www.dkja.org - November 6, 2009

I recently read an article in a journal about Jewish organizations, in which the following appeared: “The Jewish people are commanded to flourish from generation to generation.” Then the question becomes, “Who is this next generation?”

My answer is the students attending The High School at Donna Klein Jewish Academy.

Spend a few moments with our students, and you’ll see why I am so proud. I would love to sing the praises of each and every one, but that would be impossible. So I’ll share a few examples with you. These include the accomplishments of Student Council President Zachary Herbert. Although he is a high school senior, his resume rivals that of many professionals. He has applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and will find out mid-December about his acceptance. Among his other choices for post-secondary education are Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University. His achievements as a National Merit

Scholarship semi-finalist and AP Scholar with Honor, athletic talents on the soccer field, and commitment to giving back to others through a program that refurbishes computers for the needy are commendable beyond words.

Zach's classmates and friends, Student Council Vice President Adam Orshan (National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, AP Scholar with Honor) and Stacey Berkowitz (AP Scholar), join him as outstanding students. Adam's college choices include Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, Washington University (St. Louis), the University of Miami, the University of Florida, Emory University, Tulane University, and Northwestern University. He aspires to be a neurosurgeon. Stacey hopes to attend the University of Pennsylvania, Tufts University, Carnegie-Mellon University or Emory University, where she plans to major in chemistry and English. Zach, Adam, and Stacey had exceptional SAT scores. The list of possibilities for “the next generation” is too great to put into words. For that, we should all be proud.

"Without a doubt, we expect to continue to hear great things about Zach, Adam, Stacey (shown at left), and all of our graduates. Armed with a DKJA education, they have the tools and foundation they will need to succeed in college and beyond," said Mandee Heller Adler of International College Counselors.

I am sure you will undoubtedly concur that we produce the Jewish future. We now have proof that with a Jewish education through twelfth grade, which includes not only exemplary academics, but strong community service, our young adults leave us ready to be successful. This success follows them to the universities and colleges which they select, as they continue on to graduate school, in their careers, and in life.

As the Head of Donna Klein Jewish Academy, I am so proud of these accomplishments.

Shabbat Shalom,
Karen Feller