The L.I.F.E. (Learning Independently From Experience) School Awards
The L.I.F.E. School presents two different awards to graduating seniors.
The L.I.F.E. awards are given to seniors who best embody the spirit and philosophy of the L.I.F.E. School: learning independently from experience, as well as modeling leadership and community-building skills.
The Departmental L.I.F.E. awards honor students for their growth and for their resiliency in overcoming obstacles.
Jon Hirsch, the director of the L.I.F.E. School presented the awards.
The Departmental L.I.F.E. Awards
Michelle Blitstein
In the beginning of the year, Michelle Blitstein sat in our community meetings as if she were shell shocked. I knew she had a lot to offer behind the wide-eyed stare of panic and wondered if she’d be able to unlock it. Before to long, she was helping to coordinate gift giving at Head Start, planning the barbeque for new students, building houses in New Orleans and then planned and executed a habitat build in Westchester all by herself. She chose an internship, which many others would have shied away from, working with kids with Cerebral Palsy. I wish we could all grow as much in one year and be as fearless as Michelle.
Stephanie Sampson
Stephanie Sampson gave one of the most memorable L.I.F.E. School interviews in our school’s history. She didn’t say a word. She had us at mmmmph.
This year as a senior, she has triumphed academically and socially. She carved out an internship for herself with a professional designer and had a “Project Runway meets Devil Wears Prada” experience. We couldn’t be prouder of her. You should all ask to see her tattoo and ask her the story behind it.
The L.I.F.E. Awards
Brian Kohn
With each award comes a gift. The gift that I wish I could give Brian Kohn is for him to see himself as others see him. Many Greeley students do community service; few take those experiences and make them as much a part of what they do and who they are. Brian does. Just this morning, the LIFE juniors were talking about what kind of seniors they’d like to be. The consensus was that they want to be like Brian. They want to model thoughtfulness, kindness, purpose and integrity for others. That’s who Brian is.
Olivia Gellis
Combined, the L.I.F.E. School teachers have taught over 1000 students. None of us have taught or have known anyone who is as effective and self-directed as Olivia Gellis. Whether it’s event planning, running a group for project work or living her life based on her mission statement, Olivia doesn’t just handle it all, she excels. When I grow up, I want to be Olivia Gellis.
Emily Lubin
I’m giving this award last because the L.I.F.E. faculty was deadlocked and torn. Should we be honoring this student’s tremendous growth? She has gone from the quiet kid in the corner to a performer who entertains the entire community. Should we instead reward her for living the dream? As a learner, she embodies a love of learning and a sense of purpose that we wish we’d see in all of our students. She is a community leader, event planner, policy maker and is brave enough to share opinions even if they run contrary to mine. Since we couldn’t decide, I’ll leave it up to Emily.
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