"I decided to attend Yavneh because I was really looking forward to the Jewish life and the family atmosphere it is so known for," said Michelle, who was looking to continue the Jewish education she'd received at Levine Academy.  "I enjoyed attending Yavneh because I love the relationships that I made with my teachers and my peers. For me, the best part about attending Yavneh is the freedom to pursue one's life goals both academically and ethically."

 "Michelle enters and exits every class with a smile," said English teacher, Phyllis Beilue.  "She is gracious in her appreciation for the instruction and genuinely seeks to improve her skills.  Michelle, who performs well in class, is prepared, engaged and thoughtful in her participation, enjoys learning, and she responds positively to academic challenges.

Born in Mexico City, Michelle moved to Dallas when she was just three-years-old.  She is the daughter of Monica and Eduardo, and the sister of Dania '14 and Vanessa, all of whom are affiliated with Chabad of Plano.  Michelle, who has worked as a counselor at Camp Chai, has volunteered at the Family Gateway, which provides housing and comprehensive services to homeless families with children. "Volunteering taught me how gracious people can be for the smallest deed," said Michelle.  "It also taught me how much I really loved to work with children and how being in a new environment challenged me to pushing my limits."

"I love working with kids and the arts have always been a passion of mine. I have always loved children and strongly believe that what a child learns in their youth can impact the rest of their life and I would want nothing more than to be a part of molding a child into becoming something great for this world," said Michelle, who will attend St. Edward's University in the fall, with plans to pursue a career as a Child Psychologist.  "Allowing children to express themselves through painting, drawing, and writing is something very special.  I would love the opportunity to give kids a place of solace through art."

A former member of Yavneh's Student Council, serving as Class Representative and Vice-President of Fundraising, Michelle has also been a member of HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, SAT/Students Against Terrorism, and Hashinui/Yavneh's Environmental organization.  I have been a part of student council since my sophomore year. I was my class representative and then moved to vice president of fundraising. I am a part of HELP, SAT, and the Environmental Club at Yavneh.   She has led Yavneh's Lady Bulldog Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball teams to success.

 President of the 2010-2011 Theatre Club, Michelle portrayed Gwendolyn Fairfax in this year's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest," as well as roles in Yavneh presentations of "Alice in Wonderland," and "The Miracle Worker." "I love the relationships I built with the cast and the fact that I learned something new about myself through every performance," said Michelle.  "I've learned that the whole concept of caring what people think is overrated and life is so much more exhilarating when you step out of your comfort zone and go for something full throttle." 

 Everything about Michelle is exhilarating and, watching her rocket soar, full throttle, is something we are all excited, and proud to do.

"I've always appreciated a Jewish education," said the Levine Academy graduate. "The foundation I've received has made me stronger and it will always keep me grounded.  I'm grateful for all that my grandparents have given to make sure that I, and so many others, are able to afford such incredible opportunities."

As a freshman at J.J. Pearce High School, Noa realized that she wanted more of a setting for a strong foundation, one that would serve her well once she left home, for college and for her future life.  "I've always felt comfortable here, as though it was always familiar. Transferring, even in my sophomore year, I still quickly felt at home, I loved the close knit connection among the students, and I love that the teachers at Yavneh genuinely care about our success."

"Noa's coursework demonstrates her attention to detail, and she is conscientious in her preparation for class," said English teacher, Phyllis Beilue.  "Although reserved by nature, Noa is an engaged class participant, personable and friendly.  A person of admirable character, she exhibits competence, humility, integrity, diligence, compassion and cooperation.

A Dallas native, who lived in Israel from the time she was six-month-old until she was six-years-old, Noa, an Israeli citizen, is the daughter of Helen Waldman and Willy Waks and the sister of Daniel and David.

Packing for UT Austin in the fall, Noa hopes to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, a goal fostered by her participation in Yavneh's Health Occupations Organization, through which she shadowed medical professionals and learned about may opportunities.  "I've always been interested in the medical field and I find the hospital arena stimulating and rewarding," said Noa, who is partaking this summer in a paid internship at Medical City.

"Noa is a disciplined and conscientious young lady. In addition to her organizational skills, her thoroughness, and her warm personality, she has a heart to make this world a better place," said Director of Guidance and College Counselor, Allyn Schmucker.  "She is a leader, not just in things academic, but also of human character and behavior. Her involvement in many organizations is an example of her immense sense of responsibility to Tikun Olam."

Noa's been a board member of Students Against Terrorism and Points for Peace, and a volunteer with her Stepfather, Shami Waldman, who chairs the Café Israel program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.  A member of Yavneh's Bulldog Soccer team, she has also been involved with our school's Uniting Students of Dallas organization and the Debate team.

Noa has learned much from a number of summer programs, including a National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine at UC Berkeley, a Public Health symposium at Stanford, and a Summer Studies Program at the Sorbonne University in Paris.  Many lessons she's said, that are certain to last her lifetime, are those learned from almost a decade of summers at Camp Young Judaea and its subsequent programs.  "I've met Jewish kids from all over the nation and I learned much independence," she said.  "Jewish camping and a Jewish education have definitely provided some of the best times of my life!"

Wishes, and confidence Noa, that your connection to Jewish life, and Jewish living - and the desire to incorporate that connection into your every day living, are hereby packed in your lifelong duffel bag.

"Sarah is a wonderful example of what a Yavneh student can accomplish.  She is kind and friendly to all," said Rabbi Maury Grebenau, Assistant Principal/Judaic Staff and a member of the Math Faculty.  "Sarah takes all of her subjects seriously and is very interested in her Judaism. I know that she will continue to accomplish so much and continue to inspire us all."

 "Although she is reserved by nature, she is fully engaged in class, and her work reflects her keen understanding and excellent retention of material.  Sarah is the total package of ability, commitment, and character," said English teacher, Phyllis Beilue.  "She is a superb role model for others and I know that Sarah has many options ahead and many paths she may pursue successfully.  I also know that she will leave her stamp of quality wherever her interests lead her."

 "I chose to go to Yavneh so I could further my Jewish education and I was very impressed with the teachers and the close bonds they formed with their students," said Sarah, a graduate of Akiba Academy.  "I loved the close-knit environment and that the students seemed really friendly.  Four years later, the friends that I made at Yavneh, I hope to have forever.  Since our freshman year, the entire grade has become much closer.

 Ready to pack for a year in Israel, Sarah, Yavneh's Magna Cum Laude honoree this year, will attend Machon Maayan that includes an itinerary of coursework, seminars, travel opportunities, and internships - at nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and more.  A future business major, once she is back in the States, Sarah plans to attend the University of Maryland. 

 A Dallas native, Sarah is the daughter of Barbara and David and sister of Noah '15.  Sarah belongs to Congregation Shaare Tefilla, has worked as a Camp Counselor at Akiba's Camp Mazal, and she has been a member of National Council of Synagogue Youth.  A Yavneh Bulldog Volleyball player for four years, and a former JV team Captain, Sarah also played on the Bulldog Softball tam in her freshman year.  She served as a board member for Hashinui/Yavneh's Environmental Organization, and a member of the Health Occupations and Chesed clubs.

 A longtime member of YACHAD, the national organization that provides ongoing Jewish programming and experiences in educational, recreational and social settings that share the inclusive design for people with disabilities, Sarah has now completed her reign as president of the Dallas chapter.  "Yachad has taught me a lot about responsibility and it was inspiring to see everyone come together and have a good time at so many of the programs we hosted," she said.  "I learned much about the importance of inclusion and the friendships I made with the members, those with special needs and those who volunteered, are very strong."

 Included in her community through volunteering, through sport, through academics, and respect, Sarah will no doubt always find a way to include herself, wherever she goes!  Lucky are the communities, in which she will live.

A legacy.  That is what Annette and Rabbi Howard Wolk have created by sending their children to Yavneh Academy and a legacy, in his own space, is what Shimi leaves behind.  The "baby" of the Wolk family, and really of Yavneh history, Shimi leaves the school a man - tall, proud, and in the strength of his own self. 

Born in Dallas, and a former AkibaKid, Shimi and his parents moved to Connecticut for five years before returning in time for Shimi to hit the Bulldog courts.  The brother of Eli, Michal, Yonatan, Akiva, and Gavi, Shimi sets the example, and the bar now, for his seven nieces and nephews.  Never far behind, and we'd be remiss to point out, Shimi's other family member, Oreo - his beloved pup!

"I decided to attend Yavneh even before I was in first grade," said Shimi, who even at a young age recognized the efforts his parents, among the founding parents of the school, put in to Yavneh.  "I was born into Yavneh and always dreamt of being a Bulldog."

More than "just" the history of his family, Shimi found his own footing on campus, and his own path of success.  "I enjoyed attending Yavneh because the school is small, creating a very comfortable and warm atmosphere," he said.  "The dual curriculum at Yavneh is very beneficial as it trains us to be more careful in scheduling our time.  The schedule develops our critical thinking skills both in Judaic and General Studies, while demonstrating that Jewish values go beyond our Judaic classes."

Shimi has, for four years, been a Bulldog Basketball player, Varsity and JV for which he served as Captain.  He has participated in SAT/Students Against Terrorism and he is a Student Ambassador.  He has wored at Akiba's Camp Mazal and attended Baylor's Five Start Basketball Camp.

"Shimi is a quiet leader filled with compassion and tolerance. He takes his duties, whether it be school, religion or family, very seriously, and he is ready to take the next step in his education," said Yavneh's Director of Guidance and College Counselor, Allyn Schmucker.  "His conviction and his value s will allow him to grow even stronger as a remarkable human being and a devout Jew. 

"To many high school students it would be unusual to be friends with their teachers," said Shimi, a member of Chabad of Dallas.  Shimi will take the lessons and relationships with him for a year in Israel, at Yeshivat Resheit Yerushalayim, will return to study at Rutgers University. "This is not the case at Yavneh as I play basketball with my teachers, enjoy Shabbos meals at their homes, and go to them for a good laugh."

"Shimi has really blossomed here at Yavneh and, although he came to school with the expectations of living up the Wolk family name, he has done an incredible job at forging his own path and discovering his own identity," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum.  "One of the most popular kids in school, Shimi has the unique ability to make others laugh and smile. In fact, he himself can never be seen in school without his trademark smile and easy laugh."

Trademark smile, easy laugh, and his own legacy.  We look forward to the next generation of Wolks! The next Yavneh alums, those who will follow in his path!

FREE GILAD SHALIT

Yavneh Academy has joined many Dallas Jewish community organizations in remembering IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, who was captured on June 25, 2006.

A project of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Rabbinic Association of Greater Dallas, the banner which stands tall outside the Yavneh Library is a sign of our constant prayers and hope for Shalit's safe return. 

TORNADO SAFETY!!!

Many thanks to Yavneh's Security team - so secure that we won't name them but they  

know who they are - and Gary Livingston and his crew for keeping the Schultz Rosenberg Campus safe and secure during the May 24 severe tornado warnings.  Participants and guests of the MOL Reflections gathered in  

the restrooms of Pollman Hall until all were deemed clear of danger.   

Family togetherness - this IS the Yavneh Family!

With the coming fall semester, Yavneh will celebrate 10 years of objections, "your Honors," public speaking, and the experience and learning that its Mock Trial program provides. Yavneh's incredibly popular and successful Mock Trial program was founded by Warren Abrams, during his son Joshua's freshman year.

"I like trial work, it's what I do, and it's a great learning experience for the kids," said  

Mr. Abrams, who had previously led the North Dallas High School Mock Trial program.  "I love dealing with young people and seeing them improve and gain confidence.  The very best of Yavneh's students  

have always been involved in our program.

"Participation in Yavneh's Mock Trial program has provided incentive for several of our students to go into the law," said Yavneh's Head of School, Don O'Quinn.  "Through the program, many of our students have developed skills used in competition, in how to think on their feet, and how to dress professionally.  Our students have learned about other schools and other programs through this educational, stimulating, and reportedly fun activity."

"The coaches are fantastic," said 2010-2011 Mock Trial Team co-Captain, Sam Epstein,  

of Rick Cohen and Harry Saginaw, who team-coach with  

Mr. Abrams.  "Warren, Rick, and Harry meet with us every week, pushing us in the right direction, making sure we are doing things right, and teaching us so much."

"Warren, Rick, and Harry are exceptional role models and they introduce our students into other really incredible role models; professionals in the legal and public service venue," said  

Mr. O'Quinn.  "These three have set the example, and they have raised a very high bar for our students to follow, and to emulate. 

Yavneh's Mock Trial season, which runs through most of the year with matches from December through March, follows the outline provided by the Dallas Bar Association, including each year's case.  While Yavneh's team does not compete in the Dallas arena, because most events are held on Saturdays, Mr. Abrams does arrange for matches between our team and other high school programs in the community.

"Your students are smart, they are sharp, and talented," said Mike Buchanan, an attorney and Mock Trial Coach for Woodrow Wilson High School, one of the teams Yavneh meets against.  "I have such respect for the Yavneh program.  "The amount of effort and dedication that the students and their coaches put forth, regardless of their abilities to compete, is amazing."

"I gained a lot from being a part of the Mock Trial Team," said Sam.  "My public speaking skills have increased ten-fold, I can think quickly, and I am much better 'on the spot.'  Warren keeps us in top shape, and, as a team, we've received many compliments from other teams and judges, who compare us to real attorneys.  Mock Trial has helped me in most aspects of my life, especially in my gaining confidence.  I'm certain my experiences here will bleed into anything I pursue in my future."

"I think the intellectual challenge stimulates the students and they are consistently motivated," said Mr. Abrams. Among those motivated, besides Joshua, a Yavneh '06 and George Washington University '10 graduate, who has finished his first year at Syracuse University College of Law, is Mr. Abrams' daughter Rachel '07,  

who recently graduated from UT Austin. 

"They are motivated and they help each other out," he said.   

"As freshmen, they are most often our 'witnesses,' and as they progress with experience, they become attorneys,  

and they  really are very good."  

PEGGY LEEMAN SCHOLARSHIP    

Yavneh's own Peggy Leeman, a longtime member of our English faculty, has been honored as the inspiration for the Peggy Leeman Scholarship. Bryan Adams seniors Tiffany Do and Stephanie Ramirez are the first winners of the award.

Created this year in Mrs. Leeman's honor, by John Feray, a former student at Bryan Adams High School, and his wife Leslie, the award was intended to benefit one student each year, with a $3000 scholarship.  "Once we received the applications, there were two students, each equally qualified and it was a very difficult decision. We chose not to split the amount and so we've given each of the young women, both classy and dedicated, a $3000 award."

Mrs. Leeman, who will begin her fifty-seventh year of teaching in the fall, has spent 38 of those at Bryan Adams High School, and the last 10, also teaching at Yavneh Academy.

"We are so fortunate to have had Peggy Leeman on our faculty now for more than 10 years, affecting the lives of our students,"  

said Head of School, Don O'Quinn.  "She is well-known on  

the national educational front with regard to  

vertical teaming training for AP testing.  She has taught  

AP workshops around the country and, for our own students,  

the benefit of her experience has shown itself in great success."

"I have always been inspired by Mrs. Leeman, she's a smart lady who has given, and continues to give so much," said Mr. Feray, who was a freshman in Mrs. Leeman's class in 1981.   

"She has educated her students in English, but also in the form of so much about life.  

Even now when I'm writing an email - you can be sure I won't end one with a preposition!"

"I am so humbled and so appreciative of this honor, and it is an honor," said Mrs. Leeman.  "This scholarship will give the opportunity for many students to go to school, who might not otherwise.  John Feray was a gentleman 30 years ago and he is so now, also a gentle man.  With the giving of these awards, there is so much love in my heart."

"I hope someday to have the same intense passion for my life as you do for teaching,"  

Yavneh's Michelle Tanur '11, wrote to her mentor in a thank you note for her  

time spent learning with Mrs. Leeman.  "You are remarkable."

Congratulations to Mrs. Leeman, and the students for whom she has long left a literary legacy.

JUNE  BIRTHDAYS 

            1   Eitan Barak   3  Zev Klein   5  Clara Moskowitz & Rachel Rudberg              

            6  Karen Folz   7  Stuart Palvadeau   8  Raffi  Rosenzweig & Naomi Schrager  

10  Nikki Friedman   12  Logan Luskey  13  Samantha Danilewitz   

16  Samuel Coretz  18  Katie Solomon   24  Reid Cohen    

28  Hannah Gartner   29  Heather Behr

JULY  BIRTHDAYS  

1   Mesfin Hodes    2  Justine Berman   4  Noni Smith   

6  Adam Karnett & Justin Katz   10  Tamar Cohen 

            13  David Rudomin   14  Samuel Epstein   15  Jori  Epstein   

24  Katie Lerer   27  Allyn Schmucker & Sarah Weiss   30  Ilana Wernick              

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 

1  Hanna Liebermann    2  Ilana Rosenzweig   3  Leigh Bonner   7  Susan Reinart  

            10  Linda Ault  & Max Schnitzer   16  Peggy Leeman   

18  Sam Kleinman  19  Don O'Quinn   20  Jamie Kleinman   

25  Erin Smith   26   Brittany Barnett      

~~~ Asher Kogutt, Yaveh's greatest cheerleader, on his graduation from the DISD Transition Program.  A sunshine example of the best of our Yavneh Family, Asher has worked hard, studied hard, and is now on to the rest of life!  Kol Hakavod!!!!

~~~ Shayna Weinberg-Gordon '07, a graduating senior at Touro College's Lander College for Women-The Anna Ruth and Mark Hasten School (LCW), delivered an address to more than 400 communal leaders during the Jewish Council for Public Affairs' Plenum Chair's Dinner, in Washington, D.C.  "The values with which I was raised - that core of Jewish identity, the belief that the Jewish tradition is something special, something worth protecting, the belief that we must each do whatever is in our power to fulfill the Jewish ideal of tikkun olam [healing the world," said Shayna.  "Both within ourselves and in the greater community - these are the goals of the JCPA, and all of these have played a role in every step of my life, including the ones that brought me up to this podium to address you tonight."

~~~  Joshua Karnett '10 was selected as finalist in the Freshman of the Year contest at the SI Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University.

    ~~~ Michelle & Yoni Goldstein '04,

               on the birth of their son, Ze'ev.  

                                                              ~~~ Michelle '04 & Ori Raphael on the birth of their daughter, Gabriela Fruma.  

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ~

                           Lynn University, Simmons College, University of Missouri, Wheelock College

                       Lynn University, SUNY/Binghamton, University of Pittsburgh

Elan Kogutt ~~ Boston University, New York University, University of Maryland,  

                           University of Texas/Austin, Yeshivat Orayta

Noa Waks ~~ University of Maryland, University of Miami, University of Texas/Austin

Sarah Weiss ~~ Machon Maayan, SUNY/Binghamton, University of Maryland,  

                          University of Michigan,  Northeastern University

Shimon Wolk ~~ Reishit Yerushalayim, Rutgers University, Yeshivat Shaare Mevaseret Tzion

                            Yeshiva University

~~ YAVNEH COLLEGE GUIDANCE

For more information regarding scholarships, application deadline, and any other college related issues, read the Senior Times or check in with Allyn Schmucker, Yavneh's College Guidance Counselor at 214.295.3500 or email aschmucker@yavnehdallas.org