Elie Schramm defines Yavneh Academy as "motivating, supportive, and caring."  A mirror image it would seem as this student, doubled as a teacher this year, and his students look at him with the same honor.

"Elie was able to balance being our friend and our teacher all at once,"  said Freshman, Risa Mond.  "He knew when to be serious and when we could have small talk in the class." 

"Elie structured the class around us and he would ask us what would help us learn better whether it was doing projects, skits, or taking turns reading out loud and having group discussions," said Risa. "In the hallway he has also always treated us like a friend, saying hi and always smiling."

Elie joined Tamar Cohen '13 as one of two student teachers this year, leading the Oral Law class to Yavneh's Freshmen and Sophomores.   "I got a lot out of being a teacher and I really enjoyed it," said Elie, who realized he too was learning as he taught.  "I got to write and give tests and when the students worked hard, I could see that they listened and took the class seriously."

"It was a lot of responsibility on my shoulders because if I don't do my own homework, which is rare, I'm the only one who is affected," said Elie.  "There's no way I could not get ready for the class because the students were counting on me.  It really was a great experience."

A graduate of Akiba Academy, Elie transferred to Yavneh from Texas Torah Institute at the start of his Junior year, wanting to continue preparing for college in a Jewish environment with a community of friends he was close to.  A Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program, Elie was accepted to Brandeis University, University of Maryland (Honors College), Washington University/St. Louis, Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, Yeshivat Reishit and to Yeshiva University (Honors Program).  In the fall he will begin his post-high school career studying at Yeshiva Eretz HaTzvi in Jerusalem, before returning to attend a university in the U.S.

"The best part about Yavneh for me is probably the relaxed atmosphere, the freedoms, and the responsibility given to students," said Elie.  "Many of my peers welcomed me right away and taught me how things run at Yavneh in a very short time. They were there for me and, along with the faculty, were very kind and patient."

"Elie came to my PreCalculus class as a Junior and he certainly adjusted well, worked very hard, and received the Math Award at the end of the year," said Veronica Thomas, Yavneh Math Department Chair.  "He is an excellent student and I am confident that he will continue to be very successful."

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Elie and his family moved to Dallas when he was 12-years-old.  The son of Bonnie and Eric, and brother to Leora and Michael, Elie has volunteered with the Jewish Family Service Food Bank, he is a member at Congregation Ohr Hatorah and also Congregation Shaare Tefilla, where he serves as a Gabbai during the Shabbos Mincha services.

A member of the Yavneh Bulldog Basketball team, Elie has also participated as a crew member of the Theatre Department's production of "The Secret Garden," and as an actor in this year's "Epic Adventures in a Rinky Dink Art Museum" and as an attorney on the school's Mock Trial team.

A constant on the Mock Trial team, Elie found it "so logical," he said.  "It taught me how to present an argument, from either side, in a cogent manner.  It was very structured and I learned a great deal that I know I will use in my education and in whatever career I follow."

"Elie is the epitome of that old phrase 'a scholar and a gentleman,'" said Assistant Principal, Dr. Tim Cloward.  "He has a first-rate mind and is an excellent student across-the-board, as well-mannered and personable as any high school student I have ever met.  Elie has constantly impressed me with both his conduct and his academic performance."

Motivating, supportive, and caring.

  Yes, a mirror image indeed.

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