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JUNE 18, 2020 | The Jewish Home
Around the Community
Yeshiva Har Torah Celebrates Graduation Under The Stars
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n a beautiful June evening under a painted pastel sky, Yeshiva Har Torah -- a Pre-K through Grade 8 Jewish day school that draws its 730+ students from around Queens and Nassau County – celebrated a socially distanced drivein graduation. Graduates and their parents filed into Adventureland’s parking lot before dusk for an unforgettable night of fun and celebration. Students were
greeted with gift bags that included, among other things, a Class of 2020 mask, souvenirs, and snacks for the program. Cars made their way down a boulevard lined with teachers waving and greeting students. Once in the parking lot, students were asked to remain in cars for the program, which was a mix of pre-recorded videos and live speakers, all projected on a huge screen and broadcast to attendees’ car radios. The program was
also live-streamed online for grandparents and family members. Rabbi Menchel, the Head of School, spoke about the eighth graders’ resilient character and their ability to keep perspective. “Your foundation is, baruch Hashem, solid, and you are prepared to leave Yeshiva Har Torah with confidence and pride, ready to make this world a better place, with resiliency that only became stronger during this unprec-
edented time.” Ms. Pesha Kletenik, principal, singled out the graduation committee for their hard work and innovative thinking in planning the event. “The committee not only had to invent a new graduation format to comply with current distancing guidance, but also had to change directions quickly and repeatedly as those guidelines shifted.”
Shamayim. Each graduate was then briefly spoken about by the faculty member of her choice. Then, in the moment the graduates had been anticipating, the girls stood and flipped their tassels. While a montage played on the screen, faculty members went to a second parking lot, where a runway would allow girls to walk through, passing teachers who were holding decorated signs. It ended with a (masked) picture with administrators. Though not a typical graduation, graduates all returned to thank faculty and administration for this incredible personal experience. In a time where social distancing is necessary and mandatory, Shulamith High School found a way – as usual – to make every student feel special.
Shulamith High School is grateful to Mrs. Ricky Gaerman, Ms. Esty Munk, Mrs. Sara Munk, Logistics and Program Coordinator Ms. Nikki Feerst, Building Operation Manager Ms. Millie Gittleman and her team, Office Administrator Mrs. Ally Mishkoff, and the dedicated faculty, for the incredible planning, creativity, and execution of this unforgettable graduation. SHS is also grateful to the esteemed Board of Directors and to Executive Director Ms. Malka Fishman for their consistent support. Congratulations to the Shulamith High School Class of 2020/5780! We look forward to seeing their success in the coming years as they continue on to seminary, college, and in all their future endeavors. Mazal tov!
Drive in Graduation at SHS
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olda Meir once noted that the greatest challenge to leaders and educators is to bring idealism into the picture, despite the cloud that hangs over humanity. As quarantine was extended week after week, it became clear that the 2020 graduation would be tricky to plan. Following CDC guidelines while still bringing simcha and Meir’s “idealism” would definitely be challenging. Dean of Students Mrs. Ricky Gaerman and Director of Student Activities Ms. Esty Munk rose to the occasion by planning an incredible, momentous graduation ceremony. Faculty and families came together – six feet apart – to share in this special and unique moment. Parents and faculty pre-registered their cars and were directed to parking spaces in the Shulamith parking lot. They were given a snack bucket, movie theatre style, and told to tune into a particular FM radio station that would offer the sound to the pre-recorded graduation video. Graduates sat in front, equipped with SHS “Class of 2020” masks. A drivein movie screen, 45 feet tall, projected the video, beginning with a welcome from president of the board, Mr. Ari Cohen. Principal Mrs. Sara Munk, who opened up the graduation cere-
mony, noted that the world will never forget this time, when schools closed their doors and the world shut down. However, the SHS class of 2020 “rose up and helped create an experience in our school that we will all remember.” By modeling displays of humility, positivity, and perseverance, the seniors set the tone for SHS students during quarantine. The first graduate speaker, honored Valedictorian Aliza Weizberg, spoke eloquently about the importance of overcoming failure. “We learn something every step of the way,” she stated, discussing the journey in this week’s parsha as well as the journey of the graduating class. Salutatorian Tzivie Scharf followed, discussing the importance of grit and how SHS students are uniquely prepared to think outside the box during these unique and historical times. Both were humble in their gratitude to the school, faculty, administration, family, and their fellow classmates. Following these speeches, the Keter Shem Tov honoree was announced. Students and families did not know who the awardee was, but it was no surprise to anyone that Adina Lazar was elected by faculty and peers. A montage with a voice over explained Adina’s exemplary middot, refinement, and Yirat