BHS senior, Madeline Tolchinsky, has lived in Bethpage her whole life but hasn’t got the full recognition she’s deserved. In this student spotlight, we take a deeper look into her drive, confidence, and passion for the things she does, many try to find in themselves. Journalist, Julia Steele, came up with multiple questions to seek more into Madeline`s everyday life and what makes her important to Bethpage High school.
TEC:“What was your favorite school year?”
Without hesitation, Madeline exclaimed that her favorite school year was freshman year. She stated, “Freshman year was very memorable for me because it was a new start and also opened up new friendships.” 9th grade stood out as a year of new experiences, adjustments, and new excitement for her. She didn’t fear being new, she wanted to explore the different opportunities and memories that BHS holds.
TEC:“What do you do for fun?”
Outside of school, Madeline’s life is filled with fun and productivity. She highlighted, “I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going to new places. As well as shopping.” For Madeline, simple memories and times with friends and family is what matters most to her. She values the fun life offers, rather than the negatives life might throw at her.
TEC:“Do you do any outside of school activities?”
After school on the normal, Madeline would spend her time getting ready with the BHS cheer team for nationals. Now that the season is over Madeline said, “I still try to keep up with my tumbling because that was one of the best parts of cheer for me.” Her dedication to keeping up with her athletic abilities truly shows the love she held and still does for said sport. She also tries to keep up with her schoolwork alongside of her dedication to cheer after school hours.
TEC:“What is your favorite class you have taken this year?”
Out of all 7 classes Madeline takes she stated her favorite class today is forensics. Madeline explained, “Forensics is unlike any class I’ve ever taken and it’s very fascinating.” She highly enjoys learning about investigations and how to solve crimes, possibly making it her further career!
TEC:“What is your top goal for the future?”
Madeline has had many goals and has achieved just as many. For her future she emphasized, “I want to graduate with a bachelors degree and live in NYC on my own independently.” Her drive to accomplish these goals shows so bright through everything she does academically and in her everyday life.
TEC:“What is your favorite item you own?”
Madeline has many items she owns but one thing that stands out most to her is her phone. She claimed, “My phone is my favorite item because that’s where I spend all my free time and keep up with friends.” She utilizes her privilege to have a phone not just to use it for no reason but to keep up with far away friends and family, and stay connected to the rest of the world. Sometimes at night she will watch some videos when she decides it’s time to relax as well.
TEC:“Who is your favorite teacher?”
Through 12 grades many teachers have impacted Madeline, but one who did most is Mrs. Zabell. Madeline noted, “I had her in 8th and 10th grade and she wrote my letter of recommendation.” She further stated, “She had made such a difference in the classroom and made it extremely easy to show up and do my work.” Teachers like that at BHS stand out the most to Madeline and there isn’t anything more she appreciates.
TEC:“What was the hardest subject you have taken?”
Madeline has taken many classes throughout her life and one class in particular challenged her the most. Madeline claimed, “Algebra 2 was definitely the hardest class I have taken in my 17 years of living.” Junior year Madeline found Algebra 2 the most challenging but didn’t let it stop her from passing the NYS regents! She further quoted, “I appreciated the challenges that class threw at me because it actually made me work deeper into what I actually was capable of.”
TEC: “What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?”
17 years of living, Madeline has had many accomplishments and proud moments in her life. She commented, “She was 2025-2026 Bethpage Varsity Cheer captain and got All Conference for gameday and All county for tradition.” Many friends and family are proud of Madeline in every accomplishment she makes. BHS is extremely impressed with the work she puts forth.
TEC:“If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?”
Knowing Madelines passion for visiting new places, I wanted my final question to be surrounding what she loves most. She explained, “If I could visit anywhere it would definitely be all of Europe.”
