Alumni Spotlight
Each week, The Silver Summary will feature one alumnus from our rich alumni network.
Traci Siegel
Jerusalem, Israel
What years did you attend The Silver Academy?
I attended the The Silver Academy Ganeinu until 8th grade which was 1992-2003
Where did you grow up in Harrisburg?
I grew up on Green St. about a two blocks from the JCC.
Where did you go to school after The Silver Academy?
For high school I went to Beth Tfiloh all the way in Baltimore. I then studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem for one year and after, studied Government and Politics at the University of Maryland.
Where do you live now? 
I currently live in Jerusalem. Let me know if you are ever in town! Seeing Harrisburgers here is the best!
What do you do?
I am drafting into the Israel Defense Forces in April and until then I am a waitress at Mikes Place Jerusalem. Shoshana Miskin, another Silver academy alumna, was my coworker!
What was your favorite class at The Silver Academy?
I think science was probably my favorite class with Mrs. Gaughn. I remember the time at the beginning of class she took a candle and lit it, blew it out and then started eating it. It turns out it was just a potato with a piece of coconut at the tip. We learned that in science things aren't always what they seem. She always did cool things like that to engage us. She also showed us Bill Nye videos.
Who was your best friend at The Silver Academy?
My best friend then is still my best friend now - Rivkah Blutstein. But the truth is we were all pretty close. The best thing about being in the Silver Academy is that your class is like your family.
What was your favorite school lunch?
It's hard for me to remember, but I used to be such a picky eater I probably never ate lunch.
How many times were you sent to the principal's office?
I can't think of any times I was sent to the principal's office. And I think if it had ever happened, I would probably remember because it would be so traumatizing.
What was your favorite memory and/or do you have any funny stories about The Silver Academy?
Looking back I like to remember how Rabbi Gewirtz got us all to join Rashi Club, an after school activity where we practiced learning Rashi, the commentary on the Torah. I think just by making it an after school club he tricked us into thinking it was a cool thing to do. And it worked! You were either in it or you were nobody.
What was your favorite thing to do at the JCC?
When we were younger it seemed like such a big place. I'm not even sure what we would do all the time but we always stayed after school and hung out - played basketball, enjoyed the jungle gym, went swimming, and bought sandwiches from the snack bar. I loved it all!
