"Yavneh is:  Positive.  Inviting.   

                              Filled with limitless opportunities."

Whoever coined the phrase, "good things come in small packages," must certainly have been trying to find the words to describe Dania Tanur.  Petite of stature, but grand in ruach, talent, determination, and academia, she is the complete package.

A native of Mexico City who moved to Dallas as a toddler, Dania is the daughter of  Monica and Eduardo and the sister of Michelle '11 and Vanessa '18. Raised in a home in which the family's Latin Jewish environment is very much imprinted into her home life, Dania's fire and strength leads her in everything she does. A graduate of Levine Academy, and a member of Chabad of Plano/Collin County, Dania's traditions are rich.

"Dania's worldliness knows no boundaries and surpasses her years," said English teacher, Bonnie Atkins.  "But it is her maturity, self-awareness, and keen insight that make her stand out as a student and global citizen. I have enjoyed our conversations in and out of class and can only imagine the profound impact she will have as she moves forward."

"I chose to attend Yavneh Academy because I truly enjoy learning about my religion, heritage and history," she said.  "I felt like it was very important for me to understand and discover who I am before I could make decisions about who I can be. The atmosphere and curriculum here has done that and more, providing me with both Judaic values and secular academics."

"Dania is a strong, dynamic young lady who brought fresh air, intelligence and a hunger for knowledge to our social studies classes," said Social Studies and Video Production teacher, Ari Dembo.  "She is not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, and she is very passionate as an active participant in whatever world she finds herself. Dania's positive attitude and winning smile gathers her friends along the way. I admire the way she is a positive role model for all her peers and have no doubt that for Dania, the sky is truly the limit."

Still to be decided where she'll hang her hat in the fall, Dania was accepted to the Global Scholars Program at American University, George Washington University, Indiana University, New York University, Northeastern University/NUiu, University of Miami, University of Southern California, and the University of Texas.  Planning to pursue a career in International Affairs law or relations - Dania's career goals are inspired by her awareness for world events, her inherent willingness to debate - or argue - her point, and her experience as a member, and attorney, of Yavneh's Mock Trial program.

In addition to Mock Trial, Dania has been and she was a member of Helping Hands for the Homeless, a leading athlete on our Lady Bulldog Soccer, Basketball, and Volleyball teams, Captain of the latter, as well as of this year's Students Against Terrorism and Points for Peace organizations.  She helped rekindle Yavneh's Student Council, serving as a Presidential Appointee, and was a member of Hashinui, Spirit Club, she was a Student Ambassador, and the creator of the Student Challenge effort.

"Many of the programs and activities I participated in at Yavneh will stick with me, they really all are a part of who I have become," said Dania.  "I think the revival of Student Council, which I led with Jason Epstein, was definitely a learning 'moment,' and an experience which was invaluable.  We brought it back to help the school and how students communicate with each other and faculty. I hope future students will utilize it the way they feel will best help Yavneh and its future."

A member of BBYO's Reba Wadel BBG chapter, and the Liverpool '96 Girls Gold Soccer Club, Dania has spent her summers conditioning for her sports programs, as well as, in 2012, traveling to Costa Rica, as a volunteer of the Rustic Pathways Travelling Soccer and Service team.

"The quality of her work is excellent and the quality of Dania, as a person, is really magnificent," said Hebrew Language Department Chair, Dorit Bracha.  "Dania is amazing.  She is serious in class, but so very kind.  She is a mensch, and a fun student to teach, who always smiles thru her seriousness as one with intention for everything she does.

Buena suerte chica, may all the goodness in life find its way to your life's field - knowing you will score, and meet, all goals set before you.