The D-E Student Committee on Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), advised by Chief Innovation Officer Diana Gross, recently hosted the Student Summit on AI in the STEM Building. The event brought together students from schools such as Newark Academy and Kent Place “to foster a broader collaboration across our New Jersey and New York community,” said SCAI student leader Reya Shah ’27. The program included welcome remarks from Ms. Gross and SCAI Co-Chair Anna Ibargüen ’26, and a “fireside chat” with D-E alumni Alex Koren ’12, who works on Applied AI at Anthropic; Brian Zhang ’15, a postdoctoral researcher at MIT; and Mike Kopko ’03, CEO of Pearl Health. “They shared insights into how quickly AI is developing right now, but also emphasized the importance of being thoughtful about how it’s built and applied,” said Reya, who moderated the panel discussion. The rest of the day consisted of student-led breakout sessions on topics including understanding task switching in language models, the environmental consequences of the data-driven age, and exploring emotional attachment to algorithms. “One of the biggest takeaways for students was the idea of using AI responsibly; this includes understanding its limitations, being aware of bias, and using it as a tool to support learning rather than replace it,” noted Reya. Added Anna: “AI is one of the biggest changes in technological innovation right now and will be present as we enter the workforce and for the rest of our lives… It’s so important that D-E students are learning how to use it so that they can meet the challenges of our changing world.” Thanks to everyone who had a hand in organizing this successful AI summit! 

Seniors from the Class of 2026 were recently honored for their academic achievements and community leadership in co-curricular endeavors, service, and other activities, at the D-E Cum Laude Society Induction Ceremony in Hajjar Auditorium. D-E Head of School Dr. Calleroz White and English Department Chair Mr. Meserole, who serves as President of the D-E Cum Laude Chapter, gave opening remarks. Meanwhile, Mr. Armitage, Director of Program Scheduling and Cum Laude Chapter Secretary, served as master of ceremonies. As is tradition, D-E faculty/staff volunteered to introduce each inductee with sentiments and anecdotes that tugged at heartstrings and tickled funny bones. Each senior received a certificate as well as the prestigious Cum Laude pin, and Class of 2026 Dean Emily Sclafani provided the night’s closing remarks. Cheers to our outstanding, newest Cum Laude Society members!

Kudos to Calliope 2025 for receiving national recognition by earning its 1st Gold Crown Award in 43 years! This is the highest award given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) to arts-literary magazines. “This has been the most incredible news,” said Steve Petkus, Magazine Advisor and MS/US Librarian. “I’ve been an advisor to this club for over two decades, and we’ve gotten a handful of Silver Crowns in that time, but to get Gold is something special indeed.” The editors of Calliope 2025 are recent D-E graduates Red Nochomovitz ’25, Rebecca Kreynin ’25, and Casey Law ’25. In praising the magazine, the Crown judges wrote: “Dwight-Englewood School’s Calliope magazine leads with bold art and punchy photography that elevate the visual experience as the reader first meets these pages. The writing is equally strong and demonstrates a breadth of styles and originality.” When advised they were Crown Finalists, all three past editors were thrilled to hear the news. “I had a good feeling about this issue, but this is amazing!” exclaimed Red. Added Rebecca, “Being an editor was truly one of the highlights of my high school experience.” Meanwhile, Casey said she was “excited to see what else Calliope will do.” It’s now in the capable hands of Mara Gualtieri-Horowitz ’26 and Mandy Friedman ’26, the magazine’s current editors. We’re proud of all our Upper School students who made this award-winning issue happen!