The class of 2024 is graduating this year and their advisers, Ms. Abbe Katz and Mr. Bryan DiScala, reflected on their experience as advisers and what they wish the class of 2024 would take away from their time here.
Q: What has been your experience as the class of 2024 advisers?
Ms. Katz: I loved being their class adviser. Being on lockdown and then being hybrid was hard because I missed them and I didn’t get to know them as well as I would’ve. We had a lot of lost time to make up for, but being their class adviser, with everything they’ve shown me this year and who they showed me they are, I’m so proud of the class and happy to be their adviser. I’ve also built great relationships with the officers we love working with. The officers were very attentive and we built a mutual understanding with them as well.
Mr. DiScala: We started live and then went virtual, which was a challenge. The other big change was that when we came back, they brought back homecoming floats, which is a great way to get kids involved. However, when kids get older, we see less involvement in events like homecoming. It is, however, a great way for them to bond and get together, outside of school and their classes. We also did a lot of fundraising, which was hard, as there was a time when we couldn’t do fundraising during COVID. We did remote fundraising, with candy, pretzels and things we delivered to homes, to ensure there was no interpersonal contact. Our biggest fundraising event was the car wash, which was one of the most enjoyable ways we raised money. I highly recommend that for future advisers. We also had great staff, with presidents and vice presidents and for that we are very grateful.
Q: What events have you planned in the past for the class of 2024?
Ms. Katz: We did a lot of car washes and bake sales, for fundraising, which have been very successful. Last year, we had a junior prom. We also had many events this year, like senior week and 100 days left of school breakfast. We lost a lot of time because of the year and a half with COVID-19; to make up for it, we did t-shirt sales this year and last year. We’re also looking forward to a great barbecue and a great senior prom.
Mr. DiScala: Two years ago, they removed District Sports Night, and brought back the battle of the classes (Juniors vs. Seniors.) When the class of 2024 were juniors, they won the first year and they were hoping to win a second time around, but we did fall to the junior class. You know, maybe there’s something about the juniors, but we’ll see what happens next year. That’s a lot of fun because it builds healthy competition and a sense of camaraderie and fun for the kids. As of recently, we planned the junior prom and now all efforts are going to graduation and senior prom. What most people don’t realize is that the class dues, which are collected starting in seventh grade, are used to pay for the caps and gowns and for the yearbook, which is quite pricey. Then, all the fundraising goes towards extras, like the big senior barbecue, for the last day of school, giveaways at the prom, food trucks and all those extras that the kids enjoy and earn. It is due to their efforts, and all the fundraising efforts of each class. The more fundraising you do, the more you can give back to the class.
Q: What has been your favorite memory advising the class of 2024?
Ms. Katz: We had a lot of fun at car washes, with everyone coming together on a hot day and having fun. We also made floats, this year, in 7th grade and 8th grade. Everyone came together, from different groups and different walks of life. My best memory this year was when the class came together to create an awesome Junior-Senior battle of the classes.
Mr. DiScala: Working hand-in-hand outside of school hours with the class officers; building and fostering student leaders, over the past six years. We’ve had some kids who’ve been with us for all six years and we’ve had some changes on the board, but seeing the kids take ownership over their class with fundraising and the planning of the events, allows them to grow as leaders. Building floats, meeting with class officers, and participating in things like the junior vs seniors class is rewarding. Seeing our seventh grade students rise and mature over six years, becoming student leaders and becoming the new faces of New Hyde Park. I have also taught them in seventh grade and seeing them as seniors, all grown up and mature, is very rewarding and makes me feel old!
Q: What do you wish that the class of 2024 will remember about their time here?
Ms. Katz: That it meant something; they’re leaving their mark as mentors and role models. What they did, even though they were gone for a year and a half, and how they rallied when they came back, is just amazing for them.
Mr. DiScala: I hope they remember all the fun times and the memories; also all that they learned both academically and socially. Also that they, as the yearbook theme says, pass it on to the new generation of New Hyde Park and take with them what they learned here, transferring it to college and beyond.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an adviser for a graduating class?
Ms. Katz: How they come together to find a common goal and accomplish it, and I just need to stand back, and they do it. Also, when they come to us and tell us that they love us and that we are great advisers. Seeing them accomplish things together, as a class and acknowledging that is amazing and very rewarding.
Mr. DiScala: The bonds, the personal connections, that you make with students outside of the classroom, which allows us to become like a little community, like an extension of their family. We also get to know their parents very well, and those relationships will last a lifetime.
Q: What are some challenges you faced advising the class of 2024?
Ms. Katz: Well, COVID was a big challenge for a year. The year we went on lockdown, we had to do virtual elections and the following year, we couldn’t collect class dues or do any fundraising. That was a big challenge for us. Then, we had four different presidents and it was challenging to get the class to adopt and respect the different presidents and for us to have common respect with the officers as well.
Mr. DiScala: More and more are put on students every year, whether it is the rigor of academics, or getting involved in more extracurricular activities, like art, music, or sports. As they take on more leadership roles, the class experiences tend to dwindle, from seventh grade up to senior year. It is a challenge to keep the class going, as a communal whole. Not being physically present during COVID was also a challenge, especially for fundraising, as we had to raise a lot of money over the course of 6 years to provide all things for the student body. We had to be a little innovative with fundraising, but we’ve been successful and raised quite a lot of money for the class.
Q: What’s your advice for the class of 2024?
Ms. Katz: Life is scary, but keep doing what you’re doing, because you’re doing amazing. If you continue to reach for the stars, you’re going to get there.
Mr. DiScala: Remember where you came from, but also, continue to grow. Find your passion and pursue that. Don’t be a yes-er but don’t be a follower. Find what invigorates you and it will become your calling, your vocation, rather than just something to do for a job. I think that is what brings true happiness.
