Ailani Cruceta Becomes First Female XC Medal Winner in CHAH History

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This week, sophomore Ailani Cruceta became the first female cross-country runner in the history of CHAH to earn a medal at a PSAL race!  Medals are given out to the first 20 runners who cross the finish line.  Ailani finished in 10th place out of nearly 50 runners, and set a Personal Record (PR) time of 28:43! 

“It feels awesome!” Ailani said.  “I’m really inspired to continue improving.” 

As the team captain, she looks to inspire her teammates as well.  She explained, “I hope this motivates the team and shows them that getting to the top is possible for anyone.”

Congratulations, Ailani!  Well done!

The Co-Ed Cross-Country Team Hits the Ground Running!

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This year’s CHAH Co-Ed Cross-Country Team has really hit the ground running!  With nearly 20 runners, this squad is the largest in the team’s history.  Coaches Svenson and Dickhudt are impressed with the enthusiasm, teamwork, and initiative that the runners are brining to practices and meets everyday. 

The team Captain, Ailani Cruceta said “I really enjoy running” and added that it “looks good on a college resume.”

The team’s Alternate Captain, Kalief Hall said that he continually pushes himself to do better.  “I like the thought of winning,” he explained, “not against the other runners, but against my own personal goals.  I got excited the first time I set a PR [Personal Record]!”

The team has been working hard since September, and not without a few setbacks.  In the Mayor’s Cup race, one runner tweaked her ankle and another was out sick. 

Captain Ailani feels that “As a team, we have to improve our accountability and communication” but that she also looks forward “to working with my teammates to always get better.” 

Run, CHAH!  Run!

Camp College for a Summer Weekend

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This past weekend, CHAH high schoolers attended Camp College, a 3-day weekend where the kids lived in the residence halls from August 7-9 at SUNY - New Delhi.  They attended lectures by college professors and participated in workshops about admissions and financial aid.

11th grader Brittany Quezada said that "Camp college showed me how to get along with people from different cultures.  It showed me how to get out of my comfort zone."

Her friend, Jishanny Quintana, added that Camp College taught her that in college, "passion and motivation are the keys to success and happiness."

The students learned about interviewing for colleges and attended a workshop on personal statement writing techniques. 

It was a fun, informative, and entertaining weekend.  Soon, college will be more than a long weekend...it will be their life!

CHAH Girl's Volleyball Team vs. NYPD

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The CHAH Phoenix Girl's Volleyball team, along with the Gregorio Luperson Girl's Volleyball Team, played against members of the NYPD's 33rd Police Precinct and participated in their 4th Annual community tournament.

Aside from the fun friendly competition, Officer Matos encouraged our young people to stop the violence, be kind to one another, be socially responsible, and get engaged in the community by volunteering and giving back.

Maria Velez, Janice Jimenez, Andrelyn Reyes, Stephany Vazquez, Yocasta Fanas, Stacey Peguero, Jazmin Fernandez found Officer Matos' words really encouraging.

It was a fun day filled with community spirit!