Furman gave credit to the teachers he met at Adelphi with helping him improve as a student, performer and as a person. During his years at the academy, he served on the Student Advisory Board, played starring roles in productions of “Little Shop of Horrors,” “A Disney Musical Revue,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and “A Beatles Musical Revue” and was a member of the 2014-2015 Metro League basketball championship team.

Furman said he is looking forward to Hunter College, where he plans to enroll in the pre-med program.

The graduation ceremony took place in the John Lockwood Auditorium at Adelphi Academy at 8515 Ridge Blvd. in Bay Ridge.

The Class of 2016 had two salutatorians.

Co-Salutatorian  Milana Gurevich spoke at the graduation about her most cherished memories at the academy, both inside and outside the classroom.

Gurevich, who was member of the Student Advisory Board, expressed her gratitude to the teachers who helped her discover her love of singing and performing as part of Adelphi’s Theater Arts Program. She starred in the production of “Little Shop of Horrors” and played a leading role in “Bye Bye Birdie.” She also performed in “A Disney Musical Revue” and “A Beatles Musical Revue” and was a member of Adelphi’s Performing Chorus.

Gurevich will attend Brooklyn College in the fall and will enroll in the pre-med program.  “I want to become a pediatrician. I want to help kids,” she said.

Co-Salutatorian Alan Khanukov said graduation day was extra special because his sister Stephanie, the valedictorian of the Class of 2014, was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Khanukov joked that while his sister was always the consummate student, his journey had a few more bumps in the road. But he said he grew and matured as an individual and as a student.

Khanukov became involved in after-school activities like the Theater Arts Program, starring in several productions and serving as a member of the stage crew. He was a member of the boys’ varsity basketball team, leading the Panthers to the 2014-2015 Metro League championship. He was also a member of the Student Advisory Board.

Khanukov will attend Brooklyn College in the fall and plans to pursue a career in business and real estate development.

Academic Coordinator Patrizia Vicino, who also serves as the academy’s guidance counselor, said she is extremely proud of the Class of 2016.  “It’s so rewarding to see them all receive acceptance to the institutions of their choice and the various career paths they’ve chosen reflects their wonderfully diverse nature,” she said in a statement.

Iphigenia Romanos, Adelphi’s head of school, said she marveled at the students’ extraordinary talents.

“The Class of 2016 is composed of students from all different backgrounds, with so many different talents and interests. Each of their unique, individual stories join together to form the Adelphi story, which is a story of diversity, dedication and success. I have no doubt that each of these graduates will continue to build upon the foundation of hard work instilled in them during their time at Adelphi and I wish them all the greatest success in their future endeavors,” Romanos stated.

---

Related Articles

Adelphi Science Fair brings out inventive side of students

June 21 | By Paula Katinas