2014 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program

2014 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program

November 18, 2014 25 Cheshvan 5775

From early childhood through Grade 12, Scheck Hillel Community School inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, international community. Scheck Hillel is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.

The Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program is the �irst merit-based scholarship of its kind at Scheck Hillel Community School. Created in 2009, the program recognizes students in Grades 6-12 who demonstrate their commitment to learning in extraordinary ways. These students are school ambassadors to the extended community because they bring to life the school’s mission through accomplishment and talent...whether in the classroom, on the �ield, on stage or through a community project.

Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors are outstanding students who display leadership and achievements in academics, extracurricular activities or service learning. They represent the school’s core values, striving to reach their maximum potential as global citizens with strong Jewish identity, and stand tall among our next generation of committed, knowledgeable leaders. As such, they are highlighted as ambassadors of Scheck Hillel throughout the school year.

The vision of the Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program is to honor students who show exceptional commitment to education and Scheck Hillel Community School, encouraging the lifelong learning and leadership that Jewish continuity requires.

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“Our vision is for these students to demonstrate values and leadership as Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors always, at school, after they graduate and when they find success around the world.�

-Jaime Gilinski, 2009

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Dylan Heller Grade 6

Dylan Heller is Scheck Hillel’s youngest Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador this year, but she already has accomplished quite a lot during her 10 years here. Dylan is committed to making a difference in our community and around the world. Last year, she directed and anchored the “Scheck Hillel Morning News” and served as a volunteer safety patrol. When she’s not in school or studying, you can find Dylan in the ballet studio, perfecting her plies and arabesques.

In Dylan’s own words…

Thank you to the Gilinski family for your generosity, and for this very special honor. When I applied to become a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador as a fifth grader last year, it was my first time ever having to prepare a resume or participate in an interview process - let alone one with so many adults! The application process was a learning experience, and I have only continued growing through the program. I know these lessons will benefit me long into the future. I have already learned so much from everyone and am so excited to play a role in helping make my school the best it can be!

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Daniela Abbo Grade 7

Daniela Abbo truly embraces what it means to be a global citizen.

She is dedicated to serving our own local community, while launching international efforts beyond home. Last year, along with friends, Daniela created a Scheck Hillel student club to fundraise for the Miami chapter of Innovation Africa. Â The group produced and sold homemade duct tape wallets and, with the profits, purchased Israeli-based technology to donate to schools in Africa. This summer, Daniela spent most of her time visiting homes for the elderly as a Singing for Smiles volunteer. In addition to her commitment to service, Daniela enjoys playing tennis, running triathlons and dancing rikudim. She loves English class and hopes to one day become an artist or a writer.

In Daniela’s own words‌ Thank you for such an amazing opportunity. This incredible award has given me the chance to act as a role model, interact with fellow Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors and take on other leadership roles. Thank you for making a program that recognizes students who demonstrate commitment to education, self-confidence, creativity and passion.

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Raquel DiMitri Grade 8

Raquel DiMitri’s talents and interests completely span the multifaceted Scheck Hillel experience. She is a dedicated athlete who you can find on the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, a musician who plays trumpet in the school band and a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. When she’s not practicing her jump shot or new tunes, this lover of cooking and baking heads to the kitchen to whip up gourmet treats. She also is an avid reader and dedicates time to helping members of the community. Currently, Raquel is producing a video for the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center.

In Raquel’s own words…

I would like to thank the Gilinski family for the amazing opportunity that I have been given. I feel blessed to have this amazing group of people with me this year. Not only have I received a generous scholarship, but I was also given the amazing opportunity to learn and be involved in school leadership.

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Justin Moskovitz Grade 10

Justin Rok Moskovitz is a leader in the classroom, on sports teams and in our community. Throughout his 12 years at Scheck Hillel, he has enjoyed a range of co-curricular programs. Last year, he demonstrated strong leadership when he was elected by his peers as Grade 9’s Vice President. Justin also founded the Tikkun Olam Club, which empowers members to complete mitzvah projects together, such as a rubber bracelet sale to raise money for the JCS Kosher Food Bank and a candy sale to help fundraise for the Grade 9 Israel Trip. Justin’s favorite school subject is history because he loves researching and studying earlier times. In fact, he believes that in order to create a better future, it’s imperative to learn about the past.

In Justin’s own words…

Thank you so much to the Gilinski family for creating this opportunity and for allowing me to take on more leadership roles at school. Your family’s generosity is an example and an inspiration to me, and I am so proud to be a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador.

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Steven Bursztyn Grade 11

Steven Bursztyn is an activist and musician who strives to make a difference in his community. His love for music started when he was only eight years old, and he continues to spend his free time practicing piano. Steven is involved in different clubs including HIPAC (Hillel Israel Public Affairs Club), Hillel National Honor Society, We Can Cure and Make a Wish. Additionally, Steven is part of Un Techo Para Mi Pais, a foundation that builds houses for underprivileged families in Colombia. Steven enjoys his science and math classes, and plans to find success in engineering or business.

In Steven’s own words…

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Gilinski, for creating this Ambassador program. It gives me more opportunities to be involved in the school and the community as a whole. Thank you for creating this program and for recognizing our hard efforts, both in and out of school.

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Fortunee Cohen Grade 11

Fortunee Cohen is passionate about community service and her involvement in co-curricular activities. She is a member of National Honor Society, has participated in two school musical productions, and is active in the Lions Spirit Club and HIPAC (Hillel Israel Public Affairs Club). Fortunee plays on Scheck Hillel’s varsity tennis team and manages the girls’ varsity basketball team. She also volunteers with the Friendship Circle, helping children with autism, and Best Buddies, which pairs her up as a pen pal with a student who has an IDD (Intellectual and/or Developmental Disorder). Fortunee’s dedication to service is global. Every week, she Skypes in to teach Hebrew and Judaic Studies to Congregacion Israelita de Nicaragua.

Fortunee enjoys her math, science and art classes, and she hopes to study architecture and interior design.

In Fortunee’s own words…

Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Gilinski, for helping me to make a difference in my school. You motivate us to never be afraid to achieve our dreams and show us that nothing is impossible or too hard to conquer. It is an honor to have a family like you in our community who inspires a young group of leaders to take action.

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Daniel Fiske Grade 11

Daniel Fiske never hesitates to work hard to accomplish his goals.

Always dedicated to his community, Daniel spearheaded Teens for Jeans, a project that collected 1,660 pairs of jeans for homeless teenagers in South Florida. He is also a proud Zionist and a member of HIPAC (Hillel Israel Public Affairs Club) at school, where he advocates on behalf of Israel and pro-Israel foreign policy. A member of Scheck Hillel’s football, basketball and volleyball teams, Daniel defines what it means to be a devoted team player and leader. His favorite subject in school is history and, in the future, Daniel wants to work in real estate and run his own hotel.

In Daniel’s own words…

Thank you so much, Mr. and Mrs. Gilinski, for this opportunity. I worked very hard to earn this prestigious award, which I take much pride in. This program exemplifies what it means to be a leader and teaches other students to be the best they can be. I am proud to call myself a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador and want to give a warm thank you for this.

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Jonathan Allen Grade 12

Jonathan Allen is committed to further developing his leadership skills, so that he may extend them to all that he does. He serves as Senior Class president, founder/president of the App Club and co-captain of the varsity cross-country team. He is a member of HIPAC (Hillel Israel Public Affairs Club), Entrepreneur Club and the varsity soccer team. Earlier this year, Jonathan won first place in a Congressional STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) competition and was recognized by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz for his amazing work creating a Scheck Hillel iPhone app with a schoolmate. He is leaving his mark at Scheck Hillel by adding elements to enhance the school’s existing app. Jonathan plans to expand his love for STEM by majoring in computer science before seeking an MBA, with the hopes of someday opening his own company.

In Jonathan’s own words…

I would like to thank the Gilinski family for creating this amazing program, which gives students a platform to excel as leaders in our community. This is a program that not only helps us develop our leadership skills, but to also put them into action.

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Salomon Serfati Grade 12

Salomon Serfati is a scholar and athlete who is passionate about making a difference. His impressive service record covers several years and takes place on and off school campus. Salo’s passion for the community can be seen through his work as president of JSTAR (Jewish Students Taking an Active Role), which has raised more than $3,500 for Chai Lifeline, nearly $1,000 for the Kosher Food Bank and has contributed to many other community events. He is a star on the soccer field and proudly led the varsity team to the state final competition last year as team co-captain. Salo has also been an active member of Student Government for four years and is currently the Executive Board president.

In Salo’s own words…

I want to thank the Gilinski family for the amazing opportunity they have given me. As a senior, the Gilinski Hillel Ambassador program really allows me to leave my last mark on this school with a group of talented, ambitious peers.

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Sharon Stambouli Grade 12

Sharon Stambouli embodies what it means to be an active community leader. Always looking for ways to learn about other cultures, build character and develop leadership skills, she has immersed herself in diverse organizations and groups such as One Blood, FIDF (Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces), Community Closet and Hebraica Madrichim. Sharon is a member of the Senior Board and is a star volleyball and soccer player. Since moving from Venezuela and joining the Scheck Hillel community in Grade 8, Sharon has been committed to immersing herself in schoolwork and fostering relationships with classmates and teachers.

In Sharon’s own words‌ I want to thank the Gilinski family for giving me the incredibly rewarding opportunity to give back to my community and grow as a leader inside and outside the classroom. It is a great honor for me to be able to call myself an Ambassador. It shows me that my hard work as an activist in many different subjects and activities has, and will continue to, pay off.

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Where are they now...

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Colleges of Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Alumni (2009-2013) Arielle Ben-Ezra

Interdisciplinary Center-Herzliya

Benjamin Rose

Interdisciplinary Center- Herzliya

Yonathan Bonan

Florida International University

Esther Schoonover

University of Florida University of Pennsylvania University of Miami

Isaac Epstein

University of Florida

Alexandra Dreyfuss

University of Pennsylvania

Jacob Teichner

Vanderbilt University

Myles Wolfe

University of Pennsylvania

Eugenia Bejar

University of Pennsylvania

Judah Makover

Boris Treskunov

Jade Wollschlaeger

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University of Maryland

Ari Gontovnik

University of Pennsylvania

Chelsea Sheridan

University of Wisconsin

Brandon Berman

Cornell University

David Broide

University of Florida

Janna Berenson

Boston University

Galit Cohen

University of Central Florida

Ari Gontovnik

University of Pennsylvania

Ariel Sadon

Yeshiva University

David Woldenberg

University of Michigan

Shoshana Wolf

University of Maryland

Thank You

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Dear Gilinski Family,

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to you for creating the Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador program. I remember how honored I felt to have been selected to represent our school in such a positive light. At Scheck Hillel, I always felt at home, surrounded by hundreds of students and teachers who truly felt and acted as one family. It was a blessing to be able to give back to the Hillel family. Looking back, I realize the profound effect that Hillel, as well as your program, had on my life.

As I recently graduated from college, I had many thoughts lingering regarding my future. What career path would I like to take? What is it that I want most out of life? After much thought, it was clear to me that I wanted to continue to pursue the morals that were deeply instilled in me at Hillel, as well as through your program; I wanted to give back to others. I wanted to make people smile.

I am currently working with a non-profit organization that provides hair replacement for women and grants wishes to children who are battling cancer. I am thankful, and humbled, that I get to wake up each day and am given the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. I had the choice to pursue other careers, yet I felt compelled to dedicate this time of my life to helping others. I believe that a part of my decision was a result of the impact your program had on me. As a family, you felt it was important to give back and to create a positive environment at Hillel. You chose to create this program because you felt it was for a greater good. That mentality has deeply resonated with me. Please know that all your efforts do not go unnoticed.

I hope that the Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program continues to grow and impact even more students and faculty than it already has. As I said prior, it was an honor to be selected during my high school days. Thank you for creating this wonderful program at Hillel.

Sincerely,

Esther Schoonover Hillel Class of 2010 University of Florida Class of 2014 2009 Gilinski Hillel Ambassador 17

Dear Gilinski Family,

I would like to thank you for sponsoring such an incredible and vital program for the Scheck Hillel community. Being selected as a Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador was one of my greatest accomplishments during my time at Hillel, and is something that has continued to motivate and inspire me to this day.

Becoming a Gilinski Hillel Ambassador allowed me to grow as a Jew, and as a member of the community. As an Ambassador, I was involved in planning numerous events and acted as a liaison to the Jewish community. Now that I am in college, I realize just how important, and valuable, those opportunities were. In college, I meet Jews from across the country who have very little knowledge about their culture or religion. Thanks to the leadership skills that I learned as an Ambassador and the Jewish education that I received at Hillel, I have been able to influence, and teach, many of these students and have continued to partake in Jewish learning and community outreach. In addition, I have taken many of the skills I gained and have applied them to the work I do on campus, such as with the Israel Advocacy Group.

Now that I am a graduate of Hillel and a college student, I am more appreciative than ever for the opportunity that you gave me. The Gilinski Hillel Ambassador program allowed me to become a more educated Jew with enhanced leadership skills, which have enabled me to assist other students while in college. Once again, I would like to thank you for giving the Hillel community such an incredible gift.

Sincerely,

Ari Gontovnik Hillel Class of 2013 University of Pennsylvania Class of 2017 2010 Gilinski Hillel Ambassador

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With great appreciation for the generosity and vision of the

Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Family

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Juda and Maria Diener Lower School Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School Ben Lipson Upper School

From early childhood through Grade 12, Scheck Hillel Community School inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, international community. Scheck Hillel is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.

19000 NE 25th Avenue North Miami Beach, FL 33180 eHillel.org