Dear Members of the Class of 2010:

Your graduation is finally here! It is such an exciting day in your life. You have worked hard for so many years to arrive at this day. During your years at The New York Institute for Special Education you have achieved academically and socially. Your social experiences have been on the campus as part of the student council, recreational activities, a job in the community and your day to day interactions with the staff and your peers. Your academic skills help you enter college, go for additional training or start your first job. Your social skills are the keys to your continued success. Interacting with others is so important to your acceptance in any environment. Once in awhile you may encounter a person who doesn’t understand your visual loss or may even doubt your ability. I encourage you to stop and think. Draw upon your social skills and help to educate people about your needs and bring humor into the discussion. Humor helps the other person feel at ease and it makes a challenging situation a little easier. Graduation is the beginning of a wonderful journey for you. You are ending your time at NYISE but you will always be a part of the school community. We are here to support you and want to know what is happening in your life. I encourage you to become active in the alumni. This will be one of your on-going links to your school. Everyone at NYISE is so proud of you and we hope you will come back often and tell us about your new experiences. Congratulations and good luck always, Bernadette M. Kappen Executive Director

Dear Graduating Class of 2010, I write this letter to you in anticipation of your graduation with mixed emotions. While I am delighted that each of you has successfully completed your High School career, it saddens me to know that you all will be leaving. The long days and nights of hard work and sacrifice you endured these past several years have come to fruition. You have arrived at the beginning of your next journey through life. But it is one that you now control and can make as exciting and unique as you wish.

The sadness is in knowing that your smiling faces, caring natures and engaging conversations will not be part of my day come July. However, knowing that you will meet your next set of challenges head on and with the same vigor you have demonstrated so far in your young lives transcends the feeling from sadness into one of pride. I am very proud of each of you for who you have become as individuals. Your efforts and contributions to the community are reflective of the caring and empathetic nature you routinely demonstrate. Indeed, you have inspired us with the belief one does not need to see to have a vision, but one needs a vision in order to succeed. I congratulate each of you and your families. Best wishes and we will speak again soon.

Joe Catavero  

CHRISTINA DIXON

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter

and those who matter don’t mind” by Tupac Shakur

Nickname: Tina

Hobby: skateboarding ♦♦♦ shopping

Extra-curricular activities at NYI: Track, Goal ball, Student Council Vice President

and Secretary Favorites:

Food: chicken

TV Shows: Jersey Shore ♦♦♦ Judge Judy

Movie: Precious

Music: Hip Hop ♦♦♦ Regatone ♦♦♦ Rock

Role Model: God

Place I’d like to visit some day: India

Where I see myself in 10 years from now: Graduated from college with a child and a job Where your class sees you in 10 years from now: With a good job but lonely due to attitude, LOL ♦♦♦♦ paralegal ♦♦♦ a prosecuting attorney in a court room My iPod right now has: a mixture of everything

Something people don’t know about me: I’m shy when I first meet someone new

Favorite person to be stranded on an island with:

Chris Brown  

My pet peeve: When a person asks me too many questions

 

 

Fond Memories:

I will always have fond memories of the conversations we had during free time. Nothing is impossible. You have done it. Congratulations! With best wishes---Mrs. Pronoti Dutta

I will miss your organization and keeping me in line. You and Nadreca always included me in fun activities and tried your hardest to teach me the cheerleading routine. You even tried to adjust it to make sure I wouldn’t make mistakes. You’re the best!

---Mrs. Homsy

I’ll miss sharing my birthday with you. Keep in touch and good luck in college!!!!---Mrs. Nina

I’ll never forget the Midnight Run, our talks about North Carolina, and hopefully one day, she will meet me at Tibbitts Brook Park

---Mrs. Marybeth

I will miss your morning visits to my office. Good Luck in college, looking forward to hearing about all your new adventures

---.Donna Karlson

I will always remember you as a great storyteller and for the phrase, “This might be off topic but “---Mr. Flynn

She’s practical and down to earth;

She’s honest, loyal and dear.

And when Christina’s on your side,

You have a friend sincere.

---Mrs. Ludwig

We will always remember you as Miss Dixon, Miles Square

---Bobby and Tracy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRANDOHN GABBERT

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life:

It goes on” by Robert Frost

 

Nickname: Spidey

Hobby: Drawing

Extra-curricular activities at NYI:

Goalball (Captain), wrestling (Captain),

swimming (Captain)and track (Captain)

Favorites:

Food: Pizza

TV Show: Ninja Turtles

Music: Anything

Role Model: My Uncle Fabian

Places you’d like to visit some day: Spain

Where you see yourself in 10 years from now:

With a good job, wife, and 2 kids

Where your class sees you in 10 years from now:

A physical education, science or math teacher; a GOOD math teacher! ♦♦♦ The owner of a t-shirt shop

My iPod right now has:

I don’t have one but if I did I’d have a lot of R&B

Something people don’t know about me:

I have a lot of energy and I barely sleep long

Favorite person to be stranded on an island with:

Angelina Jolie

My pet peeve: People with no manners

Fond Memories:

I’ll never forget watching you grow and advocate for yourself---Ms. Marybeth

Good Luck in college, you’ll be missed. Keep in touch

---Mrs. Nina

Good Luck at Mt St. Vincent College. Hope you have a great college experience, make lots of friends

---.Donna Karlson

Whose T-shirts will I be able to read after you’ve graduated? You have the best!---Mrs. Homsy

His quiet ways and gentle smile

Are part of Brandohn’s low-keyed style.

He listens well, he drinks it in,

And then he adds his own neat spin.

--Mrs. Ludwig

I will remember you as quiet and easy going in class but an aggressive competitor in wrestling and goalball matches---Mr. Flynn

We will always remember you as our ghost child. You only came around when looking for your chocolate chip cookies!---.Bobby and Tracy

I will remember you as the most comfortable student to tutor math---Mrs. Rahni

BRANDON HEINRICH

 

 

 

“ I can get to the top of anything I set my mind to, I just have to get there differently.”

Erik Weihenmayer 

 

 

 

 

Nickname: Babushka (Bobby’s nickname to me)

Hobby: playing the piano and computers

Favorites:

Food: Pizza and Chicken Parmesan

TV Shows: Law and Order, Special Victims Unit

Music: Oldies

Role Model: My Mother

Place I’d like to visit some day:

Germany because my grandparents are German and I’ve always wanted to go there.

 

Where I see myself in 10 years from now:

As a successful broadcaster

Where your class sees you in 10 years from now:

As a computer specialist ♦♦♦ As a comedian making impressions of people♦♦♦ Working for the Carroll Center

My iPod right now has:

Classical music with a lot of Mozart

Something people don’t know about me: I love working with little children My pet peeve: When people don’t clean up after themselves. When I go in the kitchen and find it a disaster, I have to clean up after people. 

Fond Memories:

I’ll never forget your love of Molasses Pops from the St. James General Store….Mrs. Marybeth

Good Luck…….Mrs. Nina

Good Luck at the Carroll Center. We will miss your sense of humor….Donna Karlson

I will always have fond memories of our discussions about your love for music and piano...Mrs. Homsy

He’s quiet, but he is not shy.

Brandon is an outspoken guy.

He speaks his mind, and in two winks

You’ll truly know just what he thinks.

--Mrs. Ludwig

I will always remember how much you enjoyed Jessica’s stories in American History class---Mr. Flynn

I will remember your sarcastic sense of humor---Kia Lloyd

We will always remember you as Bobby’s Babushka and Tracy’s solitaire partner!!!.---Bobby and Tracy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIMONE MILLER

 

 

 

  “We may have all come on different ships,

But we’re in the same boat.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

 

 

Nickname: Reporter

Hobby: Sports

Extra-curricular activities at NYI: track, swimming

Favorites:

Food: Chicken and Rice

TV Show: I Carly

Music: Rap and Hip Hop

Role Model: Mom

Place I’d like to visit some day:

Japan, because it’s a new place

and suppose to be different from the US.

Where I myself in 10 years from now: A sports reporter

Where your class sees you in 10 years from now: Working and married with children ♦♦♦♦ Working for Visions or Selis Manor Right Now in my iPod I have: Rap

If I could spend a day with someone it would it be: Amanda Lee because we have been friends for a very long time

Something people don’t know about me: I’m LOUD

Favorite person to be stranded on an island with:

Will Smith

My pet peeve: When people talk too much

Fond Memories: 

I’ll always remember the fun times we had in Braille class and in the coffee shop…Ms. Linda Ciero

I will always remember you as a hard working student who always tried your best and as a great athlete who excelled in track---Mr. Flynn

Simone’s wide smile lights up a room;

Her happy laugh can banish gloom.

Good luck, my friend, and may you find

That life and fortune will be kind.

--Mrs. Ludwig

My wonderful memory of you is your sincerity. You never know what you can do until you try it. I wish you all the best---Mrs. Pronoti Dutta

Good Luck---Mrs. Nina

Good luck in all your future endeavors. Call and let us know how you’re doing or anytime you need a friendly voice of encouragement---Donna Karlson

Simone was great in ITO. She always asked about my kids and my foot. I will miss her ---.Mrs. Marybeth

I will remember you as a good friend and all the laughs we had together over the years---Kia Lloyd

I will remember you for your unusual sense of humor

---Jessica Ocana

We will remember you as Lady Simone---Tracy and Bobby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NADRECA REID

 

 

 

“Everybody talks and everybody listens, but somehow it’s always the truth

that comes up missing” by Aubry Drake Graham

 

Nickname: Shelley

Hobby: Shopping and chilling with friends

Extra-curricular activities at NYI:

cheerleading, goalball, track

Favorites:

Food: curry goat with white rice

TV Shows: Soap Operas and Jersey Shore

Movie: Love Don’t Cost A Thing

Music: Pop and R&B

Role Model: Mom

Place I’d like to visit some day:

Italy because I just love Italian food! Shanea and I are going to Italy some day. It’s our dream!

 

Where I see myself in 10 years from now:

With a good job, husband, and 2 kids

Where your class sees you in 10 years from now:

With a child ♦♦♦♦ working ♦♦♦♦ elementary school teacher ♦♦♦♦ as a cheerful hostess ♦♦♦♦ volunteering

My iPod right now has: A lot of Tray Songz

Something people don’t know about me: I’m kind of impatient and I get annoyed real easy.

Fond Memories:

My fondest memory of you is that you are a shy girl. You are always obedient, caring and friendly. Keep up all your good qualities. With all the best wishes for a bright future---Mrs. Pronoti Dutta

How will I ever survive without you Nadreca? You are the best help and always include me in your fun activities. I especially loved how you and Christina included me in your cheerleading skit last year. I guess it was fortunate that we never got to do it though. I couldn’t remember all the parts!---Mrs. Homsy

I’ll never forget her great work ethic. As soon as she was able, Nadreca would work, find jobs, and learn what needed to be ---Mrs. Marybeth

Can’t wait to attend your college graduation. It was very nice working with you this year. Wishing you all the best in college, stay focused, have fun, and make lots of new friends---Donna Karlson

Nadreca makes her presence known

Each time she’s in a space.

No matter what life path she takes

She’ll wind up in first place.

--Mrs. Ludwig

I will always remember you as always being a very positive and happy person---Mr. Flynn

“SISTERS, your bus is here” is what we’ll always remember about you Nadreca---Tracy and Bobby

I will remember by as the most seemingly laid back student and yet respectfully cooperative and helpful in setting up the Science Fair---Mrs. Rahni

I’ll miss all your help in the classroom, you did a great job!!! Good Luck and keep in touch---Mrs. Nina

AMANDA TORREN

 

 

 

“The impossible is the unattempted”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nickname: A.T.

Hobby: Drawing Animation

Extra-curricular activities at NYI: swimming, chorus, and theatre arts

Favorites:

Food: sushi

TV Shows: House

Movie: Pride and Prejudice

Music: Techno

Role Model: My sister

Places I’d like to visit some day:

Japan, Italy, Rome, and Paris

Where I see myself in 10 years from now:

With a good job, husband, and 2 kids

Where your class sees you in 10 years from now:

As a photographer living in the city

Something people don’t know about me:

I’m a wild child

Fond Memories:

I have a fond memory of your taste for pomegranates and sneaking behind me to pull my hair to prove my age. With all the best wishes and congratulations

---Mrs. Pronoti Dutta

I will remember you as being the only one I was in charge of for dismissal all those Friday afternoons. You really got a lot of attention. I cherish the art work you generously gave me. You are very talented. I’ll miss you Amanda

---Mrs. Homsy

Amanda, should you be going on the elevator without a staff member???? LOL Good Luck---Mrs. Nina

I’ll never forget trying to get you to submit your time sheets on time---Mrs. Marybeth

Drama! Drama! Drama! Dear Amanda, try to use your creative abilities in a positive way, you are very talented and you have a kind heart. I’m looking forward to seeing your photography in an art gallery someday. Good Luck in college---Mrs. Donna Karlson

Amanda of the flaxen hair

And silver voice—a gift so rare.

We wish her well, she needs to know

That everyone will miss her so.

--Mrs. Ludwig

I will always remember you for your great performances over the years in the school’s show---Mr. Flynn

I will always remember you and your excitement when you recognized the relevance of math concepts in daily life

---Mrs. Rahni

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Class of 2010: 

As the Assistant Principal for elementary and middle school, I have known some 

of you since the early grades, and I have met some of you more recently. I have 

seen you grow and mature, becoming responsible men and women focused on 

your future plans, ready to meet the next set of challenges with the same 

distinction you demonstrated during your High School years. 

This is such a wonderful and exciting time for you ‐ you have worked hard, and 

thought about and planned for graduation for a long time. As you have probably 

heard me say, I will always be pleased to hear of your successes, but never 

surprised at what you achieve. 

I wish each of you the very best as you begin to write the next chapter of the 

story of your lives. 

 

Mrs. Janet Fiber Assistant Principal

AWARDS 

 

 

 

Class Clown   Brandon

Teacher’s Pet   

Amanda

Best Smile Nadreca

Best Manners Brandohn

Sports Fanatic Simone

Party Girl Christina

Computer Techie

Brandon, without a doubt!

Most Outspoken

Christina

Most Quiet? Brandohn  

FASHIONISTA

Nadreca

Helping Hand Simone

MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED

CLASS OF 2010  

 

BFFs FOREVER! 

Amanda’s List: Brandon’s BFFs:

Jasmine Toro Bridget

Zenobia Mr. Bobby

Michael D Tracy

 

 

Brandohn: 

Jasmine, Krystal, Christina, Eddie Donnelly, Angelique,   

                                                                              Isrick, Christian 

 

Simone’s BFFs

Amanda Lee Mr. Earl Maria Co Nayela

Kia Zenoba

Chris Loanhold Devin

Ms. Trish Roy

Mr. Rich Tyrone

Roz Elllicot Ms. Ros Wright

Ms. Julie Ms. Nina Ms. Kim

Ms. Anna Maria Raymond Maryia

Mr. Domanick

Nadreca’s BFFs are:

Christina,

Shanea,

Paradise,

Roy,

Toni-Marie

 

Christina’s BFFs are:

Nadreca

Cortney

Roy

Jeff

Jasmine

Christian

Carmella

    Childhood Dreams              

   

When I was young I wanted to be 

an iceskater…………………Amanda  

 

 

a Yankee ………………… Brandohn Gabbert 

 

 

the President of the United States……….Brandon Heinrich 

           

 

a cop…………..Simone 

 

a singer……..Nadreca     

 

                         a Lawyer……..Christina

 

 

 

PARTING WORDS OF ADVICE  

 

Don’t use your cell phone in a classroom when you are standing 

right in front of the door window! 

 

There is a shortcut to the bowling alley from Wood‐Russ 

 

HEINZ Ketchup is the answer to enjoying a hamburger in the 

cafeteria.  LOTS and LOTS of Ketchup! 

 

Don’t use the elementary stairs! 

 

 

Do NOT text during class! 

 

You can’t get away by keeping your braille cheat sheet in your 

desk and using only one hand for your Perkins Brailler. 

 

Advice from Nadreca••• BE ON TIME! 

 

Advice from Amanda•••If you use the elevator,  

don’t get caught! 

 

 

Advice from Brandohn•••Do your work and don’t complain 

 

Advice from Simone•••You can do anything you want, just 

put your mind to it, think positive, keep your head up high! 

 

Advice from Brandon•••Study hard and you’ll succeed 

 

Advice from Christina••• Speak your mind never hold back!! 

Famous People and Times in

His Story

 

AMANDA TORREN

This period in time marked the rebirth of humanism, and the revival of cultural achievements for their own sake in all forms of art,

including music. Renaissance is defined as a rebirth. During this time, artists and musicians produced works that displayed more artistic freedom and individualism. This creativity allowed artists to abandon the stricter ways of the Medieval Era. With the new printing techniques, music and musical ideas were able to be preserved and distributed to the people.

Amanda emulates the spirit of the Renaissance. She is artistic, creative, worldly and most of all a free spirit. Her individualism and artistic freedom is evident in all she does. The Renaissance spanned throughout Europe and Amanda expresses a great desire to travel throughout Europe as well. Like da Vinci she displays talent in drama and art. Amanda is our NYI Renaissance Lady of 2010.

BRANDOHN GABBERT

NEIL ARMSTRONG

Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the Moon. His first spaceflight was aboard Gemini 8 in 1966, for which he was the command pilot, becoming the first U.S. civilian to fly in space. Armstrong's second and last spaceflight was as mission commander of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission on July 20, 1969. On this mission, Armstrong descended to the lunar surface

and spent 2½ hours exploring. Armstrong is a recipient of the Congressional Space Medal of Honor. He accepted a teaching position in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. Brandohn Gabbert is a courageous, athletic leader as well. He too had an experience in a space camp and Aviation Challenge Program in Huntsville, Alabama. He participated in numerous challenging and educational missions including simulations in fixing a satellite as well as actual scuba diving. He is known to be competitive and determined to succeed in any challenge he endeavors. This is further evidenced by his involvement in wrestling, track, goal ball and swimming. Not only was he Captain of his teams, he was named Rookie of the Year for swimming and goal ball as well. Like Armstrong, Brandohn is patient and a knowledgeable teacher. Hats off to the space program and personalities like Neil Armstrong and Brandohn Gabbert!

BRANDON HEINRICH

THE CLASSICAL ERA

Although the Classical era lasted for only 70 years, there was a substantial change in the music that was being produced. Classical music placed a greater stress on clarity with regard to melodic expression and instrumental color. The orchestra gained more color and flexibility as clarinets, flutes, oboes, and bassoons became permanent members of the orchestra. With its broad mixture of competing ideas and attempts to unify the different demands of taste, economics and "worldview", Brandon fits into the Classical era well. He is a follower of the best known composers from this era.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven were from Vienna. Brandon expressed a desire to visit Germany some day and Vienna can also be part of his visit. He is a classical pianist who has plays with clarity and melodic expression. Brandon has preformed Moonlight Sonata at a piano recital and marvels at Beethoven’s genius! We marvel at you Brandon, the classical music connoisseur of our class.  

CHRISTINA DIXON

ROSA PARKS

Rosa Parks was a retired seamstress who is noted as being a very important American Civil Rights Movement activist. She is best known for her role in a 1955 boycott of the Montgomery, Alabama bus system. Rosa Parks was arrested, tried, and convicted with disorderly conduct on December 1, 1955 for refusing a bus driver’s order to give up her seat to a white man and stand. By "sitting down" for what she believed in, and refusing to give up her bus seat, Mrs. Parks made history. On appeal the case ultimately resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregated bus service was unconstitutional. The Civil Rights Movement was put into motion, which led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Today all Americans, whatever their race, nationality, or religion, must be given equal treatment under the law.

Christina is strong willed as well. She speaks up for what she believes is right and is always there to help make the world a better place for everyone. When

she believes she is right, there is not much that can stand in her way from expressing herself. Christina is determined, spirited, and courageous which are all qualities that parallel Rosa Parks.

NADRECA REID

 

MICHELLE OBAMA

You’d need to look twice to distinguish Nadreca from Michelle Obama. Michelle was a lawyer, Chicago city administrator, and community outreach worker before she became the First Lady of the United States. She and her brother, Craig skipped the second grade. By sixth grade, Michelle joined a gifted class. She was also Director for a non-profit organization encouraging young people to work on social issues in non-profit groups and government agencies.

Like Michelle Obama, Nadreca Reid is proud, poised, and focused. A bright and energetic young lady who charms those who cross her path. Like Michelle and her younger brother Craig, Nadreca and her younger sister Monique are great students who plan on getting ahead. Nadreca is caring and concerned about social issues as well. One day a handsome young man like Barack Obama will sweep Nadreca off her

feet. Fashionable and charming, intelligent and cool make Nadreca and Michelle sole mates.

SIMONE MILLER

CLARA BARTON

Clara Barton was a pioneer American teacher, nurse, and humanitarian. She is best remembered for establishing the American Red Cross. Her Civil War work began when she established an agency to obtain and distribute supplies to wounded soldiers. She obtained permission to travel behind the lines, eventually reaching some of the grimmest battlefields of the war. Barton delivered aid to soldiers of both the North and South. Under her leadership, she adopted the framework of the Red Cross to fit the needs of the United States not only during wartime but in peacetime. Simone too is a humanitarian, teacher and nurse. To those who know her she is kind, caring, and always ready to lend a hand. Simone is always the first to offer help to anyone she notice in need and is always first to volunteer her time to assist. She is patient and calm like Clara Barton but is tough and ruthless when she believes she is right. She has made a name at NYI as being giving, helpful, and dependable and is our Clara Barton.

Christopher Columbus

The Age of Exploration

  

CLASS OF 2010

Christopher Columbus was an outstanding navigator and

organizer of expeditions. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in

search of a sea route to Asia. The desire for a sea route to Asia

launched a remarkable wave of European exploration. Europe

constantly improved its ships and navigational aids. Europeans

had a passion for trading and a desire to preach Christianity

worldwide. Christopher Columbus had a strong will and stuck

with his beliefs. His single-minded search for a westward route to

Asia changed Europeans commonly accepted views of the world

and led to the establishment of contact between Europe and the

Americas. Historians praise his persistence, courage, and

maritime ability. Columbus’ explorations ended centuries of

mutual ignorance about what lay on either side of the Atlantic

Ocean.

You, the Class of 2010, like Columbus are at your Age of

Exploration. Yes, Simone, Brandon, Amanda, Christina, Brandohn

and Nadreca, you have various personalities, interests, and

desires but you all have one thing in common. You have the

desire to explore, move ahead, and conquer. You spent your

senior year investigating and navigating to a destination which

will direct you to your destiny. You have discovered that there is

something out there waiting for you and you are eager and

prepared to go for it. Your persistence, intelligence, and courage

will enhance and spread your talents in music, art, science, the

media and psychology. Yes, the sky is the limit. As you leave the

New York Institute you will search for a route to greater wisdom,

growth and success. You have the sea legs to endure and

succeed. Go out and explore. There is something out there for

each of you. Just always remember there are people who trust,

love, and wish you a bon voyage and smooth sailing ahead.

Mrs. Homsy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bye Bye NYI

Brandohn-- College of

Mt. St. Vincents

Simone -- Surely working with and serving the community

Brandon – Off to Newton Mass. to the Carrol Center and then off to college

Amanda – Off to college for photography and computer graphics

Nadreca – Dominican College and

IN THE DORMS!

Christina – Dominican College and dorming!!

                                                                                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

A SPECIAL THANKS TO MS. NINA  

AND MR. JOHN HERNANDEZ 

WE WILL REALLY MISS YOU AND 

APPRECIATE YOUR HELP WITH THIS 

YEARBOOK! 

 

 

CLASS OF 2010