"Home away from home" is a phrase that many have used to refer to the halls of Yavneh's Schultz Rosenberg Campus but for Nathasha "Tash" Guaqueta, the saying couldn't be more true.  For two-and-a-half of her four years at Yavneh, Tash has made Dallas her home, while her parents moved to Florida.  Yavneh's Family, keeping her close. 

The Lopez (Valerie '14), Smith (Erin '14 & Carolyn '16), and Kravitz (David '09, Jonathan '15 & Heidi '17) families have made a commitment to Tash and her education beyond what most are called to do.  Martha & Ricardo Lopez, Debbie & Garry Smith, and Michelle & Brian Kravitz have opened their doors, their homes, and their hearts to Tash while, from afar, her own parents Lucille and Fernando have set the example of the essence of kibud Av v' Em, honoring thy Mother and Father.

"It started with a need for my parents to be closer to my grandparents to care for them, and it was supposed to be for just a couple of months," said Tash.  "I wanted to finish the year and so I stayed.  Each summer I reevaluated and I really do thank G-d every day that I'm still here. When people talk about the Yavneh 'Family,' I promise you it really is my family!"

A Floridian by birth, Tash moved to Texas when she was five, and attended schools in Irving before attending Akiba Academy.  "We wanted to be more of a part of the Jewish community and it was worth the commute," said the youngest of three, her siblings David and Hadassah, who lives in Israel and who is married to Yosef and the mother of Netanel and Atara, are older than she.  "Yavneh was the obvious choice for high school.  The small classes, the faculty who put their students first, were why I came, the whole experience is why it has been so important to me to stay."

"Nathasha is an impressive, independent young woman and I enjoy watching her voice grow through her writing," said English teacher, Bonnie Atkins.  "She's worked very hard at elaborating through details and description and brought her work to the next level."  

Ensconced in the Jewish Community, Tash is a part of the Congregation Shaare Tefilla family and attends weekly classes and programs of NCSY (National Council of Synagogue Youth).  She has also volunteered at the Richardson Animal Shelter.

"Being a part of the Theatre Department has taught me a lot, but I've come closer to a lot of my friends there too," said Tash.  "Because there are kids from all four grades involved, I've built relationships with kids I wouldn't have classes with, and, while we work hard, and put on I think great shows, it really is a great social opportunity as well."

Tash reiterates the "self-sacrifices," the families with whom she's lived, and the Yavneh Family extension, have made to allow her to stay here.  "It's taken many people, lots of hugs (and chocolate) from LuAnn and Sarah, and I really appreciate all that Mrs. Schmucker has done to help me apply to college.  It's been a lot of effort but I want everyone to know how much my being here has mattered.  I know my life will always be special because Yavneh is where I went to high school."

And Yavneh, dear Tash, will always be special because you were here!