By Meghna Padmanabhan ’17, Section Editor

593: The number of students that make up this community, spread out over 81 communities in New Jersey. When I applied to Newark Academy’s class of 2017 before freshman year, one of the first things that was brought to my attention was the fact that each and every student was honored and respected, and that the school prides itself on the contributions each student makes towards the community. The fusion of ethnicities and cultures that exists in these halls truly highlights the value of the individual and allows those who spend their four years here learn the importance of honesty, integrity, respect, and responsibility that make up our core.

78: The number of incredible, approachable faculty members who have taken it upon themselves to guide their students on the incredible journey that is Newark Academy, whether it be for 4 or 7 long years. While I’ve only had the pleasure of learning under a few of them, I have had the opportunity to form valuable relationships with so many others, whether it be through a simple smile in the hallway or a nervous, questioning glance when I walk into the science office and encounter every teacher except the one that I am looking for. We are privileged to have teachers who make the effort to know each and every one of us by name and are willing to put in the time and effort to ensure that all of us get the best education they can give, in and out of the classroom.

4: The amount of memorable, rewarding, laughter-filled years Newark Academy has given me ever since i was accepted freshman year. The people I have met and the relationships i have forged will last me far longer than a lifetime, and I cannot begin to imagine the kind of person I would be without the impactful lessons i have learned from each and every one of them.

Some impacts, however, reach farther and hit harder than others do, and sometimes it only takes 1 person to make them happen. Dr. DeSanta epitomized this belief during her time as a cherished English teacher and conscientious newspaper advisor at Newark Academy, and the lights she turned on in our brains did not diminish at all during her absence. She not only laid the groundwork for the tough IB-level material her classes were on course to tackle in preparation for our exams (aided by the wonderful teachers who stepped in: Mr. Stourton and Mr. Beckman), but she left a presence lingering in her classrooms, whether it was in the same empty seat we’d leave for her to fill or the continuation of the occasional “feeling” circles she always encouraged when college took a toll on her seniors. Knowing that she wanted to remain as involved as possible while undergoing her treatment, many of us let her know just how much we missed her, and have tried to keep her as involved in our work as she would have been if she was here with us. And believe it or not- despite our rambunctious, over-eager (and often irrelevant) discussions and uncontrollably chatty nature, she misses us too.

“I miss so many things about NA — the good cheer all around the building, the steady “buzz” of activity, and even our many daily routines, which can be so comforting. I even miss the familiar, bracing smells of coffee and warm paper fresh out of the printer in the English office. Most of all I miss my students, who inspire me with their creativity and make me laugh, and my clever and good-humored colleagues in 103. These past few months have also shown me the loving nature of our community. Even though I’ve been away, I’ve still felt “connected” because of so many people’s kind and thoughtful emails, cards, texts, and calls. I feel really lucky and grateful to have this kind of support at work — not everyone does!” Dr. DeSanta’s kind words and sentiments towards her students are definitely reciprocated- I have yet to come across a student who isn’t awestruck by her kind, supportive personality and gentle but firm teaching style. The discussions she leads in her classrooms are empowering and her encouragement of EVERYONE’s ideas sets a precedent for all of her classes. Her mentality describes the rich relationships that develop between teachers and students, and definitely contributes to the overall culture we strive to cultivate at Newark Academy.

Dr. DeSanta’s temporary absence is one that remains solely physical; she is constantly referenced in our daily conversations, whether it be to talk about how much we miss her or to experience brief moments of nostalgia about the beginning of our senior year english class when Ms. Dalloway completely changed the way we read about any other characters in the other works we read. Mr. Beckman’s substitution for our class has been nothing but beneficial, and all of us have learned new ways to refine our writing skills, both technically and analytically. We have definitely improved as writers from the experience of studying under two different English teachers with two entirely separate approaches to analysis, but both had the same emphasis on detail, structure, and writing with a clear purpose in our minds. However, no feeling can replicate the sense of devotion we feel to the teacher we began the year with, and one who shared her struggles with us as we shared ours with her. Dr. DeSanta has known many members of the class of 2017 ever since they were freshman and has truly connected with those who she only met this year (me included). When asked about the impact the community had on her, she said, “My time away from school has also shown me that life and teaching have something in common, which is that at the end of the day, relationships are most important. If there is any sort of a “silver lining” or bright side to this experience, it’s that I’ve gotten to see how each of us builds so many beautiful connections to and with others every day, even when it just feels like another morning meeting, another Monday, another class. I see that it’s a gift just to be healthy and energetic enough to be there in the building with each other, coexisting in the sort of separate togetherness that makes up school life — each one of us on our own path, taking care of our own business, but in the company of so many other caring and compassionate souls. It’s pretty much the meaning of life, as far as I can make out.” I couldn’t agree more.

To Dr. DeSanta: Hopefully, we can end this year off the way we started, and just know that an empty seat will always be waiting for you in our class!!