Friday, June 11th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science middle school 7^th grade Project Based Learning (PBL) students square off in a fun, friendly socially distanced debate. For their debate, students were tasked with taking a side (agree/disagree) on two topics: should teens have an after school job, and will we colonize a planet in our lifetime?

With each of the topics, students carefully prepared their stance, listed out their talking points and each Atom had a chance to debate their side for each topic. While the debate was taking place, students who were not debating, practiced their active listening skills, and respected their opposition by agreeing to disagree. Once the debates concluded, a student from each side (agree/disagree) who the Atoms felt best argued their stance was selected the ‘winner.’ Those two Atoms would then have an opportunity to face off against each other to see who would be crowned the ultimate debate champion. What a fun and exciting experience, Atoms!

Friday, June 18th, 2021-In honor of the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students Ale’la Gillard and Xzayvionna Williams step into the role and broadcast journalists to cover the history of Juneteenth and its significance in American history. In their coverage, Atoms highlight how cities around the world celebrate Juneteenth including parades, parties, beauty contests, the history and meaning of the colors Green, Red and Black on the Juneteeth flag, and so much more.

In addition, Syracuse Academy of Science high school students Precious Dixie, Arden Goodyear, Ranelle Duncan Letts, Jai’lin Everson-Brown, Hi’zharria Harper, Madeleine Olaniyan, and Ale’la Gillaard virtually perform the Black National Anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ written by James Weldon Johnson and composed by John Rosamond Johnson.

We invite you to please click here to watch this short video, Juneteenth: A Celebration, from the Syracuse Academy of Science high school Atoms.

Sunday, June 20th, 2021— 'Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.' - Anne Geddes

Wednesday, June 9th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science high school senior Willie Jennings was selected by Section III coaches and Syracuse.com staff for the 2021 All-CNY small school football team. Students from all across Central New York, compete and work hard throughout their season for a chance to be selected for this team.

Syracuse.com virtually interviewed each of the student athletes who made the 2021 All-CNY small school football team. Check out the virtual interview with Willie Jennings below.

Virtual Interview with Willie Jennings

• School: Bishop Ludden/SAS
• Class: Senior
• Position: Defensive back
• Height, weight: 5-11, 179
• Season stats: 165 receiving yards, 5TDs, 19 tackles, 3 INTs
• What’s next: Prep school.
• Who (or what) inspires you? My little brother, Radames. He tells me every day how great I can be.
• Most treasured possession: Necklace from my grandma.
• Food I refuse to eat: Sushi.
• Favorite teacher and class: Mr. Dwyer and gym
• What will you most remember for this pandemic season? I will remember the cold three-hour practices we had to work through and the coach wouldn’t let us go home early.

Click here to meet the other student athletes on the 2021 All-CNY small school football team. Congratulations, Willie, we are very proud of you and all that you have accomplished both in the classroom and on the football field.