This is Poly

Poly People

Alumni

Akili Tommasino ’05

Akili Tommasino ’05 studied art history at Harvard and founded the Prep for Prep/Sotheby’s Art Academy in 2017 “to give high school students of color an earlier window into the art world.”

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Alumni

Alexandra Nava-Baltimore ’20

“Being a student at Poly has allowed me to live what I learned. Poly has been my home, my studio, my classroom, and my inspiration.”

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Alumni

Angela Yee ’93

Media personality Angela Yee has her finger on the pulse of hip-hop, culture, business, and community. 

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Students

Anne Lopez ’27

“I love the arts and Poly let’s you express yourself and what you love to do. Not all schools let you be that creative.”

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Upper School Robotics

Alumni

Atiya Pope ’23

“The thing that makes Poly students special is that we’re all rooting for one another.”

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Alumni

Beatrice Larkin ’23

“The rigor of the courses keeps us on our toes, which helps us prepare for the future.”

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Students

Caiden S. ’29

Caiden created a “Band in a Box” video by writing his own piano composition, playing and recording it, and putting it together with three professional musicians playing bass, guitar, and saxophone.

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Students

Caroline M. ’33

Caroline M. ’33 is an excellent, creative student who has discovered that she loves to write and read poems.

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Game Day

Alumni

Chris Davenport ’91

Chris Davenport ’91 has been a reporter for The Washington Post since 2000 and covers the defense and space industries for the Post‘s financial desk.

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Alumni

Diahann Billings Burford ’90, P’20

Diahann Billings Burford ’90, P’20 was the second girl to serve as president of Poly’s Student Government. “Diahann was a force of nature,” recalled Paul Raso, retired science teacher and former Student Government advisor.

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Alumni

Dr. Arthur J. Bellinzoni, Jr. ’53

After graduating from Princeton, Arthur earned a PhD at Harvard in History and Philosophy of Religion with a concentration in early Christianity.

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Alumni

Dr. Neil Schluger ’77

“…I developed a love of learning, even for its own sake, and Paul Raso was one of the teachers who helped to instill that in me.”

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Lower School P.E. Class

Alumni

Dr. Robert Minutello ’87

An active interventional cardiologist, Dr. Minutello has performed cardiac procedures in over 10,000 patients during the course of his career. 

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Students

Dylan D. ’34

Dylan D. ’34  is great at fostering community among her classmates with her creative storytelling and enthusiasm.

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Alumni

Ed Schoenfeld ’67

Ed Schoenfeld ’67 was a charismatic NYC restaurateur who became an unlikely, but highly regarded culinary ambassador for Chinese cuisine.

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Alumni

Elizabeth Somers ’91

With an extensive background in biology and drug development, Elizabeth Somers ’91 heads the Infectious Disease, Global Project and Alliance Management area at Merck.

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Middle School and Upper School student climate strike 2019

Alumni

Ella Schwartz ’92

Ella Schwartz ’92 has been a cybersecurity warrior for more than 20 years as well as the author of several nonfiction children’s books.

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Alumni

Emily Giurleo ’13

“I certainly wouldn’t be a software engineer if Ms. Turkenkopf and Ms. Licata hadn’t encouraged my love of math and science.”

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Alumni

Eugenia Xiao ’14

Multi-talented Eugenia Xiao ‘14 earned a BA from Cornell and then a MS in Nursing from Columbia University School of Nursing.

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Alumni

Fiona Greig ’97

“Athletics gave me a natural home.”

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Harry Potter comes to Poly

Alumni

Gauri Purohit ’21

“Poly has given me a vast array of opportunities in both academics and the arts, which have allowed me to immerse myself in math courses beyond the standard curriculum and participate in theatre performances.”

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Alumni

Gigi Georges ’84

Gigi Georges ‘84, a recipient of Poly’s Distinguished Achievement Award, has had an extensive career in politics, public service, and academia.

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Alumni

Hallie Stephenson ’20

“My favorite part about going to Poly Prep was that I was able to find such an incredible group of people who wanted to see me succeed and cared about my future.”

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Students

Hank Schilling ’24

“Poly understands how sports and academics are equally important in students’ lives. We have a wide array of sports to choose from and many teams to join both in Middle School and Upper School. There are facilities and fields for almost every sport you can think of.”

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Lama Tenzin builds sand mandala in Poly's Dyker Heights library

Faculty

Heidi Zarou ’86, P’22, ’22

“In the Lower School art studios, every day is a journey, an exploration into new and exciting territories with our youngest learners where creativity, imagination, and energy abound.”

Alumni

Ira Feldman ’75

Sustainability must encompass environmental protection, economic development, and social justice. Educating the next generation of environmental advocates is a priority for Feldman.

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Alumni

Jared Banner ’03

Jared Banner ’03 played four seasons of varsity baseball at Poly. He was named Executive Director, Player Development for the New York Mets in 2018.

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Faculty

Jean Belford P’24

Jean’s AP Computer Science Principles class won the AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award that recognizes Poly’s commitment to female diversity, as well as the girls’ interest and enthusiasm for computer science.

Alumni back on campus for Oasis Night 2020

Alumni

Jeanine Smartt Liburd ’88, P’21, ‘24

“I honed my ability to craft my ideas and utilize language to be persuasive and share my perspective.”

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Students

John W. ’32

“John W. ’32 loves P.E. and shows good sportsmanship after each contest.”

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Students

Jonathan D. ’30

Jonathan D. ’30 wrote a story entitled “How Bird Got its Wings” adapted from a Haudenosaunee folktale.

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Students

Junie Blaise ’24

“Junie is a bright and smart student who goes beyond just academics. She was willing to help other students who were struggling,”

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Alumni

Kahaliah Sandy ’21

“Kahaliah has a great ear and confidence to carry out a conversation in Mandarin.”

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Students

Karan T. ’32

Karan T. ’32 has an insatiable appetite for knowledge across ALL subject areas.

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Students

Khari Freeman ’24

“There are so many good people around and there is always someone you can ask for help when you need it.”

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Students

Krystal F. ’32

Krystal F. ’32 is independent and responsible, kind, caring, and empathetic. She stands out as a true leader in the classroom.

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Faculty

Laura B. Coppola ’95

“The best part of teaching at Poly is building communities and relationships with students and seeing their understanding of art and its transformative power grow. I hope my students use their knowledge of culture and art in a way that empowers them and gives voice to issues they really care about.”

Alumni

Leslie Grinage ’99

“Being in an educational environment such as Poly prepared me well to live in and value a pluralistic society.”

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Students

Liam S. ’33

Liam S.’33 is very bright and curious student all around, but especially stands out in math. He sees patterns and numbers everywhere!

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Alumni

Lola Stephens ’21

“Lola S. ’21 is a top science student, always pushing her own boundaries to understand information and concepts at the deepest levels,”

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Students

Lucas Hunter ’23

Poly Prep has allowed me to flourish in both athletics and the arts.

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Students

MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24

“I decided to come to Poly because of its amazing extracurriculars. I’m really interested in theater, visual arts, language, and sports, and Poly offers all of them.”

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Alumni

Marcus Whitney ’93

Marcus is a software developer, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist with a track record of success in all areas.

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Students

Margaret Cochran ’26

“From a dramatic musical to creating an abstract painting. Poly has so many classes from which you can choose what you really want to do.”

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Faculty

Maria DiCarlo P’23

“My goal for all my math students is that they look back on their math classes and feel that my department has nurtured their abilities to be creative problem-solvers and independent thinkers.”

Students

Mason R. ’31

Mason R. ’31 wants to become the best mathematician in his family.

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Alumni

Max Rose ’04

Alum Max Rose ’04 was elected to represent NY District 11 in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018.

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Alumni

Michael Cacace ’98

You”ll find Michael  “front of the house” hosting at his family’s landmark restaurant, Michael’s of Brooklyn. Ask about their famous sauce!

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Alumni

Michael Terrin ’66

Eminent physician Dr. Michael Terrin ’66, MDCM, MPH is an internist with subspecialty certification in pulmonary medicine, and an MPH in epidemiology.

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Michal Hershkovitz P’16, ’18

“Teaching holds a mirror to the soul,” —Parker J. Palmer

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Students

Nathan Nguyen ’24

“What I like best about Poly cannot be limited down to a single simple word or phrase.”

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Alumni

Nick Storz ’17

Poly Blue Devils pitcher Nick Storz ’17, who was listed among the Baseball America 2017 Top 100 Draft Prospects, chose to play for LSU, where he is an imposing presence on the mound.

Students

Nikash Khanna ’24

“I like the supportive people and the expansive campus at Poly Prep.”

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Students

Nina E. ’32

Nina E. ’32 brightens Lower School everyday with her luminous spirit and irrepressible enthusiasm.

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Alumni

Nnamdi Orakwue ’91

Nnamdi Orakwue ‘91 is a Harvard graduate who has become a successful business leader and strategist in the technology investment space.

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Alumni

Nyla Welch ’20

With an exceptional talent for language, Nyla has traveled abroad through Poly’s Academic Travel program twice, to Martinique and France.

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Students

Parsa Aghazadeh ’25

“Parsa truly embodies what it means to be a Poly student. Not only is he intrinsically motivated and intellectually curious, he is kind and respectful to all…”

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Alumni

Peter Taubman ’65

Esteemed educator, Dr. Peter Taubman has dedicated his life to teaching. During his tenure at Poly, he helped launch the Anti-Bias Coalition and served as coordinator for the Center for the Study of Diversity and Teaching.

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Alumni

Qadir Forbes ’11

“I love the Poly community and have been in service to Poly since my days as a student.”

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Students

Reyhan Sanchez ’24

“My interest in chemistry stems from how cool it is to see the way everything interacts.”

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Alumni

Rowan McAllister ’15

“Art was always my favorite class, but I’ve found I use my math and engineering skills almost as much…to really connect all the dots of my education.”

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Alumni

Ryantony Exuma ’22

“Just like stringing notes together to create music, in French class, Ryantony strings together words, manipulates syntax, and applies grammar to express himself in such a thoughtful and euphonious manner…”

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Faculty

Sam Turner

“I remember being told I shouldn’t do ballet, I have the wrong body type, skin tone; my mentors taught me to transform those emotions to propel me forward in my art.”

Alumni

Samantha Chan ’21

“Poly encourages students to seek help from teachers, lead meaningful conversations in class, and voice their opinions at community forums.”

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Students

Samantha M. ’31

Some of Samantha’s favorite classes include Math, Art, and Dance.

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Students

Shayaan M. ’34

Shayaan M. ’34 is a voracious reader and a kind friend who is always happy to support his classmates.

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Alumni

Shaza Mousa ’23

“Shaza has an incredible and zany imagination and she is fierce on the page. Her talent as a writer is undeniable.” 

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Alumni

Sonja Lindberg ’16

“I worked more and harder than I ever had in English classes. After a few weeks, I came to love it.

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Students

Sophia C. ’31

Sophia C. ’31 lives to challenge and better herself through her pursuit of knowledge.

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Alumni

Tess Sutter ’21

“Tess’ work ethic, values, and ability to be a consummate teammate while striving for excellence have been recognized by her teachers, coaches, and peers.”

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Students

Valentina Aberle ’27

“Something that I will take away from this school and the people in it is that it’s OK to make mistakes, that it’s OK to be scared, and that it’s important to be yourself.”

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Alumni

Wendy Haft ’84

Wendy has coached every sport from basketball to tennis, but focused on softball. In 2015, she returned to Poly to present the Yale Cup at our end-of-year Athletics Awards Ceremony.

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Alumni

Will Hochman ’10

“I felt like maybe I could become who I imagined myself to be.”

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Students

Zeke Wise ’24

“The campus is so amazing. I feel like I’m on a real college campus.”

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Students

Zoe D. ’29

Zoe D. ’29 is a great team player and her creativity shines through all of her work.

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Students

Zuva K-P ’28

“I loved history my whole life and this year my teacher is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.”

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