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Cindy Bilderback
GaBBy Blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press fter 19 years of dedicated service to the children and families of the JCC, beloved lead teacher, Cindy Bilderback, is retiring. Cindy was honored by the staff, children and families of the CDC at the May 11 Family Shabbat service. Jeanine Huntoon, Director of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center over the past 6 years, has enjoyed working with Cindy. “From my first day on the job, Cindy has been a model employee. She is reliable, has an outstanding work ethic and has proven invaluable in the classroom. She Cindy Bilderback does her job well because she loves what she does and has often been requested by parents who have either had older children in her class or by word of mouth. Cindy has a grandmotherly countenance that the children really respond to; a perfect combination of love and firmness. She has been nicknamed the “Nap Queen,” for her ability to coax even the most reluctant three-year old to sleep easily. The children, parents and staff love her and she will surely be missed by all.” Longtime colleague Barb Giller is sad to see Cindy go, but is happy that she will be able to spend more time with her grandchildren. “We have worked together for nearly 19 years, and I can say that Cindy has done every job imaginable. She is one of the sweetest people I know, and she really loves her 3’s classes. She is a doting and proud grandmother and I am glad that she will have more time to spend with her own grandchildren after her retirement this spring. Sarah Piper, who has worked at the CDC for the past year, has been impressed with how passionate Cindy is about early childhood education and is glad for the opportunity to have worked with her. “It is obvious that Cindy cares deeply about her kids; current and past. She is proud of the work she has done here and she should be; she has positively touched many lives.” “I remember meeting Cindy on my first day at the CDC ten years ago, recalls Lisa Cooper, CDC Assistant Director. “We were in the nap room, trying to get preschoolers settled down and ready to nap. This was a brand new experience for me and Cindy could tell I was apprehensive. She reassured me that it would all be ok and eventually they would all fall asleep! Cindy will be missed, but we know she won’t be a stranger!” As evident from the words of her coworkers and from the love of her students, Cindy’s retirement is bittersweet and she will be greatly missed. A big THANK YOU to Cindy Bilderback for her dedication and service to generations of children and families at the CDC!
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The Jewish Press | May 25, 2018 | 3
community
Sokolof Scholarships Continued from page 1 name a few. Brooke has volunteered her time at Project Linus, where she made over 150 blankets for Children’s Hospital. “As a member of our nationally recognized Forensics team, Brooke has become the most decorated competitor in the history of our school. The awards are less important to her, however, than the impact her performance has on others. Brooke is passionate beyond measure about social justice and uses her voice as a platform to inspire those around her,” stated one of Brooke’s teachers. Brooke’s parents are Allyson and Christopher Wilczewski. Sophie Cemaj Sophie graduated from Emory University in 2017, and has been accepted into the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, where she will join the class of 2022 seeking a degree in allopathic medicine. Sophie is a graduate of Westside High School and Emory University. After college, Sophie took a gap year to work at National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, where she joined the medicinal chemistry section. While at Emory, Sophie was a chemistry tutor, a UNMC Munroe-Meyer intern, and was selected by the National Science Foundation-sponsored summer internship in Japan, in addition to other internships and research opportunities. “Sophie’s ability to handle an overloaded course schedule, volunteer with several organizations, do an outstanding job as researcher and run both varsity track and cross country simply amazed me,” stated one recommendation. Continuing, it was stated that, “So-
phie is an amazing, well rounded individual and a future leader in the health care field.” Sophie’s parents are Shirley and Samuel Cemaj. aviva atri Schuller A graduate of Westside High School, Aviva will graduate in May 2018 from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, with a major in psychology. She plans to attend Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, a member of the class of 2022. While at UNL, Aviva was a research assistant, a summer research intern at UNMC Pharmacology and Experimental Neurosciences. She is currently the vice president of the Hillel Student Association, serves as the vice president of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board, and is a member of the Ballroom Dance Club. Aviva serves as an English-Spanish interpreter at two different medical locations, tutors, and is a nanny. She is also currently working at the Autism Center of Nebraska as a Direct Support Professional. Aviva states that she is focused on a career in women’s health and empowerment. According to one recommender, “She showed a lot of compassion toward the patients in my practice and a lot of interest in helping others in general. She has exceptional character, has performed community service, and has achieved much academically. I think she has a very bright future in medicine ahead of her.” Another person writes, “What sets her apart from others who are intelligent and can think critically is her dedication to helping others and her skill in working with people. Aviva is compassionate and dedicated to helping others.” Aviva’s parents are Adina Schuller and
Eduardo Atri. Joshua Polack Joshua is currently finishing his first year at Berklee College of Music. He is working toward a dual major in Pro Music with emphasis in music business, music production and performance, and songwriting. Joshua is pursuing songwriting and performing in bands and as a solo artist. Joshua’s activities this past school year have naturally centered around music, including as a vocalist in an a capella group, playing guitar, songwriting, and vocals in a pop-punk rock band, and playing guitar for demo recordings. Joshua wrote that “Berklee is run as if it is the music industry,” which gives him a “dry run” for his career in music. To be a part of every musical group at Berklee, students have numerous auditions before joining any musical group. In five years Joshua sees himself “writing, recording, and touring to build a fan base across the United States.” One of Joshua’s recommendation letters read, “He is, without a doubt, the most unique, intelligent, calm, talented, kind person I have ever met.” Another wrote, “His musical skills, specifically his songwriting talents, are well developed and are continually evolving. He is a nice person, easy going, he studies well and his work ethic is excellent.” Joshua’s parents are Susan and James Polack. The Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund are administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Jody Malashock chairs an otherwise anonymous committee that selected the award recipients.
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