Humans of Jericho

Senior Rachel Weissman. "My favorite quote is, 'You don't get to choose who you hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you.' I chose this quote because it shows you have the choice to bring the people into your life who make you happy."

By TAYLOR KANG, ALANNA LEVINE, and BEN KRONENGOLD

Brandon Stanton’s blog “Humans of New York” has garnered an impressive following over the past few years through its exploration of the fascinating population of New York City. The JerEcho has put its own spin on the project, spotlighting the interesting members of the Jericho High School community in a new regular feature we call “Humans of Jericho.”

Senior Rachel Weissman. “My biggest high school success was finding not only myself, but also my group of friends who would do anything for me. I feel like this is really important to have, because you’re going through so many changes, and you need people to keep you grounded. I’m just really thankful that I found my people.”

Senior Rachel Weissman. “My favorite quote is, ‘You don’t get to choose who you hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you.’ I chose this quote because it shows you have the choice to bring the people into your life who make you happy.”

Senior Gregory Chestler. “When Jasyn [Hwang] was diagnosed [with cancer], it was actually a reality moment, knowing that you’re never safe at any point. I was like, ‘Wow, this can happen at this age.'”

Senior Kevin Lai. “What was the most memorable moment of your life?” “You taking a picture of me.”

Staff member Anthony Paladini. “The happiest day of my life was, well, there are two – the day my children were born and the day I got a new dog.”

English teacher Ken Darr. “What was the most memorable moment of your life?” “I’m going to say birth. Birth in general. My birth. My children’s births.”

English teacher Ken Darr. “My son was the first one born. It was amazing. It was a gorgeous, bloody, gross thing. My daughter’s birth was even bigger because we don’t have girls in our family. I was not expecting that at all. I almost fainted, I was so happy. My father was so happy. It was surreal.”

William Salinas, 11th grade. “Am I getting paid for this?”

Drew Cohen, 10th grade. “The best moment of my life was when the Rangers beat the Capitals in the playoffs”

Drew Cohen, 10th grade. “The worst moment of my life was when I found out my tickets for Ranger playoffs were counterfeit.”

Rebekah Berger, 11th Grade. “What was the best moment of your life?” “When I learned how to do a flip into a handstand.” “Can you do that?” “No, but I want to.”

Ally Miller, 11th Grade. “What motto do you live by?” “I hate Spanish, but she makes us papas.”

Alex Elguera and Agnes Bae, 12th Grade. “Alex, what was the best day of your life?” “The day I was born.” Agnes replies, “You can’t remember that.” “I don’t need to remember. It was just the best.”

Gabby Schmuter, 11th Grade. “This book reminds me of my family.” “How so?” “Just how people can become obsessed with material wealth. It’s very absorbing.”

Emily Rasmussen, 11th Grade. “You’re never fully dressed without a smile on your face.”

Jamie Tils, 12th Grade. “The next time I raise money for charity it will be for paraplegic kids.”

Morgan Hamerman, 12th grade. “I miss my dog a lot while I’m in school. Is that weird?”

“The best advice I’ve ever been given? Probably, ‘It’s just hair. It will grow back.'”

Sumayyah Siddiqui, 12th grade. “My biggest problem is college apps. I feel like they control my future.”

Drawn by Sumayyah Siddiqui, 12th grade.

Freshman Josh Weinstein (left.) What was the happiest moment of your life? “When I met Eric Brett (right.)”

Mikaela Adwar, 11th grade. “Traveling to England changed me. It sparked an interest in going into international politics. I want to travel to different countries and make a difference. I want to do something along the lines of working with the UN. I’m really interested in human behavior and human rights.”

Jiya Singh, 9th grade. What was your greatest accomplishment this year? “This year I made varsity tennis, which was a pretty big honor since I’m only a freshman.”

Lauren Dolowich, 11th grade. “People see me as a girl who doesn’t care much about appearances.”

“I want to be seen as someone who will talk to anyone or help anyone with anything.”

Tyler Greenfeld, 12th grade. “Saddest moment of my life? When someone stole my Rice Krispies Treat.”

Alexa Bernadini, 12th grade. “I’ve been dancing since I was a little kid. It’s always been a way for me to express myself and de-stress.”

Jake Zorfas, 12th grade. Micro-fashion

Sabrina Wong, 9th grade. “I’m passionate about art and writing because I feel I’m better at those two things. I like sculpting, writing poetry, and drawing. My favorite writer is Edgar Allan Poe. Out of all of his poems, I like ‘The Bells’ the best.”

Thomas Wisker, 10th grade. Micro-fashion

Freshman Emily Hoffman, left: “Always look at the glass half full.” Freshman Dani Chipman, center: “Always be positive.” Freshman Lexie Smith, right: “Live in the moment.”

Tyler Futterman, 10th grade. “My biggest issue is time management. Sometimes I miss homework. I always think I can do it in an hour, but then I end up not doing it at all.”

Stephanie Millot, 11th grade. “I don’t even like cats. I’m allergic to them.”

Gloria Park, 11th grade. “My parents are trying to live vicariously through me. I’m dealing with a lot of pressure right now.”

Estee Hong, 12th grade. “Doubt kills opportunities, so always give your best.”

Victor Treaba, 11th grade. “I’ve lived in a lot of places: Australia, Colorado, London, and now Jericho. My favorite places were Australia and the outskirts of London.”