Alumni Spotlight
Each week, The Silver Summary will feature one alumnus from our rich alumni network.
Shira Burcat
Philadelphia, PA
What years did you attend The Silver Academy?
I attended the Yeshiva from Ganeinu (1990) through 8th grade (2000)
Where did you grow up in Harrisburg?
I grew up in uptown Harrisburg, a few blocks away from the JCC. Arielle Frankston-Morris and I attempted to walk home from school often, but I think we usually gave up somewhere along the way. Marian Frankston would come find us (somewhere along the tiring 5 block journey) in her Suburban.
Where did you go to school after The Silver Academy?
I attended Beth Tfiloh in Baltimore, then Midreshet Lindenbaum in Jerusalem, and then University of Maryland in College Park, and finally (for now) University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice for my Masters.
Where do you live now?
I live in Philadelphia. It is one of the first places I have lived since living in Harrisburg where I can say I am from Harrisburg and people don't say "where?".
What do you do?
I am the Program and Development Associate at a nonprofit organization called ArtWell. We provide arts education programs for underserved youth in the Philly area. I'd like to think art classes with Mrs. Voystock played some role in my career choice!
What was your favorite class at The Silver Academy?
I liked so many of my classes at The Silver Academy, it is hard to choose. I do still know that 'This, that, these, and those are the demonstrative pronouns' because of Mrs. Gold. (I know many other things too, but that one has a nice tune!)
Who was your best friend at The Silver Academy?
I had many very close friends, including my entire 8th grade graduating class. In elementary school though, Emily Doctrow and I were attached at the hip-- sometimes quite literally. We would always try to play sports with the boys at recess, and they would often generously let us play only if we played as 'one' player, or served as the goal posts. I think we jumped at the opportunity. Even a goal post has an important part in a game...
What was your favorite school lunch?
I think grilled cheese and tomato soup days were always winners. Mr Lowy, Bonnie, and Galina were always good to me.
How many times were you sent to the principal's office?
I think I was sent once. I was devastated at the time. I am pretty sure I thought it was going to be on my permanent record, which at the time I also thought would follow me forever. Luckily, I didn't have to report this incident when applying to my recent job position.
What was your favorite memory and/or do you have any funny stories about The Silver Academy?
I remember once eating a drop of blue food coloring during Mrs. Gaughn's science class. This was obviously a bad idea. The result was pretty difficult to hide, and blue. I learned a valuable science lesson that day and every day -- I loved Mrs. Gaughn's class!
What was your favorite thing to do at the JCC?
I loved playing Yeshiva/JCC basketball. Even non-athletes like myself got some major playing time (much to the dismay of my mother). I remember that in 5th grade I was still too small to shoot a foul shot, so I learned to 'shoot' by lobbing the ball underhand in the direction of the basket. I once got fouled during a game, and somehow made a foul shot this way. In my memory, the whole crowd cheered. This may be warped, but either way it was awesome.
Who was your role model in Harrisburg?
My grandmother, Mrs. Hartman, was always an amazing role model for me. I always sort of felt like I was related to a celebrity because I got to say "I'm Mrs. Hartman's granddaughter." Growing up in the Yeshiva and JCC was so much more fun because she was there everyday. My parents are pretty great, too!
