Community Magazine July 2016

Salute To the High School Graduates of 2016 Millie Hakim Valedictorian Millie Hakim, this year’s valedictorian, has certainly enriched Hillel Yeshivah High School. Co-editor of the Senior Yearbook, and captain of the girls’ soccer team, she also participated in the softball team, debate team, Model UN, and College Bowl. As a student ambassador, she helped create a warm and welcoming environment for potential and incoming freshmen. For many years, Millie has been visiting senior citizens for Sephardic Bikur Holim. She also participated twice in the SBH Disney Half Marathon. Last summer, for Young Magen David, Millie helped plan a Three Ball Tournament and a Magen Ezra event in memory of Rabbi Labaton, A”H . Additionally, each week, for the last two years, Millie has visited a teen through the Hand-in-Hand Program and taught her cooking and baking skills. Millie also organized this year’s very successful Hillel Yeshiva Blood Drive in memory of Rabbi Ezra Labaton, A”H . Millie has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years. We know her conscientious spirit, humility, love of learning and compassion for others will guarantee her success when she attends Business School next year. Ben Cohen Salutatorian Ben Cohen, one of this year’s salutatorians, is a sophisticated thinker who also possesses a great sense of humor. Co-editor of the Yearbook, he has competed in Math League tournaments and College Bowl throughout high school. One of his fondest memories at Hillel involve his lab work in AP Bio. Showing his great love of Israel, Ben’s participated in the “Write On For Israel” program, which culminated in a trip to Israel, where he learned how to combat anti-Semitism on college campuses. As a student ambassador and member of National Honor Society, Ben has been a wonderful role model and mentor to freshmen and peers alike. As a volunteer, Ben has devoted many hours to the young people from the Friendship Circle. In his spare time, Ben also raises money for “The Gomez Foundation for Mill House” which is dedicated to preserving the oldest standing Jewish dwelling in the United States. Ben’s kindness, wisdom and thoughtfulness are appreciated by all who know him. We know that he will continue to flourish academically and spiritually next year. Rebecca Sasson Salutatorian Rebecca Sasson, one of this year’s salutatorians, brings enthusiasm and joy to her every pursuit. As student council vice-president she was instrumental in planning programs that enriched the school. A student ambassador, Rebecca has also participated in Art Club, Mock Trial and Science League. Under Rebecca’s leadership, Hillel won the annual yeshiva-wide Rikudia competitions. She has also choreographed intricate and beautiful dance numbers for our annual girls Cantata. Rebecca’s passion for art led her to teach art skills to school-age children and to pursue internships in the field of graphic and interior design. Currently, she works as a graphic designer. Rebecca’s kindness comes through in the countless hours she spends volunteering at Sephardic Bikur Holim. Head of the food pantry and visiting committees, she is also a senior executive of the DSN High School Committee. A recipient of the Keter Shem Tov award for middot tovot at the National Honor Society program, Rebecca is a wonderful young woman with a sterling character and huge heart. Hillel Yeshivah High School SIVAN - TAMUZ 5776 JULY 2016 45