Poly People

Akili Tommasino ’05

Akili Tommasino ’05 studied art history at Harvard and founded the Prep for Prep/Sotheby’s Art Academy in 2017 “to give high school students of color an earlier window into the art world.”

Alex B. ’26

“[Alex] designs and builds objects for 3D printing in Fusion 360, which is a complex program used in industry.”

Alexandra Fried ’20

“The teachers are the best part of going to school at Poly Prep. They are excited to teach their subjects, which makes it easier for students to be enthusiastic about learning.”

Alexandra Nava-Baltimore ’20

“Being a student at Poly has allowed me to live what I learned. Poly has been my home, my studio, my classroom, and my inspiration.”

Amina D. ’30

Amina D. ’30 sang a moving rendition of the Black National Anthem to kick off the Lower School’s Black History Month assembly.

Angela Gittens P’23

“The highlight of my teaching career is having alumni return to tell me that seeds for their love of speaking other languages were originally planted in my classroom and that they travel throughout the world using their language skills beyond the walls of a classroom.”

Anne L. ’27

“I love the arts and Poly let’s you express yourself and what you love to do. Not all schools let you be that creative.”

Caiden S. ’29

Caiden created a “Band in a Box” video by writing his own piano composition, playing and recording it, and putting it together with three professional musicians playing bass, guitar, and saxophone.

Channing Austin ’20

All-American athlete Channing Austin, who played on Team NY at the National High School Baseball Championship in Houston in 2019, committed to play for the University of Virginia Cavaliers.

Charlotte Knutsen ’21

“[Charlotte] asks penetrating questions in class and is constantly using the classroom space to test and improve her thinking.”

Chris Davenport ’91

Chris Davenport ’91 has been a reporter for The Washington Post since 2000 and covers the defense and space industries for the Post‘s financial desk.

Diahann Billings Burford ’90, P’20

Diahann Billings Burford ’90, P’20 was the second girl to serve as president of Poly’s Student Government. “Diahann was a force of nature,” recalled Paul Raso, retired science teacher and former Student Government advisor.

Dr. Neil Schluger ’77

“…I developed a love of learning, even for its own sake, and Paul Raso was one of the teachers who helped to instill that in me.”

Dr. Robert Minutello ’87

An active interventional cardiologist, Dr. Minutello has performed cardiac procedures in over 10,000 patients during the course of his career. 

Ed Schoenfeld ’67

Ed Schoenfeld ’67 was a charismatic NYC restaurateur who became an unlikely, but highly regarded culinary ambassador for Chinese cuisine.

Elizabeth Somers ’91

With an extensive background in biology and drug development, Elizabeth Somers ’91 heads the Infectious Disease, Global Project and Alliance Management area at Merck.

Ella Schwartz ’92

Ella Schwartz ’92 has been a cybersecurity warrior for more than 20 years as well as the author of several nonfiction children’s books.

Emily Giurleo ’13

“I certainly wouldn’t be a software engineer if Ms. Turkenkopf and Ms. Licata hadn’t encouraged my love of math and science.”

Eugenia Xiao ’14

Multi-talented Eugenia Xiao ‘14 earned a BA from Cornell and then a MS in Nursing from Columbia University School of Nursing.

Fiona Greig ’97

“Athletics gave me a natural home.”

Gauri Purohit ’21

“Poly has given me a vast array of opportunities in both academics and the arts, which have allowed me to immerse myself in math courses beyond the standard curriculum and participate in theatre performances.”

Gigi Georges ’84

Gigi Georges ‘84, a recipient of Poly’s Distinguished Achievement Award, has had an extensive career in politics, public service, and academia.

Hallie Stephenson ’20

“My favorite part about going to Poly Prep was that I was able to find such an incredible group of people who wanted to see me succeed and cared about my future.”

Hank Schilling ’24

“Poly understands how sports and academics are equally important in students’ lives. We get an hour of PE almost every day and have a wide array of sports to choose from and many teams to join both in Middle School and Upper School. There are facilities and fields for almost every sport you can think of.”

Heidi Zarou ’86, P’22, ’22

“In the Lower School art studios, every day is a journey, an exploration into new and exciting territories with our youngest learners where creativity, imagination, and energy abound.”

Ira Feldman ’75

Sustainability must encompass environmental protection, economic development, and social justice. Educating the next generation of environmental advocates is a priority for Feldman.

Jared Banner ’03

Jared Banner ’03 played four seasons of varsity baseball at Poly. He was named Executive Director, Player Development for the New York Mets in 2018.

Jean Belford P’24

Jean’s AP Computer Science Principles class won the AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award that recognizes Poly’s commitment to female diversity, as well as the girls’ interest and enthusiasm for computer science.

Jeanine Smartt Liburd ’88, P’21, ‘24

“I honed my ability to craft my ideas and utilize language to be persuasive and share my perspective.”

Jesse R. ’27

“At Poly we do a lot of team activities, which will definitely help me prepare for the future when I will need to be a good team player and never say “no, I cannot do this. It’s way too hard.’”

John W. ’32

“John W. ’32 loves P.E. and shows good sportsmanship after each contest.”

Jonathan D. ’30

Jonathan D. ’30 wrote a story entitled “How Bird Got its Wings” adapted from a Haudenosaunee folktale.

Junie Blaise ’24

“Junie is a bright and smart student who goes beyond just academics. She was willing to help other students who were struggling,”

Kahaliah Sandy ’21

“Kahaliah has a great ear and confidence to carry out a conversation in Mandarin.”

Khari Freeman ’24

“There are so many good people around and there is always someone you can ask for help when you need it.”

Kyra N. ’25

“I love looking out the window in my classes and seeing the big willow tree sway across the pond.”

Laura B. Coppola ’95

“The best part of teaching at Poly is building communities and relationships with students and seeing their understanding of art and its transformative power grow. I hope my students use their knowledge of culture and art in a way that empowers them and gives voice to issues they really care about.”

Leslie Grinage ’99

“Being in an educational environment such as Poly prepared me well to live in and value a pluralistic society.”

Lola Stephens ’21

“Lola S. ’21 is a top science student, always pushing her own boundaries to understand information and concepts at the deepest levels,”

MaKiyah Turner-Hicks ’24

“I decided to come to Poly because of its amazing extracurriculars. I’m really interested in theater, visual arts, language, and sports, and Poly offers all of them.”

Margaret C. ’26

“From a dramatic musical to creating an abstract painting. Poly has so many classes from which you can choose what you really want to do.”

Maria DiCarlo P’23

“My goal for all my math students is that they look back on their math classes and feel that my department has nurtured their abilities to be creative problem-solvers and independent thinkers.”

Max P. ’25

“Max is always willing to stop what he is doing to help out a classmate, who may be struggling, and is a great asset in the classroom.”

Max Rose ’04

Alum Max Rose ’04 was elected to represent NY District 11 in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018.

Michael Terrin ’66

Eminent physician Dr. Michael Terrin ’66, MDCM, MPH is an internist with subspecialty certification in pulmonary medicine, and an MPH in epidemiology.

Nick Storz ’17

Poly Blue Devils pitcher Nick Storz ’17, who was listed among the Baseball America 2017 Top 100 Draft Prospects, chose to play for LSU, where he is an imposing presence on the mound.

Nina E. ’32

Nina E. ’32 brightens Lower School everyday with her luminous spirit and irrepressible enthusiasm.

Nnamdi Orakwue ’91

Nnamdi Orakwue ‘91 is a Harvard graduate who has become a successful business leader and strategist in the technology investment space.

Noah Saivetz ’24

“[Noah] has a clear passion for understanding the intricacies of mathematical problem solving, as well as making connections between past and current learning and how all of what we learn relates to the world.”

Nyla Welch ’20

With an exceptional talent for language, Nyla has traveled abroad through Poly’s Academic Travel program twice, to Martinique and France.

Parsa Aghazadeh ’25

“Parsa truly embodies what it means to be a Poly student. Not only is he intrinsically motivated and intellectually curious, he is kind and respectful to all…”

Peter Taubman ’65

Esteemed educator, Dr. Peter Taubman has dedicated his life to teaching. During his tenure at Poly, he helped launch the Anti-Bias Coalition and served as coordinator for the Center for the Study of Diversity and Teaching.

Qadir Forbes ’11

“I love the Poly community and have been in service to Poly since my days as a student.”

Rowan McAllister ’15

“Art was always my favorite class, but I’ve found I use my math and engineering skills almost as much…to really connect all the dots of my education.”

Ryantony Exuma ’22

“Just like stringing notes together to create music, in French class, Ryantony strings together words, manipulates syntax, and applies grammar to express himself in such a thoughtful and euphonious manner…”

Sam Turner

“I remember being told I shouldn’t do ballet, I have the wrong body type, skin tone; my mentors taught me to transform those emotions to propel me forward in my art.”

Samantha Chan ’21

“Poly encourages students to seek help from teachers, lead meaningful conversations in class, and voice their opinions at community forums.”

Sonja Lindberg ’16

“I worked more and harder than I ever had in English classes. After a few weeks, I came to love it.

Sophia C. ’31

Sophia C. ’31 is bursting with creativity and loves to read, write, and laugh.

Tess Sutter ’21

“Tess’ work ethic, values, and ability to be a consummate teammate while striving for excellence have been recognized by her teachers, coaches, and peers.”

Valentina A. ’27

“When I first walked into Lower School, I was a little nervous. I would be the newcomer. However, there I was walking through the doors of the most loving, caring, empathetic, and supporting school ever.”

Wendy Haft ’84

Wendy has coached every sport from basketball to tennis, but focused on softball. In 2015, she returned to Poly to present the Yale Cup at our end-of-year Athletics Awards Ceremony.

Will Hochman ’10

“I felt like maybe I could become who I imagined myself to be.”

William Ling-Regan ’24

“William dedicates himself to excellence both in and out of the classroom.”

Zoe D. ’29

Zoe D. ’29 is a great team player and her creativity shines through all of her work.