Alumni Spotlight
Each week, The Silver Summary will feature one alumnus from our rich alumni network.
Arielle Frankston-Morris
New York, NY
What years did you attend The Silver Academy?
Ganeinu to 8th grade - so that was 1990-2001.
Where did you grow up in Harrisburg?
I grew up on 2nd street in Harrisburg, just about 7 blocks away from the JCC. We would walk home from school sometimes, but it felt like 25 blocks back then! (Maybe because we were always lugging around heavy textbooks...!)
Where did you go to school after The Silver Academy?
After graduating from the Silver Academy, I went to Beth Tfiloh in Baltimore, then studied in Jerusalem at Midreshet Lindenbaum, then attended Yeshiva University's Stern College, and then the Hunter College School of Social Work in NYC.
Where do you live now? 
I live in Washington Heights in Manhattan BUT never fail to mention that I am from Harrisburg!!!
What do you do?
I work in the political affairs department at the Orthodox Union as the Associate Director of New Jersey Community Engagement and Marketing. (Coincidentally, Jesse Hervitz, a fellow Silver Academy graduate also works in this department! Small world!)
What was your favorite class at The Silver Academy?
I think my favorite class was probably Science. Thanks, Mrs. Gaughan! The room was always decorated in cool ways, we loved Mrs. Gaughan's handwriting, and we did lots of hands-on activities. I liked the things that were messy and gross!
Who was your best friend at The Silver Academy?
We were all such good friends! The kids in my class were great and we had a lot of good times over the years! Shout out to my 8th grade class, Yael, Brittany, Jackie, Eliana, Diana, Rebecca, Ayelet, Fedor, and Michael! Not to mention those in other grades who I was really good friends with too!
What was your favorite school lunch?
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup! I know that my sister, Julia Frankston-Morris, wrote the same thing in her answer to this questions a few months ago...and I agree!
How many times were you sent to the principal's office?
Oy, once. I had NEVER gotten sent to the principal's office, so when I had to go to Rabbi Burstein's office one time, I felt like it was such a big deal and I was really sad about it. I don't remember why or who the teacher was.
What was your favorite memory and/or do you have any funny stories about The Silver Academy?
Recess outside at the JCC was very very exciting. We played the most intense 4-square games that would go on for days, maybe even weeks!
What was your favorite thing to do at the JCC?
Over the summers, I used to go to sleep away camp, but before and after, I would be at home in Harrisburg. I loved being home in the summer before and after camp because Shira Burcat, Yael (Gewirtz) Chait and I used to have incredible fun! We would spend HOURS riding our bikes around Harrisburg, and the JCC was always a destination. Usually, we would ride from our houses to City Island, then to 81, then to the JCC where we would buy lunch (classic bagel and cream cheese or wrapped potato knish from the vending machine downstairs). We would always see friends there, and would OBVIOUSLY play some basketball in the gym! Sometimes, we'd even go swimming before we got back on our bikes. Best summers!
Who were your biggest role models in Harrisburg?
My parents are definitely my role models in Harrisburg. I so admire their leadership, wisdom, activism, and hospitality and appreciate the Torah values that inspire so much that they do.
