Rockin’ into a lively February

As the dream of a maskless world continues to haunt my head, let’s appreciate all of the good that has come from the start of this year. Yes, of course, bad things are still occurring and as good Samaritans of this Earth we will fight any injustice anywhere it may take place, but unfortunately, we cannot always eliminate all evil. If I do dare to reminisce upon the past year, I remember to take the one thing I learned from it. To grasp the positivity, hold on and savor it because once you let it slip away, you forget what you are fighting for. 

On Jan. 28, semester reports were released in the lower, middle, and upper schools. Usually, students from schools across the world dread the moment of receiving their report cards regardless of how they have performed because of the amount of pressure they put on themselves to earn great marks.

Whether that is looking at the future for having the right resume for college or putting a smile on your parents’ faces, students are often fearful when report cards come out and create an abundance of anxiety for themselves.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy has tried to minimize the stress students endure by explaining to students that it is more than just a letter grade. LWA teachers explain that it is important to learn how to improve your grades and apply those skills to your daily life while becoming young adults. Students also reflect on their grades by writing mandated goals to focus on for the following grading period. 

In February, LWA will celebrate both Black History Month and Chinese New Year. In a school with students from many different parts of the world, Lawrence Woodmere Academy makes it imperative to embrace the cultures of all people.

Headmaster Brian O’Connell has called upon the students for their voices to be heard by making short videos recognizing both cultures. Mr. O’ Connell has expressed that the goal of the project is “to enhance our students’ understanding of Black and Chinese family cultures.” Mr. O and the faculty believe in  “improving student appreciation of one another, and to generate discussions about each culture’s uniqueness as well as the commonalities that we all share as human beings across cultures.”

The moment we all have been waiting for finally happened. Our dreams, prayers and voices have been heard and answered. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Jan. 22 high-risk high school sports could start if county health departments and school superintendents approve. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran reviewed the guidelines we will take as a county to help ensure we tackle high school sports safely. 

This news has ignited the LWA Community, as sports brings us together in a competitive and determined manner. The teamwork and leadership sports provides are unmatched by other activities we may be involved in.

The LWA Tigers are ecstatic to face local adversaries in a time where we all face so much adversity. It is important to remember that we all do our part, especially student-athletes, in continuing to create a safe atmosphere in order to play. Let’s be smart and enjoy what we have worked so hard to achieve. #BECOOLDONTPARTYJUSTPLAY

Finally, I want to wish Mary Barton, an extremely important member of the LWA family, a very happy birthday.  

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay positive.