The 2019 holiday season leads to a fun-filled 2020

As snow flurries start to hit the ground and the days of 2019 begin to run out, Lawrence Woodmere Academy has been as busy as ever.

The LWA basketball teams are in full swing. The boys’ junior varsity, coached by Scott Kershaw, had a rough start but have had positive momentum as they hold even at 3-3, as of press time. Second-year player Tyheem Penn (class of 2022) said: “The team overall is hardworking, and I can only see great success in the near future.”

The girls’ varsity, coached by alumnus Karim Shabazz, has been playing well and has a record of 2-2, as of press time. Senior Cherish Atkinson (class of 2020) said: “I love working with my teammates and encourage them to continue to fight for a win even though we face many challenges.”

The boys’ varsity, the 2019 New York State Association of Independent Schools state champions, have been having an outstanding season and are currently 5-0. Junior Maurice Butler (class of 2021) said that, “The season has been going well so far and we look to stay undefeated.” The basketball program as whole is moving forward with confidence.

LWA’s student talents don’t end with the basketball program; they are also seen in the divine music program. The choruses and bands get to show off their talents twice a year to the school community. In the 2019 Upper School Winter Concert, led by music director Alex Altieri, the wind/jazz ensemble performed “Rondeau” from “Suite des Symphonies,” “New Hampshire Hornpipe” from “On Golden Pond” and “Jazzman.” The chorus sang, “Enter the Young,” “For Good,” and “Hummingbird.” “Although I was nervous, it was a fun time for the students as well as the parents,” junior Kyra Milord said. Their applause brought a sense of relief.”

The fun, however, doesn’t stop with the concert: the teachers and faculty of LWA like to send their students off on break with some holiday spirit. Every year, on the last day of school before the break, students walk into a foyer that is filled with joy as teachers sing holiday tunes and wear ugly sweaters.

Then, after attending all of their classes, students and faculty join together in Hessel Hall for the holiday sing-along. Students fill the auditorium with cheer as they sing holiday tunes not only with each other but with their teachers. This leads the LWA community into their holiday break with a sense of excitement for the holidays and the year to come.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy has much to look forward to in 2020. On Jan. 17, the entire school (K-12) will take part in a day of service in remembrance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. On Feb. 6, the school community will celebrate Chinese New Year. On March 20, the LWA Upper School will perform the musical, “The Addams Family.” These events as well as many others will shape the rest of the school year as students embrace the LWA spirit.

The Lawrence Woodmere Academy family would like to wish you and your family happy and healthy holidays.