. The winners were announced on April 25.

 

Byram Hills High School celebrated the creativity of 14 talented student-artists as they were inducted into the National Art Honor Society.

Marc Beja, the Byram Hills Director of Fine Arts, welcomed family, friends and faculty to the April 20 induction ceremony. He highlighted the District’s commitment to the visual arts, the expansive art program at the high school and noted that students are regularly selected for awards and scholarships and to show their work regionally, nationally and internationally. 

“What makes tonight’s ceremony so special is that we will see some examples of the students’
artwork and hear directly from them about their skill development, their process and thinking behind their technique and what they’ve learned,” Mr. Beja said.

The National Art Education Association started the National Art Honor Society in 1978 to recognize students for their outstanding ability and interest in art. The Byram Hills chapter was formed in 2018 and is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to broaden their knowledge of the arts and serve their community.

For induction, Byram Hills students must maintain an A average in their arts courses and a B cumulative GPA in all other subjects. They must also earn points by participating in NAHS projects and have consistent attendance at meetings. Students are eligible for membership in 10th grade after completing Studio Art and two art electives.

Art teachers and NAHS advisers Jayne Karlin and Amy Menasche recognized the new members and presented them with a certificate as images of their artwork appeared on a large screen. The students inducted were Brielle Adamson, Jada Baskind, Talia Drazner, Zoe Horowitz, Lindsay Jacob, Gianna Marrone, Lilah Polak, Olivia Savitsky, Zabelle Shil, Magnolia Spain, Maeve Sullivan, Lila Vincequerra, Lila Weissman and Nate Zipper.

Returning NAHS members were also recognized.

During the ceremony, the NAHS officers discussed their personal journey with art.

The NAHS president, senior Rylie Casler, said she used to compare her work to other people’s, debating whether her art was good enough or if she should try to be like someone else.

“Taking high school art classes opened my eyes to see that the point of art isn’t to be the same as everyone else,” she said. “It’s the complete opposite. My constantly changing styles, experimentations and even my uncertainty isn’t me failing at consistency. It’s me growing as an artist.

“I no longer spend my time trying to fit into one style or matching someone else’s skills,” Rylie said. “I simply just create whatever feels right for me, and I believe that this freedom is what makes me love art the most.”

Senior Lilly Alonzo, the vice president, said her primary form of artistic expression is through metalsmithing and that her sustained investigation in AP 3D Design is an exploration of femininity.

“Art has become a way for me to think through heavy and complex problems and I’m so blessed and grateful to have gotten this far,” she said. “I’m excited to continue this journey throughout my life as I believe creativity, which we all have, is one thing you will always carry with you no matter where you are.”

Secretary/treasurer Adley Aronsky, a junior, has loved art for as long as she can remember. At a summer art camp, she refined her drawing, painting and sculpting skills and fell in love with fiber arts. She took architecture and art courses at Rhode Island School of Design last summer. And, Adley said she enjoys experimenting with different mediums in AP Studio Art.

“I’m so grateful for all my teachers, mentors, friends and family,” she said. “Their constant support and encouragement has truly pushed me to challenge myself in my artwork and to keep creating.”

“The art rooms at Byram Hills have become one of my favorite places over these past few years,” she added. “I realized that at some point they’ve become less of a classroom, and more of a place of expression.” 

The officers also talked about projects and accomplishments that NAHS members participated in during the year:

• Students exhibited their work at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show, a top juried fine art and design show.
• In October, students painted pumpkins in the style of Tim Burton, Keith Haring and Yayoi Kusama and with fun Halloween designs.
• Students had 16 submissions to the annual NAHS juried exhibition.
• Six students submitted to the North Castle 250th anniversary art competition, and Lilly Alonzo won first place in the student category for her metalsmithing and enamel piece.
• Students designed digital Valentine-o-grams, cards that were sent with personalized messages.
• Students assisted an after-school art club at H.C. Crittenden Middle School, working with younger students to paint rocks, create posters and build connections between schools.
• Students helped make and position mosaic tiles for a ceramic mural depicting the four seasons. The mural will be installed in an outdoor courtyard near the ceramic butterfly installation created last year.
• Two students competed at the Junk Kouture world final in Dublin and one was recently named a New York finalist in the global competition of high-end fashion designs made from recycled material.

 

On a night filled with beautiful music, Byram Hills High School inducted nine talented members of the band, choir and orchestra into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

The April 13 induction ceremony began with a welcome from Director of Fine Arts Marc Beja, who praised the inductees for being dedicated to their craft and the Byram Hills music community. 

The students are leaders who have shared their musical talents with the community countless times and have achieved top marks in their ensembles at New York State music festival adjudications and in their overall academic programs, he said.

“What’s most exciting is when they’re not in front of an audience, when they are supporting their peers across this building and our other buildings, at District music festivals, and when they serve as ushers at performances and concerts,” Mr. Beja said. “You share your passion, your creativity, your talents with one another, you cheer on all of your peers and you are role models to all of them.”

The honor society, a program of the National Association for Music Education, recognizes students for their accomplishments in music based on musicianship, scholarship, character, leadership and service. The organization’s high standards are a reminder of each inductee’s passion, work ethic, service and achievement in the performing arts, said Aaron Lockwood, the Byram Hills orchestra teacher and Tri-M Music Honor Society adviser.

“The nine students being honored tonight have displayed leadership in their high school ensembles and in the building, showing a high degree of loyalty, and cooperation and passion, hard work and service to the community,” Mr. Lockwood said. “They understand the importance of sharing their love of music with the community and leading by example, by going above and beyond what is asked of them each and every day.”

To be inducted, students must be a member of a musical ensemble for a minimum of two years, have an A average in their music classes and a B+ overall academic average, in addition to participating in school and community service events.

Band teacher William Petito introduced the new members, who received a certificate and a ribbon. They were: sophomore Maeve Bunting, orchestra; sophomore Isabel Cooper, band; sophomore Madelyn Gish, orchestra; sophomore Paloma Hussain, orchestra; junior Samuel Majidi, band; sophomore Ojaswi Sahu, orchestra; junior Darby Schlosser, choir; sophomore Zoe Schneidman, orchestra; and sophomore Peter Weil, band.

Dr. Douglas Coates, the choir and theater teacher, highlighted the contributions of honorary inductee Gabriella Medrano. Now in her first year as an art teacher at Byram Hills, Ms. Medrano spent the previous nine years working in the District’s Media & Communication Center, supporting the arts from behind the scenes by filming performances. This year, she served as the assistant director for the Varley Players and brought creativity and organization that has made an immeasurable difference. 
“Whether she’s behind the camera, in the classroom, or helping bring a production to life, Gabi shows up fully,” Dr. Coates said. “She supports others, lifts up the arts, and helps create the kind of community we all value so deeply. Gabi embodies what it means to be an advocate for the arts, not for recognition, but for the joy of the work and the success of those around her.”
Byram Hills music students captivated the audience with beautiful music during the ceremony. Paloma Hussain gave a stirring performance of Bach’s Cello Concerto in C Minor, Isabel Cooper played a spirited “Gaelic Suite” on the trumpet, and Darby Schlosser sang an upbeat “Thank You For the Music.”

Twelve students in the Byram Hills High School Authentic Science Research Program won awards at the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair.

“Congratulations to our students for their success at WESEF,” said Stephanie Greenwald, director of the Authentic Science Research Program. “We are proud of their dedication to improving the world through scientific research and discovery."

Thirty-six juniors and seniors from Byram Hills competed at the regional competition on March 14 at Somers High School and cheered each other on at the awards ceremony on March 18.

The Byram Hills winners: 

First place in category
Max Charney: Behavioral & Social Science
Sophie Cai: Chemistry

Second place in category
Chloe Ferriera Szilagyi: Environmental Sciences
Rohan Sundaram: Medicine & Health

Third place in category
Ying Yin Chen: Physics

Fourth place in category
Lindsay Coady: Medicine & Health
Beatrice Bachmann: Behavioral & Social Science


Special Awards
Excellence in Behavioral Science Award 
Claire Mauney

Innovations in Biological Sciences Research Award 
Angelina Nie

Ingenuity in Research Award
Abigail Shrayer

Science Research Academy Award for Excellence in Remote Research
Selina Li

New York Invents Award, includes the opportunity to present at the New York Invention Convention in Albany, New York, on May 2
Gavin Bunting

International GENIUS Olympiad, includes the opportunity to participate in the GENIUS Olympiad, an international competition at St. John Fisher University from June 8-12
Chloe Ferreira Szilagyi

 

Byram Hills High School senior Angjelina Vataj, a student in the Global Scholars Program, has been honored with the Richard A. Berman Leadership Award for Human Rights from the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center. 

Angjelina’s most significant human rights contribution is the founding of Ugandan Health Heroes, a multiyear effort she launched with classmate Della Gonzalez after learning about a 14-year-old girl and her unborn child who died from malaria and insufficient health care. 

Angjelina helped a clinic secure crucial government registration, launched a campaign that raised more than $3,000, organized a drive that collected more than 70 pounds of first aid supplies and bedding, and coordinated logistics to ensure the materials reached clinics serving eight villages. She later secured additional funding for the project.

“We’re so proud of Angjelina for her dedication to raising awareness of the lack of access to health care in Uganda and around the world,” said Dr. Jennifer Laden, the Byram Hills Social Studies Chairperson, who nominated her for the award. “She exemplifies ethical leadership, sustained commitment to community service, and a profound belief in education as a catalyst for human dignity and global responsibility.”
Angjelina, who was honored at the center’s Human Rights Institute for High School Student Leaders on March 18 at Iona University, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service across multiple communities, Dr. Laden said. 

As a campaign organizer for the Mount Kisco Child Care Center Holiday Gift Drive, she helped lead an effort that raised approximately $7,000 and is raising awareness about menstrual poverty, leading a drive to distribute period packs to those in need through 914 Cares. She is also a Big Sister, a classroom leader in a special education program, a CCD teacher, and a mentor to another student, supporting the same Ugandan medical clinic she helped establish.

“Her work stands as powerful evidence that one student’s determination and willingness to lift others as she leads can create lasting global impact,” Dr. Laden said.

Angjelina has embraced the responsibility of educating others. At the institute, she and Della presented an interactive workshop on health care as a human right in Uganda.