Community Magazine July 2014

Salute to the H.S.Graduates of 2014 Yeshivat Darche Eres (YDE) Raphael Cohen Valedictorian Ralph Cohen is a gifted young man in both Judaic and secular subjects. He has a sterling character, and a humble, modest and unassuming demeanor. Behind Ralph’s warm and genuine smile lies a brilliant and curious mind that studies the highest tractates of Talmud, as well as complicated theories in AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Ralph is deeply connected to his community and likes to help others with great enthusiasm and in a meaningful way. He is always available to assist anyone who needs help. At graduation, Ralph expressed his gratitude to the Rosh HaYeshiva, rabbis and teachers of YDE High School for the guidance they have given him toward the realization of his academic and personal goals. Ralph has been accepted to Columbia University where he plans to study engineering, after learning in Yeshivat Kol Torah in Israel. Isaac Hidary Valedictorian Ikey Hidary can be described as a “Renaissance Man,” an individual who is good at a great many things. Ikey is warm and welcoming, intelligent and curious. He excels in both Judaic and secular subjects, and is always sharing new ideas with his fellow students. His dedication to community is evident in his participation in the Lamed Program, where he has supervised tutors who help weaker kids succeed, both at YDE and in the community. He was a member of the varsity hockey team, the debate team and the mathematics team, and was Senior VP of SGO. He took Advanced Placement (AP) classes in Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, U.S. Government, and U.S. History. At graduation, Ikey spoke about being a trailblazer, taking chances in life and following your dreams. With YDE High School behind him, Ikey has the tools to reach for the stars. This past summer, Ikey worked in the banking sector as an analyst at Bank Hapoalim in New York, where he researched money market accounts in national and international locations, analyzing their stability. He created a formula for expeditious review that was later adopted for future use. This experience has prepared him well to begin his studies in Business at Baruch College, where he has been awarded a full academic scholarship. Next year, Ikey will study at Yeshivat Kol Torah in Israel. Ike said, “I amvery proud to be a part of the first graduation class of YDE... an institution that has seen miraculous growth and success in just three years!” Steven Greenstein Salutatorian Mention to anyone that Steven Greenstein will be running a basketball tournament next summer, and you will find people lining up in February to sign up. That is the power that Steven wields, in a good way! YDE’s Salutatorian, Steven Greenstein, combines high academic achievement in all Judaic and secular subjects with outstanding community service. He has run the basketball tournament each summer since he was 12 on behalf of Chai Lifeline, raising money to support this important organization. Steven represents the best of YDE High School: high academics and deep care for his fellow human beings. Steven served as school president in 10th grade andwas on the debate team. Hemaintained an above 96 total average and took AP Biology, AP English, AP US Government and AP US History. The school is confident that Steven will reach great heights as he pursues Business Studies at Baruch College. Steven said, “YDE was the best and most productive years of my life. They have given me an education that puts me in position to excel at anything I wish to do in the future.” Stephen Wahba Salutatorian From the time he was little, Stephen Wahba wanted to join his eminent uncles in their noble profession of medicine. As an extremely hard worker with an above 96 average, there is no doubt that YDE High School Salutatorian, Stephen Wahba, will realize his dream. Stephen has achieved outstanding success in his Judaic and secular studies and in his community involvement. He has taken courses at NYU and has interned at Monmouth Medical Center. In his spare time, of which he has little, Stephen enjoys solving crossword puzzles, always trying to best his speed. Although he excels in athletics, he never tried out for the basketball team, so that he could concentrate on his studies. Stephen’s achievements earned him a Brooklyn College Presidential scholarship and a Hofstra University Presidential scholarship. This coming year, Stephen will study at Yeshivat Lev Aharon in Israel, and will then attend Yeshiva University, where he will pursue pre- medical studies. Bet Yaakov of the Jersey Shore Shoshana Ouzer Valedictorian Shoshana is a motivated and considerate student who will apply herself to every job until it’s complete. She’s personable and fun to be with, and a faithful friend to all. Her organizational abilities and creativity made her the perfect GO vice president. With maturity and deep sensitivity, she always takes into account the feelings of others. Generous with her actions yet scrupulously careful with her words, Shoshana is always prepared to lend a helping hand to a friend in her time of need. TAMMUZ 5774 JULY 2014 49