JUNE  2012

    Sivan/Tamuz  5772

As a Pentecostal, I have studied Tanach since I was a small child, and I have done my best to learn the wisdom that is contained in that great book. I learned the most important thing first - that there is one G-d who loves us all. I believed early that G-d has plans and he puts people here to achieve those plans; and those people are children.    

Each child is born to a purpose and is given the talents and traits to achieve that purpose by G-d. Because of this belief, I never seek to mold a student into a preconceived vision. Rather, my responsibility is to help the student to discover G-d's gifts and to develop those gifts into strengths.   

To do otherwise would be to second-guess G-d, and I am not qualified to do so.

Yavneh prepares students to be successful adults. If this is our expectation, then we must allow students to practice at behaving as adults.   This is best done when they are here with us, surrounded by those who love them and who will help them to recover from mistakes, to take responsibility for their mistakes, to repair whatever damage has been done, and to move on. Students should not be thrust into the adult world when they are 1000 miles away from home and surrounded by people who do not care about them. The high school and its teenage years are the appropriate place and time for this task to be achieved.

We all met as strangers. I needed to learn much about being Jewish. I've never in fourteen years found a situation where someone couldn't or wouldn't explain something that I needed to know.   I have grown quite proud of myself for having learned how to behave at a Shabbat meal, how to behave at a wedding, how to behave at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, how to behave at a funeral, how to keep kosher, and how to celebrate appropriately, the many Jewish holidays.

Yours is a great culture, and it has touched the world in countless ways. It has much to teach, and it taught me that "we go from strength to strength".   Each group that has graduated from Yavneh has been stronger, and this year's senior class is the strongest in our history.

The formation and evolution of Yavneh Academy of Dallas was a dream for many. There are lots of dreams to be had, and it is easy to have dream. If you have a dream, set your goals, realize those goals, never fear failure, and always strive for excellence. When I came to Yavneh, I met families who understood this.   The Rosenbergs, Marcus of blessed memory and Ann gave steadfast support and wisdom. Howard and Leslie Schultz, have hearts as big as can be and gave dynamic, creative support. The Gruens, Ethel and Ron, of blessed memory gave us the theme of Yavneh as "A Place of Learning" for all; and they provided an example to us all of how a marriage can work.   Ann and Nate Levine have given quiet, unwavering support to the many projects that our students develop. There are many other families who supported the dream of Yavneh Academy, a co-educational, college-prep "place of learning". They gave us gifts, they shared their wisdom, and they entrusted their children, God's most precious gift, to our care. Many families throughout and across the community have supported the dream of Yavneh Academy. Many of those families were represented at my retirement program. It was a great gift to see all parts of the community coming together to celebrate the evolution of the dream of a great Jewish high school in Dallas.

When we began fourteen years ago, we made a list of goals for the first phase of the evolution of Yavneh Academy. Each of those goals has been achieved, and now, Phase One is complete, and it is time for me to depart. We are a family at Yavneh. As such we carry each other in our hearts, and as I depart, I hold each one of you in my heart. I leave you with the first lesson that I learned: "There is one G-d, and he loves us all."

I wish you all well.

I thank you all, and I love you all.

"I have learned a lot through my two years as editor of The Bulldog Print," said Emily. "Being editor has really taught me every life lesson and given me a direction to my life. In that room, from 5 to 5:45pm, twice a week; something magical just happened."

"Sitting in front of the computer fixing a snapshot in Photoshop, I'm playing with the clone tool and wondering could I possibly use it to make more Emily Rosenfelds," said Sandy Hall-Chiles, Yavneh's Bulldog Print adviser and Journalism teacher. "Never in my career have I encountered a more solid student leader who is so willing to take responsibility and problem solve at such a high level. She truly found herself when she walked into the journalism room her freshman year."

Emily, touted with individual Journalism departmental awards at Yavneh, has posted efforts at The Bulldog Print have resulted in numerous awards including University Interscholastic League's Newspaper Individual Achievement in First Page, Sports Feature, Entertainment Review, In-Depth News/Feature, Newspaper Individual Achievement Awards-Sports Feature Story and her contributions to the paper resulted in its receipt of awards through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Dallas Morning News, the Interscholastic League Press Conference, and the National Scholastic Press Association.

"Emily's ability to think like a journalist astounds me in that she makes decisions on the fly that I rarely have to adjust," said Ms. Hall-Chiles. "She anticipates needs with finesse rare in professionals, much less high school students. The Emily that was a tentative freshman, so worried about her assignments, has evolved into a confident student ready to take the world by storm."

"Yavneh has a unique structure, in that it is small enough to feel like a family, but big enough to encompass a diverse community," said Emily, who has been to every Shabbaton since her freshman year, at each getting a stronger feeling of the family that Yavneh is. "I love that you know the rabbis kids even if you don't go to the same shul, and that the journalism adviser is like a second mom. You would never see that at a bigger school, and Yavneh is one of a kind."

Born and raised in Dallas, Emily previously attended Temple Emanu-El's Preschool, Wise and Levine academies. The daughter of Kristi and Lenny, and sister to Ashley and step-sister of Megan, Emily and her family are members of Temple Emanu-El.   Emily has served a Klein Summer internship with the Dallas Jewish Historical Society, and another with the Texas Jewish Post, also attending Gloria Shields' Publication Workshop for Newspaper Redesign.

Involved in much on-Campus, in addition to her four years on staff at The Bulldog Print, Emily was a member of the Debate Team, HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, Students4Students, Tennis Team, and the Theatre Club, participating in productions of Hershel and the Hannukah Goblin, The Miracle Worker, and The Dybbuk.

Emily, who will start as a freshman in the fall at the University of Denver, is excited about being accepted by her first choice. "Denver hit home for me; its small 'green' city that is really refreshing, the opportunities on campus, and the academic support for students with learning differences, and those who want to travel and study abroad," said Emily who plans to study Journalism and Strategic Communications, her dream job to work for a newspaper and be traveling all the time, writing about different countries, cultures, and events.

Travel is a great love for Emily who, recalling the memories of a cruise, a trip to Israel, and adventures in Thailand volunteering through Rustic Pathway's Come With Nothing, Go Home Rich program.   "The world excites me," says Emily. "Its hard to explain and, what many people find weird or gross, or just uninteresting, I find really fascinating, and I love to learn about cultures more than anything else."  

As you learn Emily, through the written word you will no doubt teach. We look forward to your lessons of life.

Yavneh's Jewish culture, something she was comfortable with as an Akiba student, combined with its reputation for academics, teachers who work with students to succeed, and a headmaster, in Mr. O - who had been her father's professor in college, all made Yavneh the place for her to spend her high school years.

Noting, as have many of our students, that "the best part about Yavneh is the Jewish family atmosphere," Hannah appreciates that "a lot my teachers have guided me like their own child. Yavneh's high expectations are difficult, there is a lot work and the teachers expect much, but they are the reason I do well in school and will be able to have the future I want."

"Hannah is a very courteous and respectful young lady," said Judaic Faculty member, Rabbi Howard Wolk. "She is well liked by others and always has a smile on her face. Hannah is a responsible serious student who enjoys learning and who always wants to do well and who has succeeded at just that."

Ready to pack up for the University of Arizona, her "dream school that is just meant for me," Hannah plans to major in psychology. Hoping to spend time in Israel, volunteering at Hadassah Hospital, long close to her heart as she is a member of Dallas' Hadassah Chapter, involved as Chairman of the Youth Aliyah, a program that supports at-risk youth, Hannah's next few years are laid out with a plan.

A Dallas native, Hannah is the daughter of Terri and Sheldon Schepps and sister of Sylvia, Kenny, and Jeremy and his wife Rachel.  They are a close family, whom Hannah treasures for the laughter and wisdom that is shared, be it at their Shabbat table, a family vacation, or at summer's "Camp Schepps," where with an allowance from Mom, Hannah and her younger sister explore Dallas. Affiliated with Congregation Shaare Tefillah and Tiferet Israel, at Yavneh Hannah has been involved with the Hashinui Environmental Club and on the Lady Bulldogs Soccer Team.

"Hannah is so sweet and unassuming that you could almost miss how intelligent she is," said Assistant Principal, Dr. Tim Cloward. "She is maturing into a beautiful and accomplished young lady, but her consideration of others and her willingness to defer to the good of the group, make it easy not to notice the great progress she is making. I propose we call her out and announce: "Look everybody-Look at Hannah Schepps! She really is the perfect example of what we hope to produce here at Yavneh Academy!"

Hannah says that "even though classes are only forty minutes long, students are able to learn what is meant to be learned and have the ability to exceed expectations. Our teachers know that there is a short time to get all of the information taught and offer extra help out side of class, and there is always an opportunity for one-on-one learning. That, in a high school, is rare."

And you, Hannah, are one rare to have been a part of our school. As you move forward, with a life goal of helping others, we, like Dr. Cloward, will no doubt always be proud to announce our respect of our Hannah Schepps.

"Gabby has a 50-pound heart in what might be a 100-pound body," said Journalism teacher and The Bulldog Print adviser, Sandy Hall-Chiles. "My only challenge with her has been to try and convince her to take care of her own needs before she sets off to save the world for someone else. While most need to see progress to continue on, Gabby somehow perseveres with little reinforcing encouragement. Her grace and determination in the midst of crisis or setback belies a young woman clearly at peace with herself, and no one so naturally, puts herself behind the greater good."

Living a caring life already, as the co-founder and co-president of Yavneh's Helping Hands for the Homeless, Gabby has helped that organization raise more than $40,000 in two years. HHH has provided for a medical room at Jonathan's Place, a significant donation to Family Gateway, and its members have volunteered many hours at these and other organizations, feeding those who are homeless, leading art projects, and other activities.  

"HHH changed my perspective and opened my eyes to the plight of homelessness," said Gabby. "I am passionate about my Dallas community and through in these last couple of years, I've realized that we have the power to make a difference."  

The daughter of Janyce and Jacob, and sister of  Micah '10, Adam '14, and David '16, Gabby is a member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla, and BBYO's Kravitz chapter, for whom she was Treasurer, MIT Mom, and Newspaper chair.

"Playing basketball was one of the best experiences I've ever had and this year the chemistry was so strong, a key in our success," said Gabby, a member of Yavneh's championship Lady Bulldog Basketball Team, bringing home the first place trophies from tournaments in Houston and Miami. "We became a family."  

In addition to Yavneh's basketball team, Gabby has also played on Yavneh's Tennis Team. Also a member of Mock Trial, Yearbook Crew, HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, Gabby served as Entertainment and Features Editor of The Bulldog Print, by which she received accolades from the Dallas Morning News for Short Feature.

Summer "break," Gabby has participated in Brandeis University's Impact Boston, learning leadership skills, tutoring underprivileged children, cleaning homeless shelters, and helping to prepare food for the homeless. She has worked as JCC Tennis Camp volunteer, in Yavneh's offices, and she has always enjoyed family travels.    

Gabby, who will attend Washington University in St. Louis, planning on a career in medicine, has also spent part of her summer vacations shadowing Mav's team doctor, Dr. Tarek Souryal,  

A graduate of Akiba Academy, Yavneh's small student body and Jewish education was something she was familiar with, and wanted to continue. Yavneh's small class sizes allowed me to form a close relationship with my teachers," said Gabby. "I've always felt like they are a second set of parents, caring about my life both inside and outside the classroom."

"Gabby is a capable, mature, and responsible young woman with an engaging, endearing personality. She is true to her own high standards and lives a life of service," said former Yavneh English teacher, Phyllis Beilue. "Gabby is an outstanding representative of Yavneh and she will continue to use her gifts wherever she goes. I know she will be successful in the future, as she is now, because she understands what it takes to live a meaningful life."

It may be of her own overcoming of numerous medical issues - to see her run down the basketball court, brace and all, or innate interest, but Gabby in charge of anyone's health, is certain to score points!!!

 "Yavneh's family atmosphere and the connection between its students and teachers, and the students with each other is the reason I chose to come to the school. There's no barrier between the kids and the faculty," said Yaakov.

"Over a twenty-year span, I have encountered unforgettable students, but Yaakov is my most memorable, for he taught me more than I could possibly teach him. He showed me how to think outside the box and to realize that linear thought is sometimes not the most fruitful path," said English teacher, Dr. Paula Harvey. "Our lessons and experiences took some interesting turns.  I taught Yaakov lyrics to the Monkees' theme song and he repaid me with interesting sagas of his own as well as clever insights into our classroom readings."

"Yaakov has touched me deeply with his angelic face and keen curiosity," said Dr. Harvey. "Early on, I started calling Yaakov 'Sport,' which was my father's nickname for my brother.  I guess that shows what a close connection I felt with this student. I loved watching him grow beyond my wildest expectations."

"Yavneh's support of student interests, in sports, clubs, and programs, and the back-up to make events and volunteer opportunities happen, is something that you don't find anywhere else."

Bound for study in Israel, at Mechinat Yeud, Yaakov is considering serving in the Israeli army, possibly after his first year there. "As a Jew, I feel an obligation to serve the country, it's something I've always wanted to do. It's a way to share the devotion I feel to being a Jew," said Yaakov whose sister Tova will soon begin service in the IDF, recently an International Relations graduate of IDC Herzliya. Known and appreciated for his tinkering and "fix-ability," Yaakov's love for cars and for challenges, he plans to study mechanical engineering, architecture or psychology at the University of Hartford upon his return.

"Yaakov is one of my brightest students," said Math teacher, Chris Northrup. "He has a strong mathematical intuition and often makes connections between Math and Science. His approach to problems is usually much different than most students and I expect he will be successful.

A supporter of Waves For Water, Yaakov has been active in the raising of funds for the organization that sends filters to provide clean water for communities in need, around the world. At Yavneh, he was involved with HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, the Spirit Club, Theatre Club, and a founding member of the Bulldog Soccer Team. He's spent summers volunteering at Jewish Family Service and taking Government and Chemistry in summer school.

Yaakov, the son of Gail and Mark, and brother of Tova '08, is a native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada who moved to Dallas when he was 10-years-old. A graduate of Akiba Academy, Yaakov is a committed member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and YACHAD, the Dallas chapter of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, Yaakov says "being able to help out in the Jewish community is the greatest thing you can do as a Jew in Dallas."

Helping out in Dallas, or around the world, Yaakov's touch is one that won't be soon forgotten. Your commitment to Israel, and to endearing yourself to that which you honor, will be how you are most remembered.

"Kevin was a breath of fresh air!," said former English teacher, Phyllis Beilue. "His presence in the classroom adds just the right spice of humor, and his timely comments have enlivened many discussions. I have always appreciated his positive attitude and appreciation for learning."

"Kevin is a good student who handles his responsibilities well and adapts readily to new situations," said Mrs. Beilue. "He is creative and his work reflects his artistic ability. Kevin has the ability to choose from many vocations and I know he will be successful in the future, as he is now."  

I first came to Yavneh, in order to be certain I'd remain with the friends who took me into their lives when we first moved to America, but Yavneh has taught me a lot about life, people, myself, and the future, and its environment has challenged in a way that only this school could," said Kevin.

"Yavneh's evenly split dual-curriculum, due to the structure of the school, manages to cover more than what is necessary of a college prep school. Its focus is more intellectually curious rather than mainstream, and we learn what we need by delving into the topics often unexplored by others, utilizing lessons learned to expand our knowledge, ideas, and spectrum in any given subject."

"Kevin does not draw attention to himself and works diligently in my class," said Math Chair, Veronica Thomas. "He has been successful and I am confident that Kevin's intelligence and maturity will be great assets to him."

After a year of exploration, of Jewish communities in Israel and Europe, as a participant of Kivunim: New Directions, where he expects to interact with youth in countries including Morocco, Turkey, Spain, and Greece, Kevin will return to Texas, to study at UT/Austin. "It's bittersweet to leave Yavneh, and I hope I've taken full advantage of all that Yavneh provides," said Kevin. "It's hard to think of a childhood being 'over,' but I'm glad that the last four years of that was spent here."

The son of Cheryl and Cyril, and brother of Jonathan '10, this South African transplant made Dallas his home, and Akiba Academy his school, at just seven-years-old. A member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla, Kevin is also involved in Young Judaea programs, appreciating its "overarching emphasis of Zionism." Kevin attended Camp Young Judaea in Wimberley, Tel Yehuda in New York, and participated on YJ's Machon, summer in Israel. Young Judaea provides a relaxed and friendly environment that is stress-free, really an escape," said Kevin. "It's a chance to broaden your Jewish perspective, and meet the greatest people."

At Yavneh, Kevin participated in Students Against Terrorism, HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, was a Bulldog Basketball player, and a founding member of Yavneh's Bulldog Soccer Team and its Red Cross and Chesed clubs.

"Yavneh reminds me of a businessman, who instead of looking stiff and upright all the time, will every once in a while loose his tie and unbutton his top button," said Kevin. "It shows this is a serious place of education and hard work, but you must be yourself and take the time to relax."

Self-proclaimed as daring, adventurous, brave, and most of all, persistent, Kevin enjoys taking chances and risks. Still, as a member of the Bulldog Basketball team said that Kevin was the go-to-mentor for how to behave, that is his legacy. That, and a smile that can light up a room, a city, a far-away land.

When Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote Climb Every Mountain, fifty-three years ago, they couldn't possibly have been writing about Ilana Wernick, on the other hand - the song is the life she lives.

After an outing at Exposure Rock Climbing in Carrollton, when she was just seven-years-old, Ilana was hooked - hooked to the safety belt that would be her partner over the next decade as she's scaled heights local, and around the world.

"I love the feeling I get at the top of a difficult route," said Ilana, who still trains at Exposure. Ilana has participated in the U.S. and in competitions abroad, as part of Team USA and Team Texas in Austria, Canada and France, and on the multi-year National Championship-winning team, the Nationals Speed Climbing Championships, the National Sport Climbing Championship, and the National Team for Continental Competition.

"There's so much to accomplish, and it feels so great once you reach a new goal," said Ilana. "I hope to keep challenging myself to climb beyond my expectations and to continue climbing throughout college."

The responsibility and focus that Ilana has learned rock-climbing, she brings too to the classroom, athletics, and volunteer opportunities she reaches for.

"As a teacher you pray for the opportunity teach a student like Ilana. Not only does she come ready to learn, but she is actually excited and looks forward to learning," said Associate Principal/Judaic Curriculum, Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. "During class she soaks up the material and then after class she sees how she can apply her learning to her life. Learning is something that is personal and relevant to her growth as a person, not just material to study and memorize. Much like her favorite sport, she is serious about climbing the rocks of life and become a better person. I am sure that eventually she will climb to the very top and maximize her incredible potential."

The Class of 2012's Magna Cum Laude and a '12 Sylvia and William Epstein Golden Anniversary Judaic Fund honors recipient has always taken her studies serious, and will do so next year at Israel's Midreshet Yeud, and then at the University of Maryland as a business or political science major.

"Soft-spoken, composed and articulate, Ilana is a very impressive young lady. She thinks with clarity and sophistication and I regularly used her responses on tests to model ideal answers for the rest of the class," says former Judaic Studies teacher, Raffi Rosenzweig. "Ilana is also quick to smile and treats those around her with respect and concern. However, this gentle demeanor masks her significant accomplishments as an athlete. Her unique and varied skills equip Ilana to succeed in all aspects of life."

Ilana, a Dallas native and former AkibaKid, is the daughter of Sheryl and Stuart and sister to Erin '15 and Anna. A member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and of BBYO's Kravitz chapter, she has served as a Student Ambassador and always been at the forefront of programs of Hashinui Environmental Club, Mock Trial, and Helping Hands for the Homeless. For The Bulldog Print, Ilana led as a reporter and Calendar and Entertainment Editor during her senior year.

Co-Captain of the Lady Bulldogs Basketball team, which this year won two major championships, Ilana provided her team with much of the leadership and strength she learned as a climber. "The girls and coaches on the Bulldogs are like a family within the Yavneh family, and there's no other school to have it so tight," said Ilana. "The friends I was close with, we became even closer, and I really didn't want this experience to end."

Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, till you find your dream. Your Yavneh family will be at the base of your every climb, proud as can be.

YAVNEH GOES DIGITAL - VIDEO PRODUCTION CLASS DEBUTS 

This year during its spring semester, Yavneh academy is offering its sophomore students a course in Basic Video Production. This course compliments the speech course offered to these students during their first sophomore semester. The goal of the course is to teach the students basic techniques of all aspects of video production: acquisition; production and post-production. In today's world where technology sometimes seems  

to evolve faster than the speed of light, staying current with multimedia  

trends and shortened audience attention spans is a necessity.

"I think the Video class is very helpful to students to learn to be more tech-savvy with computers, instead of phones," said Dania Tanur '14. "I have learned so much, especially about filming and video montages."

Learning the art of video production can empower the students and provide them with a platform for academic discourse and social critique that immediately becomes accepted by their peers. The convergence of camera, cell phone and computer technology has allowed anybody with a creative idea to tell a story through digital video. The Internet is the readily available distribution channel for these creative ideas.

The driving theme behind the video production course at  

Yavneh is to teach the basic theory of composition, content,  

shooting, editing in order to create content once and deliver anywhere.

The students navigate their way through course modules featuring among others: cinematic composition, lighting, shooting techniques, editing, sound, and post production. They also have to complete and produce personal video projects like interviews,  

photo-montages, musical videos, commercials and skits, which are critiqued and graded not only by the teacher but by their peers.

Once the students have learned to create video content, one hopes that there will be a demand for a course in advanced video techniques that will eventually equip these students with the tools and skills in running a local school TV station at Yavneh.

Class of 2012 Seniors celebrated with their parents

on May 16 amidst a backdrop photo montage, comedy relief, a photo booth,  and a delicious meal all through which to create new memories.  

Many thanks to Lizzy Greif and her committee of  

senior parents who all provided an evening to remember!  

 Photos from Senior Night have been uploaded to Yavneh Class of 2012!  

Click on the blue and enjoy.  

A DECADE OF DEFENSE...  

AND THEN SOME!  10 YEARS OF MOCK TRIAL ~~    

Thanks and thanks again and again were parlayed on Mock Trial founder and sponsor Warren Abrams, along with his team coaches Rick Cohen and Harry Saginaw.

Ten years of Yavneh Mock Trial were celebrated at the end of its current season,  with promises for continued growth, learning, and competition.

    A FAREWELL TO DON O'QUINN  ~~

 


A fond fa rewell was shared Sunday, June 10, when more than 600 tendered such to
Don O'Quinn, Yavneh Academy's Head of School since 1998. With chairs across the floor of the Bulldogs' sport courts, students past and present, parents, supporters, friends and family said "Shalom" from collective hearts.

Others paying tribute were Yavneh Assistant Principal Dr. Tim Cloward, parent Faye Lavi, English Department Chair Peggy Leeman, Board of Directors President Dan Prescott, benefactor Howard Schultz, and Associate Principal Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. A video tribute to Mr. O'Quinn honored, with a theme of appreciation and admiration.

"You have the ability to see beyond the moment," said Epstein, recalling when
Mr. O'Quinn installed a mirror in the elevator, he asked the students "what did they see," looking for them to see their potential, not their person. "You've always been more concerned about fostering our souls, than completing a particular lesson plan."

"How does a man named O'Quinn fit into a Jewish school," asked Howard Schultz, running on a theme that recognized Mr. O'Quinn, a Pentecostal Christian, unique to head a Modern Orthodox Jewish high school. "He fits in well! Extraordinary people achieve extraordinary things and Don O'Quinn has built an exceptional institution."

"There are lots of dreams to be had," said Mr. O'Quinn, who beamed from the dais, which he shared with Yavneh supporters Leslie and Howard Schultz, Ann Rosenberg, Ethel Gruen, Dan Prescott, Steve Rosenberg, and Yavneh past-presidents,
Pam Hochster Fine, John Peiser, and Michael Zucker.

"But I came here and there were families who made dreams happen. Thank you to Ann and Marcus (of blessed memory) Rosenberg for your steadfast support, to Ethel and Ron (of blessed memory) Gruen whose vision was a Jewish place of learning and who were an inspiration of how a real marriage works, to Leslie and Howard Schultz who have hearts as big as can be, and to Ann and Nate Levine for their undying support."

"I've never set a preconceived notion about a child, but instead tried to find what G-d set forth and encourage that. If you expect students to be successful, you have to let them practice before they are 1000 miles away," said Mr. O'Quinn. "We go from strength to strength, something I learned here, and every group that has graduated with us is stronger. I wish you all dreams, to set goals and realize them. Never fear failure and always strive for success."

Photos for this story, by Deb Silverthorn.

Photos from the event, shot by Holly Kuper, are available for purchase at  

 www.hollykuperphotography.com  

Helping Hands for the Homeless 2012 support of Family Gateway reached a highlight on May 24, with a Dessert Reception & Raffle night that raised close to $20,000 to support the organization. Yavneh's Pollman Hall hosted an evening of sweet tastes, and sweet action.

"Helping Hands for the Homeless opens our eyes to the plight of homelessness and gives

Helping Hands for the Homeless Dessert Raffle Event chairs Dalya Romaner and Gabby Steinbrecher with Family Gateway Board Member, May Sebel.

us an opportunity to help people in our own community," said Gabby Steinbrecher HHH co-founder who chaired the evening with Dalya Romaner '14. "This year, Family Gateway has been the beneficiary of our donations, not just of money, but also our time. HHH members have volunteered monthly, we've hosted arts and crafts programs for the kids and many of us formed bonds with those we met."

"Family Gateway is fortunate to receive such generous support from Helping Hands for the Homeless and the community at large is fortunate to have such dedicated and compassionate youth," said Rob Alberts, Executive Director of Family Gateway. "This group of young individuals made a huge impact in the lives of homeless families with children."  

Family Gateway, founded in 1986, specifically meets the unique needs of homeless families, keeping families together while they recover from crisis and learn the skills needed to return to lasting self-sufficiency.

HHH members Hadas Cohen, Liora Dickter, David Dunsky, Michelle Friedstadt, Rachel Goodman, Itai Guttman, Scott Lacritz, Alexandra Lavi, Sam Kleinman, David Rudomin, Mika Stein, Adam Steinbrecher, Dania Tanur, and Erin and Ilana Wernick, and the support of many of their parents, joined efforts to make the event a success.

"With this fundraiser we were able to help those we loved and can see the difference it makes in their lives," said Gabby proud of the organization that previously raised $25,000 to provide a medical room at Jonathan's Place. "At Yavneh, I learned that we always have to help others and about how our forefathers helped others even when they're in pain. The families of Family Gateway have faced so much trauma and we want to do everything we can to help."

"I had the pleasure of working with Yavneh's students and their sincere concern for the homeless was reassuring," said Shama Shams, Family Gateway's Community Outreach Manager. "The time they spent volunteering with our kids is immeasurable to any monetary donation they could ever make."

Contact helphomeless33@yahoo.com for information on how to continue your support for Yavneh's HHH.

Yavneh's Students 4 Students hosted an Angelika Film Center screening of "3 Points," poised to raise close to $17,000, and partering with the Jewish World Watch Sister Schools Project, to build a school in the Goz Amer refugee camp in Darfur.

"3 Points," details NBA All Star, Atlanta Hawk Tracy McGrady's humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan, including his 2007 visits to refugee camps in the region, and other fundraising efforts.   For S4S co-founders Dalit Agronin '12, Jori Epstein '12, and Rachel Siegel '13, McGrady's goal for his Darfur Dream Team project mirrors their mission. In 2011, S4S rprovided donations of more than $10,000 to build their first school in the Gondar region of Ethiopia, now supporting more than 90 students.

S4S' Scott Lacritz, Tamar Cohen, Lauren Siegel, Shelby Gadol, Kayley Romick, Liora Dickter, Jason Epstein, Kelly Herson, David Dunsky, Erin Wernick, Serina Romick, and Sheera Krengel assisted Dalit, Jori, and Rachel,  

in providing an evening of entertainment and education.

After the screening, heard the stories of Sudanese refugees Malual Aciek, David Deng, Philip Machok, Nicodemus Malek, and Peter Thiong, associated with the Friends of the Lost Boys of Sudan, a non-profit volunteer organization formed to assist in the education, training, skills, and mentorship necessary to support the lives of the Lost Boys, living in the DFW area.

"Four thousand of us came to the United States, more than 100 to Dallas. We used to be living under a tree, and now we are students and graduates of UTD and other universities and working in the community," said Peter Thiong. "Education is your mother and your father. Education, and our faith, is all we had to hold on to."

To help support projects of Yavneh's  

Students4Students, email s4sdarfur@gmail.com or call 972.333.9541

Yom Huledet Sameach,  

         Well Wishes, & Mazal Tov!

Yavneh's THE BULLDOG PRINT, which received a Silver Star Award at the Texas Press Association's Interscholastic League Press Conference! Competing in the 3A division, alongside schools with up to 1,000 students, this was Yavneh's fifth team prize.  

The 2012 conference placed Yavneh in 13 of the contest's 27 categories:

3rd place: Rachel Goodman '13

Honorable Mention: Rachel Siegel '13 

3rd place: Jillian Herstein '12

1st place: Jillian Herstein '12

1st place: David Dunsky '12

3rd place: Katie Lerer '13

Once again, Yavneh students also excelled in the Class B honors, of The Dallas Morning News' 21st High School Journalism Day & Competition. DMN's annual contest is judged by its staff's writers, editors, photographers, and graphic artists as well as journalism faculty members from Southern Methodist University and the University of North Texas.  

Bulldog Print Staff honorees are:

Winner: Emily Rosenfeld '12

photo submitted by Jaclyn Peiser

~~ Jackie Peiser '10, asked to serve as 

Editor-in-Chief of The Quindecim, "The Q," Goucher College's newspaper, will train next year and lead the team during her senior year. Jackie will spend 

this summer as an intern, for the Entertainment Section, of the Baltimore Sun.

photo submitted by Wolk Family

~~ Yonaton and Lani Wolk, and their families on the birth of baby Shoshana Rachel. 

photo submitted by Schneider Family

  

 

 

photo submitted by Bnai Zion

~~ Ben Fine '05, honored with Bnai Zion's New Leadership Award, at Bnai Zion's May 6 brunch to support the Ahava Children's Village in Israel.

 

 

 

photo submitted by Karen Heller

~~ Naomi Heller '07, honored by Chabad at Texas A&M, at their fifth-year anniversary gala, for her commitment.  Naomi served as President of the Jewish Student Group for two years. 

 

SAMANTHA DANILEWITZ ~~ College of Charleston, Indiana University*, 

                                          Penn State, San Diego State University, University of Arizona, 

                                          University of Delaware                                         

EVIE DENEMARK ~~ Boston University, Brandeis University, 

                                             Midreshet Harova, Midreshet Moriah, 

                                           Sha'alavim for Women*, Stern College/Yeshiva University*, 

                                             University of Maryland

LIORA DICKTER ~~ Collin College*, University of Kansas

DAVID DUNSKY ~~  Texas A & M, University of Texas at Austin*,  

                                            Washington University/St. Louis 

JORI EPSTEIN ~~ Brandeis University, Columbia University, Emory University,   

                                      University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas/Austin*,  

                                        Washington University/St. Louis   

ALI FEINSTEIN ~~ American University, Boston University, Indiana University, 

                                         Midreshet Yeud*, Northeastern University,  Rutgers University,

                                         Syracuse University, University of Maryland*                                                  

COREEN GOLAN ~~  College of Charleston, Indiana University,   

                                   San Diego State University, University of California/Santa Barbara  

                                   University of California/Santa Cruz,  University of Colorado*,

                                   University of Kansas, University of Central Florida, 

                                   Young Judaea YearCourse/Israel*    

JAKE GREIF ~~ Indiana University, Kivunim/Israel*, Tulane University,  

                                   University of Kansas, University of Miami*     

JILLIAN HERSTEIN ~~ Emory University, Indiana University, Tulane University,

                                                University of Miami, University of Texas/Austin*      

DEJENE HODES ~~   Aardvark Israel*, Florida Institute of Technology,  

                                              Goucher College, Hofstra University,  

                                              Wentworth Institute of Technology*   

TOVA KLINE ~~  Hofstra University*, NATIV/Israel*, Penn State,

                                     University of Denver, University of Kansas,

                                     University of Massachusetts/Amherst

SHEERA KRENGEL ~~ FIDM: Fashion Institute of Design and

                                                Merchandising, Lynn University,
                                                  Savannah College of Art & Design, St. Edwards University, 

                                                  Tel Aviv University*,  University of Kansas

BENJI LIENER ~~ Indiana University*, Tulane University, University of Miami        

ADINA MANDELCORN ~~ Adelphi University, St. Edwards University,  

                                                 Stern College/Yeshiva University*,  

                                                 University of Hartford, University of  Kansas  

ARI MARGOLIES ~~ Aardvark Israel, Chai Israel, Eckerd College,      

                                           St. Edwards University, University of Kansas,  

                                           University of Tampa, Young Judaea YearCourse/Israel*  

JORDAN PRESCOTT ~~  Kivunim/Israel, University of Georgia, University of Indiana,

                                     University of Texas/Austin*, University of Wisconsin,  

                                       Young Judaea YearCourse Israel  

MINA PULITZER ~~  Boston University, Indiana University, Kivunim/Israel*,  

                                       Northeastern University, University of Colorado, 

                                       University of Denver, University of Maryland*

EMILY ROHAN ~~  Stern College/Yeshiva University*, Tiferet Center*

BEN ROMANER ~~ University of California/Santa Barbara*,  University of Colorado,

                                           University of Oregon,  Young Judaea YearCourse/Israel*  

EMILY ROSENFELD ~~ University of Denver*, University of Oregon 

HANNAH SCHEPPS ~~ University of Arizona*, University of Texas/San Antonio

GABBY STEINBRECHER ~~ Indiana University, Tulane University    

                                                             Washington University/St. Louis*  

YAAKOV STOLOVITSKY ~~ Bradley University, Drexel University,  

                                           Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University,

                                           Lynn University , Mechinat Yeud/Israel*,

                                         Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Hartford*,

                                           Wentworth Institute of Technology   

KEVIN SULSKI ~~ Boston University, Kivunim/Israel*,  Northeastern University,  

                                         Tulane University, University of Colorado, University of Denver,   

                                         University of Texas/Austin*   

ILANA WERNICK ~~  Boston University, Midreshet Yeud/Israel*,  

                                                Tulane University, University of Maryland*,  

                                                University of Texas/Austin   

 GAP YEAR FOCUS FEATURE ~~ KIVUNIM

click blue for more info about Kivunim    

Summer break has some of our recently graduated seniors readying to pack their bags for universities and colleges around the U.S. and others, 14 students, are readying for a gap year program in Israel. Some attending seminaries, others at Israeli universities,  

but Jake Grief, Mina Pulitzer, and Kevin Sulski venture forward on Kivunim: New Direction, a program making its debut. New Directions provides a unique opportunity for international travel and study.  

With students based in Israel, they venture out on international field trips every five-six weeks to the countries including Greece, Bulgaria, Morocco, Spain and Turkey, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and India. With a focus on understanding the history and contemporary life of international Jewish communities, Kivunim is committed to building world-consciousness.  

With social responsibility development on its menu of action, you can be sure that Yavneh students, this trio involved in much during their time here, will lead their peers in making a difference, while learning about Jewish life and adding the color of stamps to their passports, and memories to their selves!

~ 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 

Leigh Bonner ~

    11-12 ~ Midreshet Lindenbaum

       Fall 2012 ~ Freshman at Barnard University

I admit that as I write this note, I struggled with the thought of limiting Israel to one experience, as I think Israel is best defined by its variety, by its copious contradictions.

In the classroom, I spend the mornings studying Gemara; debating and analyzing the technicality of Jewish law. Comparatively, I spend my afternoons perusing the law's practicality in various Halacha classes- be it Halacha of Shabbat, or Halacha as a Philosophy. Both provide the tenants necessary to start college life informed.

Geographically, I find that Israel boasts the warm Tel Aviv sun on Monday but is also home to 30 degree weather in the Golan Heights on Thursday of the same week. And of course, I'm the "Texan" who doesn't own a real winter jacket. In Jerusalem, my "hometown" for the year, contradictions roam every cobbled, ancient street; a left can lead to the holy Kotel, where this past Shavuout I davened as the sun rose. But take a right turn and it's the elegant Mamilla Mall, specifically the Aroma Cafe, home of the iced coffee; and cause of my lack of spending money.

With so many options, many often ask, where does one find the balance? It was to answer that question that I desperately desired to come to Israel. I wanted to search for that ever so elusive happy medium of the secular and the spiritual.

What I found instead is the beauty that exists in the constantly tilting scale. There might not be a perfect balance, but Israel doesn't deem that necessary. The kaleidoscope of people here form a nation, an identity, an immense sense of pride.

Soldiers, for example, speak of war not in terms of if, but when...yet not one wears the olive green uniform begrudgingly. Observant Jews, on the other hand, speak of the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash not in term of if, but when, and they wear their kippah without fear.

I admire them all. I love living amongst the paradox of people, places and perspectives because at the end of the day whether you're religious or not, in the Golan, Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, everyone believes in the future success and of Eretz Israel, and that alone is the only similarity necessary.

A very special reunion took place during the 2012 MOL visit to Israel!   

Class of 2012 students met up with those from 2010 and 2011,  

studying, touring, and taking in all that Israel has to give! 

ALUM INFO ~~

Yavneh BulldogAlum!

Preparation of the third edition of Exploring Leadership: For College Students Who Want to Make a Difference is underway and publishers are looking for stories from college-aged students, and graduates, describing actual events they have experienced as leaders.

They would like to receive 100-200 word "essays" written by student leaders describing actual events that you have experienced.  They are particularly interested in receiving essays on the following topics:

•          Understanding Yourself as a Leader
•          Understanding Others as a Leader
•          Leading with Integrity
•          Leading in Communities
•          Leading in Groups and Teams
•          Leading Organizations
•          Leading Change
•          Renewing Yourself as a Leader
•          Components of the Relational Leadership Model including (A)Being Inclusive as a Leader, (B) Being    Empowering as a Leader, (C) Being Purposeful as a Leader,(D) Being Ethical as a Leader and (E) the Process of Leadership

For more information, or to submit a response, contact Tim McMahon at timothyrmcmahon@msn.com