Third Trimester Senior Electives Showcase Creativity and Critical Thinking

This past spring, Alumnus Mentor Giancarlo Milea '11 offered a senior elective titled, The Unbreakable New York. Using a popular Neflix show as a baseline for topics, the course engaged students in discussion on the New York in which they live, and fostered a more acute awareness of their citizenship.

"There seems to be a disconnect between the 'work' that students do in school and the recreational things that they might do in their free time," reflected Milea. "I think it's problematic to only turn a critical eye towards something just because it’s a mainstay on a high school curriculum. Part of the goal was to remind students that they should be analyzing issues beyond those presented within the classroom, and that includes taking time to examine a favorite series on Netflix."
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Students enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Nutrition senior elective welcomed Chef Nick Anderer '95 to the kitchen to share his advice and expertise with the class. Chef Anderer talked to the seniors about the many experiences that have shaped his culinary passion—ranging from his mom’s cooking to a stint in Rome during his junior year of college. He also guided the seniors through the process of making raviolis from scratch.

For the students, the lesson resonated beyond the kitchen. "He reminded us to pay attention to the little things, both while cooking and also in life," said Carlos Ventura '16. "The things that may seem insignificant can actually ruin a dish. Likewise, taking care of and appreciating all the small details in everyday life may prove to be beneficial in a number of ways."
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Intro to 3D Modeling and Animation is one of the latest additions to the menu of electives for seniors. The course gives Regians a hands-on opportunity to explore the rapidly growing field of 3D production and design. The course, which was taught by Mr. Joshua Travatello, joins technical design with creative expression.

"I feel it's important for all students to study artistic expression, but it's especially important at Regis," said Travatello. "Whether digital art or traditional studio art, creativity fosters your imagination, and it's something you hold onto, something that is transferable to any field. Whether a student goes on to become a lawyer, a doctor, or an artist, it's their creativity that is going to inspire them to find the next great cure, or write the next great American novel."
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