Nikki Friedman + Yavneh Academy's Math + Judaics departments = nothing < an incredible addition for our students.  In her first year at Yavneh, this native Chicagoan is teaching our students to crunch the numbers and build their souls and identity.

"I believe that it's important for Jewish kids to know what it means to be a Jew. Judaism is so much more than eating chicken soup with a matzo ball-it's about the history of a people and the observance of Jewish laws and customs," said Mrs. Friedman.  "As an educator, I've observed that students with demanding schedules tend to learn better time-management skills and overall are more successful in their academic careers."

"The students at Yavneh really deserve all the credit. They are very conscientious and work hard to find a balance in their busy schedule," said Mrs. Friedman who enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, yoga, travelling - (especially to Israel), listening to music and learning Torah.  "It seems like most of my students are involved, whether through Yavneh or an outside establishment, in sports, school newspaper, Mock Trial, music, dance or theatre."

A Bachelors degree graduate of the University of Maryland, who received her Masters of Arts in Teaching and a certificate in Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University, Mrs. Friedman taught Algebra I and II at a public high school in Baltimore, MD.  "I've always loved math and have enjoyed helping others who struggle with the content," she said.  "As a child, my parents used to give me logic problems when we would take family trips, so I guess it began at an early age.  The best part of being at Yavneh is teaching smaller class sizes.  The students really receive a lot of one-on-one attention, especially those who take advantage of the Math Lab during their free periods. The small class setting also allows the students and teacher to develop a closer relationship.

Married to Dallas' new YACHAD Coordinator and Congregation Shaare Tefilla's Assistant Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Friedman, while the couple moved to Dallas just last summer, it's taken no time at all for them to make the community their home.  "I enjoy seeing many of our students outside of the classroom setting; at shul, basketball games, the Chanukah celebration, or even just bumping into them at the grocery store! These experiences help foster the 'family' environment at Yavneh and help create truly lasting relationships."

"Mrs. Friedman is a very sweet person and a great role model. She adds a lot to our YACHAD chapter, both in her ideas and her enthusiasm to help those living with special needs," said Evie Denemark, who, as a member of YACHAD, an inclusion organization for those living with special needs, has worked closely with both of the Friedmans. Evie traveled with Mrs. Friedman as well as classmates Justine Berman '12, Jason Epstein '14, and Rachel Rudberg '13 during the fall for a YACHAD leadership conference.   "She is always ready to help in any way she can, and Yavneh benefits from her enthusiasm and creativity."

"Mrs. Friedman is a great teacher, she really knows her stuff, and I have gone to her for help in the Math Lab.  She has some different ways of helping me understand and she is very nice and understanding," said Rachel, a YACHAD Board Member.  "Before I go to Rabbi Mike for YACHAD event ideas, I go to her and bounce ideas off of her."

"My favorite teacher was Ms. Graves for eighth grade math. She challenged her students to think critically, explained Algebra in a clear manner, and motivated me to become a math teacher as well," said Mrs. Friedman who attended Glenbrook North High School (the home of Ferris Bueller's Day Off) where she was on the swim team, she was a yearbook editor, took piano lessons, tap danced at a local studio, and was involved in the Midwest region of NCSY.  "I hope that through care and encouragement I will empower my own students to succeed academically and take ownership of their learning.  Most importantly, I hope that they enjoy coming to class." 

"Today is gone. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one," wrote Dr. Seuss, Mrs. Friedman's favorite author.  "Every day, from here to there, funny things are everywhere."  As long as Mrs. Friedman is on board, fun, learning, and connecting care are part of that everywhere!

That AJ Burk leads Yavneh's Spirit Club is most appropriate.  This bundle of spunk, spirit, and joy makes her way through the halls with smiles, a skip, and a determination to succeed in life.  Coming to Yavneh was a decision made, looking for the "atypical experience" she knew Yavneh would be.

"My cousin (Grace Rosenthal '08) loved going here and it seemed like the place to be for high school," said AJ.  "I wanted to learn more about Judaism and I wanted the freedom to grow - that's what Yavneh gives its students."

"The students at Yavneh are happy to be here and everyone has a mutual understanding that we are all Yavneh students, meaning that we are all in this unusual high school experience together," said AJ.  "No matter who it is or where they came from, a kid is always able to find, or create, their own niche at Yavneh.

"I believe Yavneh's faculty is one of its distinct qualities, setting Yavneh apart from any other high school," said AJ.  "The teachers are constantly rising above and beyond their duties within the classroom and their offering to stay late to tutor a student or making an invitation for Shabbat dinner is as common as the bell."

"The teachers at Yavneh are not only incredible teachers, but incredible people as well and students are able to form bonds with their teachers which keep them coming back to school even after they've graduated," she said.  Clearly, there's a mutual admiration society building.

"AJ is a magician - until the middle of the year I was convinced AJ was the 'ideal' student who only focuses on class work to the exclusion of other distractions," said Dr. Steven Goldfine, Science Department Chair.  "Boy was I wrong!  AJ is the rare individual whose enthusiasm, skills and dedication to hard work really allow her to shine in many arenas including class. She is just a pleasure  - besides who can complain about someone who is always smiling and upbeat."   

"AJ was first far more interested in the social aspect of high school rather than the academic," said Math Department Chair, Veronica Thomas, who first met AJ while teaching her Algebra II, during AJ's freshman year.  "We met again at the beginning of her junior year and she was a totally different person; more mature, far more interested in her classes and grades and in wanting to learn, not just about mathematics but about all of the subjects offered at Yavneh. We had a wonderful year - she studied, came to tutoring and had a very successful year.  I saw how she had matured and I knew that she was getting ready for the rigors that her senior year and college life would demand from her.  I know that she will be successful wherever she goes."

The Yavneh experience encourages kids to continually reach their highest level, and academics are no exception," said AJ.  "Yavneh students devote half of their day to learning about their heritage, that of the Jewish people not because they have to, but because they want to."
 
The daughter of Faith and Lowell, and sister to Evan, Collin, and her twin, Harlan, this Dallas native has her fingers stirring many pots.  She is a graduate of the Levine Academy, a member of Temple Emanu-El and a United Synagogue Youth member through Congregation Shearith Israel.  President of Yavneh's Spirit Club for two years, AJ introduced Yavneh to the plight of the Invisible Children, she has been an active (read: understatement) member of Hashinui's Environmental organization, the Chesed/Community Service club, and Yavneh's Lady Bulldogs Soccer Team.  Many years a competitive cheerleader, AJ has taken her zest to an internship with the Ziglar motivational speaking and business training corporation, since her Sophomore year.

Definitely one to "walk the walk," or rather "run the run," AJ recently spearheaded, no pun intended, a fundraiser for Locks for Love, raising more than $1500 and three hair donations, including her own.  (see Mitzvah Makers stories below for more!)  

Looking forward to her next step, AJ, already accepted to Babson College in Massachusetts, is excited about going to college and studying business and entrepreneurship.  Exploring the world, in every aspect, is her plan.  "Whether it is the whole world, Torah, people, food, or music," she said.  "I don't care what it is that I'm doing really, as long as I am loving life and constantly discovering. Right now, learning is what is most important to me."

"Jessie is a beloved member of our student body and her graduation this year will end a long Yavneh tradition - we have had a Cohen in this school for the last eight years," said Assistant Principal, Dr. Tim Cloward. 

"After David and Emily, Jessica will be the third family member to graduate from Yavneh and she most certainly will leave us with fond memories of her quirky sense of humor, her fondness for life and her beautiful smile."

"I decided to attend Yavneh because I love the Jewish atmosphere," said Jessie Cohen, who is connected to her heritage, heart and soul, in her school life and in much of her off-Campus doings as well.  "All of my life I have attended a Jewish private day school, and since my siblings fell in love with Yavneh, with its loving and caring students, I knew that I would to."

A graduate of the Ann & Nate Levine Academy, indeed Yavneh was the next step on Jessie's path.  "I have always loved the dual-curriculum program, it's all I know, and even with the requirements of high school, Yavneh's faculty helps each student get to where they need to be.  With all there is to fit into our days; between the morning's Judaics and the afternoon's General Studies, it happens and I don't think we miss out on anything."

Applying to schools, primarily on the East Coast, and already accepted to Hofstra University, Lynn University, University of Missouri, and Wheelock College.  Since I was little, I have traveled multiple times to the East Coast, specifically Boston. My Dad's side of the family lives there and I love the atmosphere there. I love the winter and the spring and there I can see the leaves change colors and the snow."

Ever-industrious, Jessie has long worked part-time through the school year and summers, most loyal to Café Fino's Campbell Road store and the Fino Canteen at the JCC during the summer.

 A native Dallas child, Jessie is the daughter of Andy and Karen and the sister of David '07 and Emily '09.  We'd of course be remiss in not mentioning the fourth Cohen, the only one NOT to graduate from Yavneh, JED, a mix-up of his "siblings," in more ways than one.   A member of BBYO's Kravitz BBG chapter, Jessie's on-Campus activities have included one year on Yavneh's Softball team, two years as a Lady Bulldog Volleyball player and our environmental organization, Hashinui.

"Jessie is a friendly face who has the ability to juggle sports, school and a job and she never seems stressed in the least," said Judaics teacher, Rabbi Maury Grebenau.

"She is a warm person who is passionate about her Judaism and always interested in learning something new. I have no doubt that Jessie will continue her commitment to Judaism and integrate her Judaism fully into her life."

With many teachers she's loved, who have set the example, and set the bar high, Jessie has planned on attending college and then becoming an elementary school teacher herself, since she was in the fifth grade. Having taught Sunday School to the first graders at Congregation Anshai Torah, her family's home synagogue, she is on her way.  "I've been teaching every weekend since I was a freshman and I love it," she said.  "When teaching, I see the future of these children in my own hands. I see them learning the Hebrew alphabet and about all of the Jewish holidays from me. I love the feeling that I am helping to shape their future in Judaism."

"From the age of two I have been in Jewish day school, and it has helped me a lot when teaching the kids," said Jessie, "and it has helped me to understand what I am teaching them without having to question myself if I am teaching them the right thing."

By knowing my own Jewish identity I know I will fulfill my dreams of teaching at a Jewish day school in the future," said Jessie.  "My Jewish identity is what has taught me to be who I am today."

And YOUR Jewish identity, and the pride with which you hold on to it so tightly, makes klal Yisroel stronger People - you, a future leader.

FCD ~ FREEDOM FROM CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY ~~

FREEDOM FROM CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY ~~ "At Yavneh, we send a very clear message to our students about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. We don't tolerate it at all here at school and we hope that when they have to make decisions off-campus, that they will be able to make wise and educated choices," said Assistant Principal Dr. Tim Cloward.  "We are in partnership with our parents in the raising of our children and together we believe we can help them make the right decisions."

"There are lots of conflicting messages and pieces of information in society; from friends and parents, from teachers and the media," said Dr. Cloward. "You control your own destiny and we hope that the lessons provided by Yavneh will always guide you in the right direction."

FCD, making its fifth appearance at Yavneh in the last six years, has worked for more than 30 years, hand-in-hand with hundreds of schools across the United States and around the world to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills they need to make intelligent, healthy choices about alcohol and other drug use.

"It is the role of FCD to act as a mentor to your students, not to tell them what to do," said Charlotte Kavanaugh, spent four days on campus speaking to students, faculty, and parents. "We teach from a health perspective.  Prevention is important, it's key, and the best way to do that is to start early on."

"The earlier a person starts using drugs and/or alcohol, the more likely they are to become dependent," said Ms. Kavanaugh.  "Asking yourself, in the moment of opportunity, to pause just 30 seconds and ask 'why do I want to do this,' can make the difference of a lifetime.  Please, just stop for half-a-moment and think about it."

"It's normal and natural for our teens to sometimes have feelings of frustration, to be angry and insecure," said Ms. Kavanaugh who amongst her many recommendations, suggested the reading of Highs! Over 150 Ways to Feel Really, Really Good Without Alcohol or Drugs, by Alex Packer.  "What's important is to help them learn to cope with those feelings.  A natural high really can be reached; same results, no consequences."

Ms. Kavanaugh, who was the FCD guest to Yavneh last year as well, told students of her first drink: "I grew up in a home of addiction; I studied it, I lived it, I read it, it was everywhere and in my school of more than 1000 kids, I got lost," she said.  "I have a heart for this.  I look in the eyes of the students I work with and I think, I know, that if I had access to such a program, my life would have been very different.

KEY POINTS SHARED BY FCD'S CHARLOTTE KAVANAUGH

PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR PARENTS:

** Learn all you can regarding chemical dependency

** Be positive role models

** Help your children feel self-confidant

** Keep your children busy, but not over-scheduled

** Help your child develop and realize their self-worth

RISK FACTORS FOR ADDICTION

** Family history -

Individuals with family history are seven times more likely to become addicted

** Age of first use -

The brain is still growing until age 25.  The longer it can grow without the messages of chemicals, the better chance for a life of freedom of chemical dependency. 

Postpone - Postpone - Postpone

**  Craving tolerance

** Surroundings -

You have control over who are your friends and where you spend your time. 

 Be a leader, not a follower.

TOOLS -

** Be and associate with others like yourself.  Be strong, be with those who are strong.

** Have a prepared "out."  Have a sentence ready to provide if someone asks you "Why Not?"

** Find healthy highs - deep breathing, laughing, exercise.

** Reach out to a parent, a friend, a school faculty member, a religious or anonymous source.

REACH OUT.

 FALL ARTS NIGHT ~~

Poetry and prose, talents flowing across keyboards, guitar strings, drumtops, and wind and brass, and brushstrokes were on display at Yavneh's 2010 Fall Arts Night.  Pollman Hall was filled with the pride of family and friends as our students shared their efforts. 

Congratulations to literary participants ~~

Leora Mitzner, Abbie Denemark, Noa Waks, Leigh Bonner,

Faith Medina, Sara Jane Goldenberg, Michelle Tanur, Brittany Barnett, Jamie Kleinman, Jared Katz,

Sarah Weiss, Melissa Diamond, and Shelbi Karlebach (not pictured) and directed by Dr. Tim Cloward.

and to our musicians ~~ 

Senior Music Ensemble members: Sam Epstein, Melissa Diamond, AJ Burk, Leora Mitzner,  

and Eitan Barak, directed by Kim Corbet.

Afterschool Music Ensemble members: Hava Toobian, Karen Folz, Lane Engelberg, Ella Baum,

Yoni Gershon, Jordan Cope, Kayley Romick, Benji Liener, and Justin Katz.

Pianists: Ilana Wernick, Noa Waks, and Hava Toobian.

to our visual art mavens ~~ Bryan Benaim, Carly Bierman, Shiran Boim, Millie Blumka,

Jessie Cohen, Reid Cohen, Samantha Danilewitz, Eve Denemark, Ali Feinstein,

 Michaela Gartner, Jillian Herstein, Zev Klein, Jordan Prescott,

Mina Pulitzer, Ben Romaner,  Katie Solomon, Kevin Sulski, and Ilana Wernick.

and to our mask makers

(and model Shimi Wolk) ~~

Shiran Boim, Jessica Cohen, Michaela Gartner, Zev Klein,

and Katie Solomon.

POETRY DAY ~~

photo by Faith Medina '11

Poetry Day 2010 carried on a longstanding Yavneh tradition.  We have Dr. Tim Cloward to thank for the fun and learning that comes with this annual event, started in his first year.  From one visiting poet, the program has expanded, this year with eight visiting poets, here to work with our students in small groups.  The students are challenged to write their own poetry and then the student body joined together to share a reading of the work of the established poets. 

This year's guest poets, Michael Guinn, Joe Milazzo, Alan Gann, and Tim Cloward.  (front row, left to right)Kristi Wipperfurth, Claudia Myer, Barbara Johnson, Lisa Huffaker, and Kay Perkins. came from The Writer's Garret, the only year-round independent literary center in North Texas. The group's mission is to foster the education and development of readers, writers, and audiences by putting them in touch with quality literature, each other, and the communities in which they live and write.

"We have been able to inculcate the idea here that everybody is capable of writing creatively.  Everybody can be a poet and experience the joy of the playful use of language and I believe the small investment of school time has produced amazing results," said Dr. Cloward. "We consistently produce first-rate literary work in the YAD, our annual arts journal, and Yavneh Academy has produced more finalists in the county-wide Dallas Public Library Express Yourself Poetry Contest over the last five years than any other area high school."

UNITING STUDENTS OF DALLAS * MIX-IT-UP DAY~~

Uniting Students of Dallas hosted its fifth annual Mix It Up At Lunch event with students from Greenhill School, Garland High School, H. Grady Spruce High School, Townview Magnet High  School/Law and Yavneh.  Students heard presentations from Eric  Johnson (State Representative), Pablo Almaguer (Chair of the State Bar of Texas' Board of Directors), and Rosalie Schiff (Holocaust Survivor) and viewed a screening of "Bullied," produced by the Teaching Tolerance division of the Southern Poverty Law Center (the originating sponsor of Mix It Up Day).
 
"This was our most successful program yet.  We had outstanding speakers, and a wonderful and diverse group of students," said Assistant Principal Chad Baruch who, as USD's sponsor, oversaw the leadership of the organization's Executive Board Member Leigh Bonner '11, Vice President Jake Greif '12, and President Mina Pulitzer '12.  "Our students learn so much from  
 
"The bottom line of Mix It Up is understanding and respecting diversity," said Mina.  "Even though each year we hold the same event, it never gets old because year after year the visiting students and our speakers make it memorable. It's an inspirational day where kids step outside of their comfort zone and learn about the importance of unity.
 
 "I encourage you to improve your understanding of others," said Rep. Johnson, a founding partner in the law firm of Helms, Johnson & Diaz LLP, who makes volunteering his time as mentor and tutor in his community a priority.  Representative Johnson, who grew up in West Dallas, and who attended Greenhill School through the Independent Schools Project run by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas recalled, at times, feeling more "different" in his home community than in his school community.  "It's not just about 'dealing' with others, but finding yourself in a place of genuine and true caring of what makes us all human beings."
 
"There is no other job for me," said Pablo Almaguer, the first Hispanic, and first legal aid lawyer, to chair the State Bar of Texas, who spoke of his efforts to help those living at and below the poverty level. "In those I help, I see the faces of those I grew up with.
 
Rosalie Schiff, who with her husband of 68 years, William, of blessed memory, wrote William & Rosalie: A Holocaust Testimony, with Craig Hanley, about their experiences of surviving the Holocaust, "because we don't want this ever to happen again and because we wanted to tell the whole world our story."  Saved by Oscar Schindler, Mrs. Schiff explained that the Holocaust was "hell, and I think about it everyday.  But as long as I have my life, my eyes to see, my mouth to speak, I want to tell my story so that no one will forget.
 
"I'm very proud that everyone who participates in Mix It Up is able to learn about different religions, ethnicities, cultures, as well as each others schools," said Jake.   "What I hope and believe all of the students, ours and guests, get from the program is a sense of what's out there in the world. It's good to be more educated about different types of people and to feel comfortable around them.  Once we're all out of school we'll be meeting and working with people from all different backgrounds."
 
"This time of your life, your high school years, are so special.  You'll make good and bad decisions and the decisions you make will make your path," said Rep. Johnson.  "These are your years and memories to hold on to and you have so many choices to make.
 

"The most important thing I've learned is that forgetting to live the life you have imagined is one of the worst sins," said Justine Berman '12, who hosted a breakfast, commemorating the one-year anniversary of her horseback riding accident, in which she shattered her spleen, punctured a lung, fractured ribs, and fractured vertebra in her spine.  Justine wanted to be sure that her Yavneh family knew the part they played in her recovery.  "I was guilty of this transgression, but divine intervention helped me change my life completely.  There is a reason I remember every moment of that day."

"In the Archat Tzadikim there are 30 different things to remember," said Justine.  "Just like I did, people forget to thank Hashem for keeping out bodies healthy.  I'm not talking about a phrase in davening, I am talking about sitting down for a few minutes a day on your own terms and thinking about how your body works and how Hashem makes your body function.  I used to just say 'thank you' to G-D, and I never really thought about how important it is for everything to work properly.

As I was driven to the emergency room, in my E-quest sweater and this very Yavneh t-shirt, I remembered how much love is around me.  The Arachat Tzakikim teaches us that we must realize how much those around you care, and it is your duty to surround yourself with good people.  It is your job in life to stay on the right path. It is hard, don't get me wrong, but without my Yavneh community, I would have felt alone.  You don't know how important it is to have a good support system until you need one. 

Just like any teenager I fight with my Mom about the useless things.  Somewhere along the line I forgot how much she does for me on a daily basis. After my accident I realized just how important she really is to me and how much the silly things in life don't matter.

Hashem does not put people on this earth to forget how important those around them are. My memory of people faded as I lay in the hospital and the overwhelming number of visitors that came was incredible. Yet I remember every teddy bear, every flower, every meal, and it will continue to stay with me forever.  I now go out of my way to help make the smallest difference in people's lives; at E-quest, Yachad, or throughout the community.   Feeling vulnerable and unable to care for yourself is one of the worst feelings imaginable, but my Yavneh family made me feel comfortable.

I thank each and every one of you for helping me with my difficult recovery.  Your efforts did not go unnoticed, and I hope you understand how much your kindness means to me."

November 4

Dr. Lisa Aiken

Teacher @ Midreshet Tzvia Seminary, Author, Psychologist, Licensed Israeli Tour Guide

Dr. Aiken, listed in thirteen Who's Who books, including Foremost Women of the Twentieth Century, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in Business and Professional Women, is the author of To Be A Jewish Woman; Why Me, God? A Jewish Guide To Coping With Suffering; Beyond Bashert: A Guide To Dating and Marriage Enrichment, The Hidden Beauty of the Shema, Guide for the Romantically Perplexed, and Tuning In.  She is the co-author of The Art of Jewish Prayer and What Your Unborn Baby Wants You To Know.

November 5 ~
Lisa Gann

November 12 ~
Rabbi David Glickman

November 19 ~
Rabbi Eve Posen
Campus Rabbi

2 Yosef Presburger & Yaakov Stolovitsky  11 Kim Corbet  15  Shelbi Karlebach

17 Gloria Boyd  22  LuAnn Pitlik  24  Bradley Riche  25 Hannah Schepps   

Actions speak louder than words and for AJ Burk it was full steam ahead action that resulted in nothing less than sheer, yes sheer, results of more than $1630 and the donations of three ponytails, and then some, for Locks for Love.

"I want people to feel grateful for their own health and realize what an incredible situation that they are in and they can really make a difference in another person's life," said AJ, who donated 16-inches of her own locks.  "I imagined all of the money people spend for one Saturday night and how that could go to a cause making a difference in the lives of underprivileged kids. Who says we have to sacrifice a fun Saturday night to participate and donate to a charity? Why couldn't we do both?"

 "We certainly are grateful to AJ and her friends for their generous volunteerism," said Lauren Kukkamaa,Communications Director forLocks of Love. "We could not do we do without the support of all of our volunteers within the local communities and the donations and support received from AJ's event will further our efforts to help children living with the daily trials of medical hair loss.  Continuing awareness of Locks of Love's efforts will help to spread awareness and assist us in reaching more families in need of our services. 

AJ set up "Save It" and "Shave It" jars for donations and, as far as she is concerned, either way was a winner.  The "Save It" jar netted $526 and the "Shave It," more than $1000. "I knew I had to come up with a really awesome concept if I wanted to raise a lot of money and, because it takes nearly $1000 to make just one wig, that's what I needed to do," said AJ.  "Shaving my head was something I had always wanted to do and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I wanted to set an example to everyone to not let their hair or beauty define them, to show that there is way more to life and to just be yourself." 

"I am just amazed at what AJ accomplished in the process of organizing and sponsoring this fund raiser," said AJ's mom, Faith.  "Everyone had not only a very unique experience but a really fun time as well. I don't know how she pulled it off but it was an emotional but amazing evening!"

Caught up in the energy of the night were classmates Eitan Barak '11 and Brittany Barnett '11, both wanting to share in the moment and the mitzvah. "I was very excited to actually do good with my hair rather than to just grow it out for fun," said Eitan who, like Brittany, donated a minimum of 10 inches.  "I have the most amazing feeling about this as I feel this is the start of a series of good deeds."

In addition to her Yavneh peers, AJ reached out to the students of Greenhill School and others in the community, to attend the "cutoff" held at the home of her Aunt and Uncle, Lisa and Jim Rosenthal.  "Hairstylist Gregg Asher (of Premier Altier) was willing to donate his time to come and cut hair for the cause, and my classmates Dory Fine ('13) and Leora Mitzner ('11) provided musical entertainment," said AJ.  "Everyone was in the spirit of helping, giving, and, in the process, having a great time."

"As I sit here stroking my buzzed scalp, I am so proud of what I have accomplished.  I came up with this idea almost a year ago and the most incredible part was taking action and actually making it happen," said AJ. "I started crying when the hairdresser was finished, not because of my lack of hair, but because the feeling that I had at that moment was like none I had ever experienced before."

Verizon FiOS saved the best for last in choosing the latest of their 2010 Verizon FiOS Community Leaders of the Week, naming Yavneh's Leigh Bonner '11, president of Yavneh's Students Against Terrorism sponsored Points for Peace tournament, to the post. 

Leigh, selected from over 200 participating schools in DFW, was the only female non-student athlete selected for the award, meeting the criteria of one who consistently demonstrates Verizon's core values of integrity, respect, accountability and performance excellence in their activities at home, at school, and in the community.

"It is no wonder that Yavneh's own is being recognized for outstanding leadership within the community.  Our students through Judaic principles and ethos have learned, and they live, the concept of tikkun olam, repairing the world," said Allyn Schmucker, Yavneh's Director of Guidance, and the source of Bonner's nomination.  "With such compassion and commitment, Leigh is a shining example that our students can and do make a difference. Leigh works always for the 'whole,' whether it be a class, an organization or on a broader scale, for humanity and this passion has driven her to strive for success.  With such caring, Leigh is a shining example that our students can and do make a difference."

"What set Leigh apart from other nominees is that she chose to use athletics as a common denominator to effect positive change in her community -- change that will make a lasting contribution in so many lives, both here and abroad," said Crystal R. Patton, Sr. Marketing Manager for Verizon.  "Sporting activities are among the most unifying commonalities of all, and I believe that is one of the reasons the Points for Peace initiative has been so successful in raising funds to increase awareness about the devastating effects of terrorism."

The Points for Peace 3-on-3 basketball tournament, this year set for March 6, and other Students Against Terrorism projects has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in the last eight years.  Beneficiaries of the organizations include the One Family Fund, Camp Koby, Keren Malki, ATZUM, and the sharing in the sponsorship of an ambulance for the Magen David Adom.

"I am so honored and thankful to win the award, speechless actually, but it means so much to me that Verizon recognized the work of Students Against Terrorism," said Leigh who, in addition to the award, received a check for $1000, to begin the 2011 Points for Peace season.

"This money can really help start the 2011 Points For Peace Tournament out strong, and I want nothing more than for P4P to be as successful as it can be this year."

"Leigh's academic performance, innovation, and leadership through SAT, and her selfless sense of responsibility for the well being of others are all testaments to her sense of integrity, respect, and performance excellence," said Ms. Patton.  "To say that she embodies and embraces the core values, that our company is built upon, is an understatement."

Visit http://www.insidehighschoolfootball.com/ihsf/fios to see the Verizon FiOS feature and, for more information, or to register for P4P 2011, email info@studentsagainstterrorism.org

 STUDENTS 4 STUDENT ~~

photo by Lisa Siegel

info@yavnehdallas.org

Our Varsity and Lady Bulldogs competed with 14 teams from around the country in the 2010 David A. Yaffee Memorial Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Robert M. Beren Academy in Houston.  Congratulations to the ladies who came in 2nd Place, to Emery Weiner, in the finals, and to our Bulldogs who also won three out of four games, and who defeated Emery Weiner in the consolation game. 

Special nods to Elan Kogutt '11 and Jamie Kleinman '11, who received All-Tournament Honors and to Ali Feinstein '12 and Adam Steinbrecher '14, who won the 3-Point Shootout Contest!

Shalom y'all!  We have officially closed our first trimester on Young Judaea's Year Course,   
finding ourselves now located in Arad, participating in Marva, a two-month army training program where we are able to live on base, use weapons, and see the country from the eyes of an Israeli soldier. 

We've spent the last three months living in Bat Yam, which is right on the beach and a bus ride away from Tel Aviv.  We volunteered in the Ben Gurion School, teaching English, twice-a-week, to students in grades one to five and, for ourselves, took classes including the History of Zionism, Hebrew, Israeli Dancing, and Jewish Business Ethics.

 On Sar-El, the National Project for Volunteers for Israel, we volunteered on an army base outside of Tel Aviv for three weeks.  There, we packaged and sorted medical supplies into surgeon's and doctor's bags to be sent all over the country in case of war.

We experienced the Jewish Holidays in some amazing ways, spending both Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah in Lapid, at the home of our roommate (who also happens to be an Israeli Scout).  For Sukkot, we traveled to Jerusalem and stayed with the Young Judaeans in Section One, where we participated in a potluck in the Sukkah.  Each experience has been unique, and each has taught us a little bit more about the holiday. 

Even though we have studied about Judaism, Israel, and our People for our entire lives,

we have learned so much in this country about the culture and heritage.  Here, we are able take the knowledge Yavneh bestowed upon us and apply it to real life.  We can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us, and we cannot wait to share those experiences with all of you! 

With love for Rabbi Tannenbaum, Mrs. Schrager, Mr. O' Quinn, and our Dallas families and friends!