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.

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.

Friday, June 18th, 2021—Syracuse Academy of Science virtually interviews high school Special Education teacher, Mrs. Hicks for its bi-weekly Teacher Spotlight. During our interview, Mrs. Hicks shared with us fun facts about herself,  like she used to play the snare drum in marching band, her greatest accomplishment, advice for the Atoms and so much more. Scroll down to read our virtual interview with Mrs. Hicks as we get ready to shine that spotlight on her for Syracuse Academy of Science high school’s Teacher Spotlight.

Interview with Mrs. Hicks

• What three traits define you? Dedicated, Authentic, Flexible
• What is your greatest accomplishment? my family - husband of 35 years and 4 grown children - 3 grandchildren
• Best book you have ever read? The Bible 
• What is one thing you cannot resist?(food/dessert/candy/etc.) You mean I have to pick one? Pizza, cake, and chocolate.
• If you could have dinner with one person living or dead who would they be and why? Anne Sullivan - taught a deaf and blind girl to communicate before there was ASL. Used fingerspelling to teach her and Helen Keller, and went on to be a successful speaker, author and inspiration. As a teacher, I can't think of a more difficult situation than someone who has no language skills and yet she learned; and learned well. 
• What advice would you give to kids who are struggling at school? Plan to grow, work at it, and take advantage of all of the support who are here for you.
• Tell us, what is something that might surprise us about you? I was good at sports when I was in school - especially basketball. I played the snare drum in marching band. - pick one 

Wednesday, June 16th, 2021—Hats off to the upcoming Syracuse Academy of Science high school graduates in the Class of 2021! This past year is certainly one that all students, parents, teachers, faculty and staff will remember, and one that will go down in history.

To celebrate all that these students have accomplished not only this year, but over their academic career, syracuse.com has published the list of graduates from over 60 schools in the Central New York area. In addition, they have highlighted the valedictorian and salutatorian, as well as, included commencement information. We invite you to click here to help us celebrate the Atoms from the soon to be graduating Class of 2021!