By AMANDA DAMON and CARLY LAPIDUS
This installment of “Humans of Jericho“ explores Jericho High School’s varying perspectives on the holiday season.
Senior Emma Distler. “I am most looking forward this holiday season to seeing a very special person to me – Tracy. She is like a China sister to me. Long story short: this girl named Tracy was adopted at the same time I was and our families got really close to each other. Even though she lives in Massachusetts, we always find time to see each other. Every Christmas, we change off. This Christmas she’s coming here. Next Christmas I’ll go there. But since I was adopted, I wasn’t really brought up religiously. I think it is because I lack a lot of religious aspects that I am even more in touch with my Christian side. I am more interested and curious about it because, unlike other people, it is not instilled in me every day.”
Math teacher Matthew DeMarinis. “My three cousins and I live far apart from each other, so we come together on the holidays. On the day after Thanksgiving, my grandmother would always have us over for homemade pizza and pea soup. Now since she’s passed on, it has turned into the day in which the entire DeMarinis family gets together. I get to see people I don’t get to see almost all year. It’s a really special thing and makes me feel like I am part of the history of my family. I know this tradition is going to go on even after I’m not around.”
Senior Evan Birns. “Don’t just think about what you’re going to get for the holiday – be more thankful for what you already have.”
English teacher Patricia Gulitti. “It is very interesting how most of our holidays fall at the end of winter, the end of summer, the beginning of fall or spring. It is all interconnected, and I think sometimes people need to realize that. “
Senior Elizabeth John (left). “This is a time when our customs are so prevalent. The holidays tie everything in, deepening our purpose of the meaning of diversity in Jericho High School.” Senior Ashna Rana. “I’m looking forward to everyone pulling everything together for Diversity Day. It is nice to put a focus on holiday customs and personal experiences, which really tie in with the Diversity Club’s purpose this holiday season.”
Principal Joan Rosenberg. “There are so many different holidays now that we celebrate, and we are all better off for that. Be tolerant of other people’s beliefs. Educate people as to the different holiday practices and observances.”
Senior Gabby Schmuter. “I come from a Russian family. Our holidays get very, very wild. Pretty much every holiday with my family ends up with some very funny pictures and laughs, which are unique to our Russian parties.”
Senior Jacklyn Yoon. “For our Korean family, each year there is always a certain Korean dish that we like to make together. It is a type of rice cake, and I will only eat my mom’s recipe.”
A.P. Psychology teacher Judy Ornstein. “Two days before Thanksgiving, I invited my students to write a note of gratitude to a teacher. I delivered the notes the next day. I have to say that the teachers were so surprised and moved by the notes that they got. I definitely want to do this again. We only have one go around on ‘this ball’ and we are so lucky to live in such a wonderful place in such a wonderful time. It’s important to appreciate every day and to be grateful for the things we have.”
Senior Gregory Chestler. “I celebrate everything. My mom’s side of the family is Catholic, but she converted to Judaism.”
English teacher Mellene Hederian. “We all want the same things essentially. Each culture is less different from each other than we want to admit.”
good job!!
This was really cool and interesting. Also, I loved the different and funny picture poses! Excellent work!