The QPA band performing
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Jabari Peters-Hyman
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Miguel Thomas, QPA DJ entertaining the crowd
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The cosmetology club performing
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Students of the month for 10th grade
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Students of the month for 11th grade
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Student of the month for 12th grade
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Ms. Onwualu and Sakinah Steer, winner of the cosmetology contest
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QPA students enjoying the community gathering
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Dorelie Casimir placed second in the cosmetology contest
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February was a very busy month for us here at Queens Preparatory Academy. It’s when we officially celebrate Black History Month. It is also the time when the New York City Department of Education celebrates Respect for All week. However, it is common knowledge that February 14 is Valentine’s Day, when students acknowledge their relationships and important people in their lives.
The third Marking Period for this school year officially ended on January 27. However, our traditional community gathering was celebrated on February 14, and between Black History Month, Respect For All week, Valentine’s Day, and recognizing students’ academic achievement, we sure had a lot on our plate to celebrate. Even so, although it was a short celebration, we enjoyed it and even learned new things. According to Principal Gumbs, “This community gathering was the best for the year because this is the first one that dealt with more than being scholarly.” She made it clear that it was “good to see also those other students on the stage.”
Black History Month
To honor black history, QPA’s My Sisters Keeper presented a living museum—a representation of several noteworthy women in black history. MSK member Najyah David said, “Basically, the idea was from Ms. Henry, our coordinator. She wanted to do the museum for another project, but we did it during the community gathering instead.”
On the bright side, the audience responded well to the living museum. According to QPA sophomore, Alisson Gordon “That was great; I really liked it.”
Arielle Matapersad played the role of Dr. Patricia Bath, the first Black woman to receive a medical patent, while Taissa Jeune was disguised as a mermaid, representing the iconic role of Halle Bailey in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Ernstsaelle Montcera Vieux honored civil rights icon Rosa Parks, and Savannah Barnett represented Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend a segregated school in the American South.
An impactful part of their presentation was the recital of Sojourner Truth’s speech ‘Ain’t I a Woman’ by Raana Hassan. “I was so stressed,” said Raana. However, despite her anxiety, many students were happy with the performance and said she did a very great job.
Respect for All
At present, New York City Department of Education is working hard to cultivate a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students, and February 10-14 is the period designated as “Respect for All” week. During this time, NYC schools spread awareness about bullying and other types of harassment. However, even though this should be part of everyday life, it is nice to have something like that in the school calendar. For this occasion, the National Honor Society collaborated with the journalism club to present information on this crucial topic. Tahirah Neufville, Courdeen Simpson and Dishaun Jackson shared the information that detailed the meaning, the aim and the importance of respect from head to toe.
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a time when we celebrate love and friendship. It is celebrated on February 14, to honor St. Valentine. For this occasion, it’s common to wear pink and red, and share flowers and chocolates with those we love, and the QPA community is no exception to this practice.
This year, members of Student Government set up a little Valentine’s business, where students could order traditional Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones and even themselves. Multiple students were wearing pink, and many were able to give and receive gifts. Najyah David, cultural representative for Student Government, was happy to share about this business venture. “The store was somewhat successful and it was fun to be able to organize it,” she said. “We were happy to help people show love to their friends and lovers.”
According to Tory Jordan, vice-president of Student Government, “You could have gotten a candy ground, a teddy bear, or anything you wanted. It was pretty nice, organizing it was kind of stressful,” she said. “But at the end of the day we got it done.”
At the same time, although some students enjoy Valentine’s Day, others find it annoying and even sad. “I don’t want to say Valentine’s Day is kind of boring” said one student. “But, you know, I didn’t get nothing, for real.”
Another student expressed that he was unhappy with the way QPA celebrates the event. He said he would have preferred some kind of performance about Valentine’s Day, and an opportunity to take funny pictures with his friends.
These perspectives is feedback that members of Student Government could use to improve their services for the day of love next year.
Music and Dance
As usual, music and dance were part of the program. Music teacher Mr. Benson and his band performed several catchy pieces of music. Although the band has always been part of the program of any QPA event, this time was a bit unique because in the intro we were all asked to sing along. Jacobie Scriven-Gillette, a member of the band, shared that they mostly play more traditional songs, but for this event they played songs from new artists like Lauren Hill, Gotye and Kimbra.
Continuing on the topic of culture, we were also entertained by members of the cosmetology course here at QPA. They performed a dance that was choreographed by freshman Phoenix Moye. Additionally, the shirts worn by two of the dancers were made by the magic fingers of senior Jayde Smoak. Based on this evidence, one might claim there’s a lot of talent at QPA!
Academic Achievement
QPA always values and rewards those who make the effort to stand out. They are celebrated for their academic achievements, and their participation in building our small community. The administration also tries to encourage those who are a little behind if they make the effort to improve. Every marking period, multiple awards such as honor roll, student of the month, and perfect attendance, are presented to deserving QPA students. We had a chance to address our principal, Ms. Gums, about students’ academic performance this marking period. “One of the things that I think about regularly,” she admitted, “is how are we elevating the student experience?” This highlights the fact that the administration is trying to make sure everyone is included and supported to explore their full potential.
