With dreams of becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, Elwood-John H. Glenn High School rising junior Lily Brown had a great chance to practice her skills with the chorus at the school’s spring concert in May. Brown, who had studied ASL for the past two years, and her chorus teacher, Brittany Wheeler, decided it would be nice to have one of their songs interpreted at the concert.

“John Lennon’s song ‘Imagine’ happened to provide the perfect canvas for ASL interpretation, and was simple enough that Lily was able to teach some of the signs to the entire chorus,” Wheeler said. “She provided each student with a ‘gloss,’ which is used to transcribe the various signs and grammatical structure for the lyrics in American Sign Language. She led class instruction, carefully demonstrating the proper technique for each sign, and even made videos so the students in the chorus classes could practice at home.”

In June, Glenn’s chorus performed their rendition of “Imagine” at the Music in the Parks festival at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. The judges were so impressed with Brown’s performance that they gave her a special award for “Outstanding Student Accompanist” at the Music in the Parks awards ceremony.

Date Added: 7/16/2024


 

Students from each Elwood building marked educational milestones at their moving-up ceremonies, celebrating the achievements of Elwood Middle School’s eighth graders, James H. Boyd Intermediate School’s fifth graders and Harley Avenue Primary School’s second graders.  

Date Added: 7/15/2024

Last fall, Elwood-John H. Glenn High School students including rising senior Hafsah Raza participated in the Suffolk Academy of Medicine’s Doctors of Tomorrow scholarship program. Raza attended the Scholarship Symposium, completed an essay on the topic of “The Major Influence Which Contributed to My Desire to Become a Physician” and was required to submit a list of volunteer work and community service activities that she had participated in. In 2024, Hafsah was awarded the Robert A. Scher, M.D. Scholarship, which is worth $200 and is given to a high school senior who has demonstrated a keen interest in school or local government and politics. Board of Education member Dr. Sara Siddiqui was in attendance when Raza received this honor.

In addition to her successful academic performance, Raza is a member of the Huntington Muslim Youth Organization, One World Girl Changemakers Council and John Glenn’s student council, and interns at a medical office.

"Hafsah is a very driven student and will undoubtedly excel in our Huntington Hospital internship program next year, along with any other of her future endeavors,” Principal Corey McNamara said.

Date Added: 7/15/2024