Middle School President Emma Centeno on How The Student Government Gives Back
What grade are you in?
I am in 8th grade.
When did you enter York Prep?
I entered York Prep in 6th grade.
Why did you choose York Prep?
I chose York Prep because the school appealed to many of my interests and would educate me very well, which would help me get into a good college.
What clubs and/or sports do you participate in here?
I participate in Girls Middle School Basketball, I am the middle school president for Student Government, and I am a York Prep ambassador.
What are some of the top issues and topics that come up from the students that you have learned about as the president?
Some top issues and topics that have come up from students are costume drives and food drives. The costume drive took place during the week before Halloween so children at Montefiore Medical Center could have costumes on Halloween. Our food drive took place before our Thanksgiving break, so that children and adults could get food from a food bank in New York City. An example of a suggestion brought up from another student was Pajama Day, which we actually did and raised money to buy pajamas for kids in need.
What are some of the things that you have done as a middle school president?
One of the things that I have done as middle school president was setting up the costume drive. I suggested it to everyone in the Student Government, and they immediately thought it was a great idea. I got all the information I needed from a family member that worked at the hospital in order to carry out the drive at school.
What are your interests and hobbies outside of school and how to do you pursue them?
For right now I am not doing other activities outside of school. However, I would like to participate in community service at the JCC or the YMCA in the future.
Who do you look up to in York?
I look up to all of my teachers in York because they are the best when teaching me information that I need to learn for the future.
What are the three characteristics that you aspire to embody? How do you (and did you) apply these characteristics to your student life?
Three characteristics that I aspire to embody and use in my student life would be to become more knowledgeable, be open minded, and become ambitious. I will apply these characteristics in my student life by working as hard as I can to become a very successful student.
What is your favorite subject and why?
My favorite subject is Early U.S. History because my teacher is very interactive with the class when teaching us about many interesting topics about Early U.S. History.
Who are your favorite teachers and why?
My favorite teachers are Mr. Tull, Ms. Maggiotto, Mr. Shure, Mr. Gordon, Ms. Feibusch, and Ms. Evelyn. They are all listed because they have taught me so much useful information throughout my middle school years.
What has been your best memory at York? What moment/achievement are you most proud of?
One of my best memories at York was the time that I had my artwork displayed in the spring art show. Also, one achievement that I am most proud of is becoming middle school president.
If you could give advice to yourself as a student entering York Prep, what would it be?
The advice that I would give would be to make as many friends that you can. This is because they will stick with you throughout the whole year and make school ten times better than it already is. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The teachers at York are the best of the best and will always provide times to go over the material with you.
What do you plan to do after you graduate from York? After that?
After I graduate from York, I plan to go to a good college and then get a good job in my field of study.
