Substantial Review: Alexis Romay

January 6, 2016.

Alexis has quite rapidly become an integral member of the

Newark Academy community, bringing so much intellect, heart, and
soul to all of his own efforts and to the activities of the larger
community as well. I know that each of my colleagues will write about
the depth that Alexis brings to his work in peer leadership, to the
Global Speaker series, and, of course, to his classroom.
What I most appreciate is what cant be quantified or even
titled about what Alexis does for NA, by being so supportive,
enthusiastic, responsible, and often joyful about teaching and working
with students. Its the extra time trying to understand why a student
is struggling; its the drive-by chess games that Alexis plays with
members of the chess team; its the supportive bravo that Alexis
extends to students who are performing, competing, or just pushing
their work up one notch. Students feel the earnestness that Alexis
brings to everything, his own passions as well as theirs.
By the strength of his exuberant personality and by his many
contributions, Alexis has enriched the community by significantly
adding creativity in so many ways. By contributing to the WHAM
blog, making his film debut, and learning a new language ~ and by
sharing all those experiences ~ Alexis has inspired students and
supported them simultaneously. I know this happens all the time in
the classroom, but its amazing how much that spills out into the
hallways through conversation, involvement, and good will. My
favorite comment about Alexis comes from a younger student who
said, I havent gotten to know him very well, but I know hed
appreciate me. That Alexis believes in young people in all people
and in himself is a given; the strength of that belief deserves
appreciation and commendation. I am indebted; we all are.
Respectfully submitted,
Pegeen Galvin
Dean of Students
January 4, 2016.