Musketeer Monday: Nadiah Louis-Charles

Q: What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
A: My favorite subject in school is math because all of my math teachers have been so kind. For example, Ms. Cicero and Ms. Connor have always been kind to me, and you can tell that they truly care about their students. Furthermore, I love the environment of my math class. There is never a dull moment—someone is always making a funny joke. Even with all the laughter, we are still able to learn effectively.

Q: Are you involved in any school activities or clubs? If so, which ones? Please list them all.
A: Yes, I am involved in the Varsity Tennis team, Central Islip Sweet Adelines, STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Club, French Club, National Honor Society, PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Club, History Club, and the Junior Class.

Q: Have you ever taken on a leadership role at school (e.g., Safety Patrol, Student Council)? Please describe your experience.
A: Yes, I am the current president of the FBLA Club, the secretary of the Junior Class, and I was the secretary of Drama Club during the 2023–2024 school year.

Q: Have you received any awards, honors, or special recognition? Tell us about them.
A: I have received the Central Islip Teachers Association Standard Scholar Award since eighth grade. I also received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence in eighth grade, the Perfect Attendance Award in May 2025, and I have been a National Honor Society member since April 2025. Additionally, I have received High Honor Roll since seventh grade.

Q: Do you participate in any activities outside of school, such as community theater or sports? Please explain.
A: Outside of school, I am a youth board member of the Youth Enrichment Services Executive Board, and I previously attended the Science Technology Entry Program at Suffolk County Community College. I also participate in a lot of community service. For example, I take part in Central Islip Connects for Change food drives and beautification projects, make kindness bags and bookmarks at the library, and this past summer I participated in Senator Monica’s Back-to-School Giveaway event.

Q: Have you ever performed in a play or musical? If yes, what role did you play, and what was the experience like?
A: In middle school, I performed in many plays and musicals, including Seussical the Musical, where I played Gertrude McFuzz; In the Heights, where I played Carla; and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, where I played an elf. In high school, I was a singing villager in Beauty and the Beast and played a villager in Our Town. These roles and experiences taught me discipline and responsibility and helped me discover my love for music. Specifically, my experience in Beauty and the Beast inspired me to audition for choir. I loved hearing the voices of my castmates on stage, seeing their bright smiles, and wishing to sing in front of a crowd like that one day.

Q: Who are your biggest role models in school? Who are your biggest role models outside of school?
A: My biggest role models in school are Mrs. Velazquez and Dr. Griffin. Mrs. Velazquez is one of the funniest teachers I have ever had, so being in her classroom is always a highlight of my day. I aspire to bring that same joy to others when I am older. Dr. Griffin has taught me so much about writing, English, and life in general. Being part of the musicals he directs has taught me crucial life lessons, including dedication, discipline, and responsibility. When I am older, I want to be the person who teaches those same important lessons.

Q: What qualities do you believe make someone a good leader or role model in school?
A: To be a strong leader and role model in school, you must be organized, responsible, considerate, and firm. Leadership comes with many responsibilities and a lot of pressure, so you have to be ready to face difficulties and the hard work that awaits you.

Q: How do you contribute to creating a positive environment at your school?
A: I contribute to creating a positive environment at my school by making my peers laugh. Whenever I get the chance to make one of my friends or classmates laugh, I take it. Making someone laugh even once can completely turn their day around.

Q: Please list a teacher or staff member that has made a positive impact on you and explain why.
A: Two teachers who have made a positive impact on me are Mrs. Mitchell (previously Ms. Molina) and Mrs. Bisceglia (previously Ms. Sorto). They are the sophomore club advisors, and last year, as a sophomore, they taught me that it is possible to create meaningful relationships with students while still maintaining professionalism. They were always joining in on our jokes, consistently looking out for our best interests, and although I do not see them as often anymore, their positive impact on me will last forever.

Q: What is your favorite part about your school?
A: My favorite part about my school is the genuine friendships I have created. Some of the people I have met at school are the people I am closest to. They are the ones I can talk to about anything without feeling judged. Another favorite part of my school is the extracurricular activities. After a long, tiring school day, being able to have fun with friends through a club or sport is vital for me. It is one of the few times I get to socialize without the burden of schoolwork.

Q: What are some activities you do in your spare time outside of school?
A: In my spare time outside of school, I enjoy making bracelets, playing card and board games with friends, going to the library, baking, singing, and playing Roblox.

Q: What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now, and why?
A: One of my favorite TV shows right now is All American because I have been watching it since middle school, and it never fails to amaze me, even after multiple rewatches. One of my favorite movies is White Chicks because it is the funniest movie I have ever seen. Every moment makes me laugh, even something as small as a dog.

Q: How would your friends describe you?
A: My friends would describe me as dependable and very smart. They say I am extremely fair and generous. Some even say my laugh is diabolical, but that is just part of my charm. They also think I am incredibly funny.

Q: What does being a good classmate or friend mean to you?
A: To me, being a good friend means helping your friends with anything they need. When my friends ask for help with homework, I am always willing to help. When they ask for a snack, I always share. Whenever they need something, it becomes my priority. Every friendship should be balanced, with both people giving as much as they receive.