Scarsdale's Chase Kantor Wins Service Award for Improving the Well-Being of Worldwide Youth
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After founding Goalkeeper in ninth grade, a nonprofit that works to address the needs of communities around the world, Scarsdale High School Junior Chase Kantor ended 2024 on a high note when he received a Youth Service Award from the Westchester County Youth Bureau in recognition of his hard work.
The annual Youth Service Award Ceremony which honors “exceptional high school juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves through their leadership and commitment to service and social justice,” was held on December 19th. In addition to Scarsdale’s own Chase Kantor, this year the ceremony celebrated ten remarkable students from around Westchester.
According to the Westchester Government website,“To qualify for nomination, they completed impactful projects on topics ranging from developing technical assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities to fostering literacy among young readers and raising funds for youth in homeless shelters both locally and internationally.”
Describing the work he’s done, Chase Kantor said he founded Goalkeeper “to give back some of what I have gained living in a town with adequate resources to support an active and healthy lifestyle. Since then, I've raised over $40,000 through annual pickleball tournaments at Fenway Golf Club, basketball skills clinics at Chelsea Piers, securing business advertisements from Scarsdale staples like Giannonis, marketing branded merchandise, and organizing S'mores and Waffle Stands at Chase Park.”
Kantor added, “These funds have directly addressed needs in communities around the world, improving outcomes for youth, creating opportunities for mental and physical development in underserved areas. We provided $11,639 for clean water systems and field renovations in Senegal and $13,280 to support basketball programs and educational opportunities for youth athletes in Dakar, two of our largest projects to date.”
Additionally, Chase collected 150 donated professional NBA and NFL jerseys worth over $10,000, which were distributed at zero dollar Holiday Pop-up shops at Mt Vernon Boys and Girls club and White Plains Coachman Family Center this December, in collaboration with Back Back America, providing access to symbols of athletic achievement that might otherwise be beyond these kids' reach.
Kantor says he also coaches flag football at both locations, which inspired him to develop a course combining wellness, fitness, and entrepreneurship, which he taught this past summer. “Every class included simple workouts that students could replicate at home, handouts with stories of people turning ideas into successful fitness ventures, and motivational activities, like designing a journal with fitness goals or posters with inspirational quotes from famous athletes.”
When asked what inspired him to create Goalkeeper, Kantor said, “Sports and outdoor activities have always been an important part of my life. It’s one of the reasons my parents chose to move to Scarsdale- they wanted my brother and I to have access to outdoor spaces and community programs. Growing up, I participated in nearly every recreational league Scarsdale had to offer. Those early experiences helped me be active, social and taught me the value of teamwork and hard work.
While I knew that not everyone has the same opportunities we have in Scarsdale, after a conversation I had with a family friend who worked in communities across Africa, who explained how many villages lacked funding for soccer programs, clean water for their athletes, and even basic field maintenance, I decided to do something about it. Since then, I’ve worked independently and in collaboration with other organizations similarly devoted to improving access to recreational, wellness, and developmental opportunities for youth around the world.”
Whether he’s working to ensure that soccer players in Africa have access to clean water, or designing fitness lessons to teach the importance of wellness and nutrition, Cantor hopes to build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities through hands-on engagement and fundraising, locally and abroad.
Letter to the Editor: In Opposition to Artificial Turf
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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(This letter was written by Deborah Porder of Scarsdale)
Dear Superintendent Patrick, Mayor Arest, Scarsdale Board of Trustees and Scarsdale Village Manager,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the installation of artificial turf on Scarsdale playing fields.
Please do not expose our children to toxic substances that can damage their health or even kill them. Artificial turf contains carcinogens and neurotoxins. It contains PFAS. The EPA has recently said that there is no safe level of PFAS exposure and it is banned in Europe. Young children are especially vulnerable to it. Artificial turf exposes players to extreme heat on hot days and can cause heat-related illnesses.
I beg you not to purchase something that will increase the flooding that many Scarsdale residents are experiencing on a regular basis. Artificial turf does not absorb as much water as grass. We need more greenspace to absorb stormwater, not less.
Lastly, we should not be contributing to toxic air pollution that all of us will have to breathe. The lifespan of artificial turf is ten years. We should not be putting tons of toxic plastic in the County incinerators every ten years.
For me, the risk benefit analysis weighs heavily in favor of keeping our environmentally friendly grass fields. Grass is benign. Maybe it costs more to maintain, but there are costs associated with diseases and flooding caused by artificial turf. Don't just think about what the Village will have to pay to maintain the grass. Please consider the health and property damage that Scarsdale residents and others will suffer from artificial turf.
Kind Regards,
Deborah Porder
46 Lawrence Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914) 725-6393
District Assesses "Off and Away" Smartphone Policy in Schools
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- Written by Sharon Higgins
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Technology and in particular smartphones are not going away. However from the SHS/SMS joint presentation on November 20, “Phone Smart: How Can We Support our Youth in the Smartphone Era?” itis possible that future Scarsdale students will benefit from a policy that will have them putting their phones away from “bell to bell”.
The evening’s panel discussion, with an introduction made by Scarsdale Schools Superintendent Drew Patrick, highlighted the impact smartphones and social media have in our classrooms. Patrick talked about the challenges of smartphones and how “living” with technology and smartphone use would need to be a partnership between teachers, students and parents. He presented a short video taken at a conference this summer addressing this issue with Governor Hochul, various New York state teachers organizations representatives and students from across the state who gave soundbites on the harm smartphones have on students of all ages. Patrick noted that the surgeon general claims 95% of 13-17 year olds report using social media. And what that really means is that these kids are constantly getting beeped and buzzed throughout the day urging them to look and respond to a small screen that is attached to them at the hip.
Governor Hochel supports a “bell to bell” ban (8am-3pm) on all personal internet devices and feels it should be uniformity from class to class. Currently there is an Off and Away school policy in Scarsdale. For elementary school, children's phones and smart watches ideally should not be brought to school at all but if necessary, they should be turned off and put away in their backpacks. At Scarsdale Middle School, smart watches do not need to be put away but phones are left off and away in lockers. At the high school, students enter each class and place their phones in the phone caddy at the entrance of the class to be picked up at the end of class on their way out at the end of the period.
SHS English teacher Jennifer Rosensweig, helps to lead the district on the current school policies on smartphone use. At the meeting, she invited a panel of SMS and SHS students and faculty to discuss their opinions on smartphones and social media and their effects in the school setting. Rosensweig insists that both her experiences and observations as a teacher at SHS and the many studies she has researched over the years, technology has a negative impact on students.
She explained that in 2015 she started noticing a drop off in reading ability which led her to start looking at data on screentime of the adolescent mind. Since then it has been “a long journey of research”. She states that “the research is so strong, we can’t look away”. She refers to her personal experience with over 1,500 students where she has seen a difference in concentration, sleep habits and even an increase in anxiety. Students are now starting to ask for help with this issue. As a member of the SHS wellness committee that implemented the start of the phone caddy systems last year, she has received reports from teachers that the program has given them back their classrooms. Rosensweig says phone caddies “make a difference but not enough”. She adds that it is not realistic to eliminate smartphones altogether; however each student needs seven hours a day without pings and buzzes calling out to them.
As each of the student and teacher panelists were asked questions by Drew Patrick on their personal smartphone use, it was very clear from their answers that nobody thinks it’s a good idea to have smartphone access during the school day. One student commented that a “phone cleanse makes my day better. I can think better and just do more”. Another said that “without the phone it felt mentally refreshing. I can enjoy my classes, clear my mind during the day and have great conversations at lunch with my friends”. One student admitted that she “goes straight on it after class in the hallway and is on it the whole walk to my next class. I don’t even look up”. Rosensweig inserted that in her research she found that students “need down time between classes to absorb the information just taught and if they look at a screen that information is immediately lost”.
At one point a student exclaimed that smartphone use “is an addiction. I get a craving to be on it”. Having phones in the phone caddies this past year and a half, teachers have seen some real progress. In fact, one teacher commented that there has been “an enormous reduction in bathroom trips and they are far quicker”. Rosensweig also cautions us to be wary of “hyperbolic language for the threat of an emergency when students feel obliged to answer texts from parents.” She added that ipads and laptops also have social media messaging. A math teacher commented that in her class, she doesn’t really need technology except to submit scanned homework which takes all of 60 seconds. However, she does notice that when she returns tests at the end of class there is a mad student dash to retrieve their phones. She informs her students they don’t need to use their phones to calculate their grade percentages! There was definitely a chuckle or two from the audience here. But her story relates to Rosensweig’s comment that this is “not a children’s problem to solve”. Recognizing this, the district's Technology Department has been working very hard to figure out a balance between the technology smartphone use in the school and also how teachers use technology in the classroom.
The last question directed to the members of the panel was, “If you could change something why and what would you do?” Overwhelmingly the panel asked for a “more unified effort to keep phones off and away”. Rosensweig’s last words were of gratitude to be at this event and though she would like to see more progress, she believes we have come a long way already. She is glad that the community is talking more honestly about this and reiterated that kids deserve a more communicative and cooperative learning experience.
Drew Patrick closed the evening discussion with information on the Bell to Bell without phones program implemented in the Bethlehem Central School District. In this school district phones brought to school go in Yondr pouches and are sealed up as they enter school. The pouches demagnetize the phones in the sealed pouch. As the students leave for the day they unlock the pouch at exit stations to retrieve their phones from the pouches.
The Yondr pouches caused a change in social student connectedness. Drew Patrick sees the smartphone policy as a partnership between the schools and parents. “We can’t do this alone” he stated. “There is not a big solution” at the moment but he is hopeful for “a discussion for future dialog.”
Last, he directed parents who would like help with conversations with their children about smartphone use to the Scarsdale Family Forum pages. The Scarsdale Family Forum was designed and supported by the district’s Technology Department to help parents, teachers and administrators to start discussions on challenging issues.
Scarsdale Family Counseling Service Seeks Board Members
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Are you interested in joining the Board of a non-profit organization right here in Scarsdale? Are you passionate about supporting families and individuals in our community? The Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service (SFCS) is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated individuals from the Scarsdale/Edgemont community to join our Board of Trustees.
As a Board member, you'll play a vital role in guiding and shaping our organization's mission to be a hub for family growth and learning.
What is SFCS? Scarsdale Edgemont Family Counseling Service is a voluntary, not-for-profit family counseling agency. With over a century of service to the Scarsdale community, SFCS has been a cornerstone, offering counseling services, social programs, and crucial initiatives like our Scarsdale Action for Youth (SAY). In addition to counseling services, the Agency provides social service programs for Scarsdale residents across the life cycle from social skills groups for young children to leadership training programs and adventure trips for teens, to facilitated monthly discussion groups for parents with kids in 5th-12th grades, to aging in place services for older residents.
Why Join Us?
• Make an Impact: Your involvement directly contributes to supporting families at every stage of life.
• Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to the betterment of Scarsdale and beyond.
• Personal Growth: Gain valuable experience and insights in nonprofit governance and community leadership.
Who Are We Looking For?
We welcome Scarsdale residents with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to our mission.
How to Apply: Interested in becoming a part of our Board of Trustees? Apply by February 1, 2025 by sending a short email with the following information to SFCSNominatingCommittee@yahoo.com
1. Volunteer/Professional Background
2. Community Experience in Scarsdale/Edgemont
3. Experience with SFCS
Join us in creating positive change in our community! Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Scarsdale families and individuals.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
The SFCS Nominating Committee
Off To College: SHS Signing Day 2024
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- Written by Sharon Higgins
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Anika Kumar - Rowing, Columbia UniversityProud friends, parents, teachers, coaches and fans turned up to see nine SHS seniors sign agreements to become collegiate student athletes on Wednesday November 13 at SHS. Scarsdale High School Athletic Director Cindy Parrot and Assistant Athletic Director Jeff Weiger, presided over the ceremony honoring the college recruits.
In addition to the Signing Day festivities, the Athletic Department celebrated fall sports champions from the Swimming and Diving, Girls Cross Country and Boys Soccer teams. Iris Wang, a junior who won the Section 1 Diving Championships was called up to be honored and received a SHS cap. As the ceremony was taking place, simultaneously, Wang’s teammates were competing in the Girls Swimming and Diving Team Section Tournament. Parrot announced that an additional seven swimmers have qualified and will be joining Wang at the state championships in Rochester next weekend.
Also honored were the Girls Cross Country and the Boys Soccer teams. Both won their section and are heading to the state championship next weekend. Coach Modafferi commented that “This is only the third time in school history that either the boys or girls (cross country team) has qualified”. (1980, 1981 and this year, 2024) The Boys Soccer team also won the regional championships. This will be their third year in a row that they will compete at states.
Mia Charles - Rowing, George Washington UniversityBefore Athletic Director Cindy Parrot presented the Signing Day athletes, she commented on the significance of today’s event. She explained that this year’s signing day was different from the past 60 years. Last month, the NCAA did away with the National Letter of Intent which was replaced with the student athlete financial agreements that, the recruits signed at the SHS ceremony. The NCAA is still in the process of revamping college recruiting and the student athlete commitment so Parrot declared that today’s event should be considered “a celebration of the commitment to a college that has been made by these student athletes.”She also noted that “Just under 7% of all high school athletes take their talents to compete at the college level” She wished them “the best of luck as you continue to pursue your dreams. Go make Raider Nation proud!.”
Below is a list of the nine Scarsdale High School student athletes honored at the Fall 2024 Signing Day.
Mia Charles has committed to row at Division 1 The George Washington University.
Leo Khang has committed to play soccer at Division 1 Marist College
Anika Kumar has committed to row at Division 1 Columbia University
Jake Sussberg has committed to play basketball at Division 1 Princeton University
Anders Burrows has committed to play lacrosse at Division 3 Oberlin College
Daniel Hoey has committed to play Basketball at Division 3 St. Lawrence University
Tommy Iasiello has committed to both Wrestling and Lacrosse at Division 3 Roger Williams University
Miles Newman has committed to play soccer at Division 3 Washington University in St. Louis.
Jackson Starr has committed to play lacrosse at Division 3 Ohio Wesleyan
Leo Khang - Soccer, Marist College
Jake Sussberg - Basketball, Princeton University
Anders Burrows - Lacrosse, Oberlin College
Daniel Hoey - Basketball, St. Lawrence University
Tommy Iasiello - Wrestling and Lacrosse, Roger Williams University
Miles Newman - Soccer, Washington University in St. Louis
Jackson Starr - Lacrosse, Ohio Wesleyan University 
Diving Section 1 Champion - Junior Iris Wang
Boys Soccer Sectional and Regional Champions:
Senior Logan Lim, Senior Caden Zemachson, Senior Chase Halpern, Junior Nicholas Faraco, Senior Matias Garcia, Senior and Captain Zachary Grossberg, Senior Matan Davies, Sophomore William McAllister, Senior and Captain Lorenzo Galeano, Senior Daniel Cisneros Lacruz, Senior Ishaan Joshi, Sophomore Roan Forray, Senior and Captain Lev Stahl, Sophomore Mark Dyner, Junior Neil Sriram, Senior Milo Sheth, senior Fabian Kulle, Junior Connor Meschewski, Senior and Captain Leo Khang, Junior Peter Lin, Senior Shady Saleh, Sophomore Ethan Grossberg, senior Marc Hajjar, Freshman Ezra Stahl, sophomore Nicolas Toosi, Junior PJ Rosenthal, Senior Felipe Chaladovsky, Senior Vincente Vernaza Escobar, Senior and Manager Sophie Kushnick, Senior and Manager Arielle Pitchon, Head Coach Marcos Monteagudo, Assistant Coach Luis Gonzales, Assistant Coach Carlos Vazquez, Assistant Coach Tim Leddy, Assistant Coach Pete Squitieri
Girls Cross Country Team
Girls Cross Country Team - Sectional Champions: Freshman Adriana Pettinelli, Junior Rachel Rakower, Senior Zoe Dichter, Senior Lilly Streicher, Junior Cami Culang, Sophomore Morgan Greco, Freshman Dalia Latzman, Senior Julie Scheffler Coaches Vinny Modafferi, Doug Rose, Michelle Britto, Lesleigh Hogg, Carlos Bedoya
