Do you remember your Commencement Ceremony?

 

For our final newsletter of the 2021-2022 academic year we are using this opportunity to introduce you to a few of the newest members of our alumni family. This year’s class is 157 members, and we are excited to welcome them to our 95 year-old alumni family that is now over 13,500 members. 

 

Mazel Tov and Mabrook to the students and their families. Welcome to your next chapter, Class of 2022 graduates!

 

To watch graduation live, click HERE.

Rebecca Dweck (HS ‘22) is this year’s co-valedictorian. She joined the Flatbush family at the start of ninth grade. She came from another local school knowing only one other person in her class. Despite being new, she jumped in with both feet and took advantage of many offerings at Flatbush. 

 

When we asked what she loved most about her experience at YOF, she spoke about the school’s chesed programs. “Through Flatbush I got involved with the Special Children’s Center (SCC) and it has been a transformative life experience. I became known on campus for my connections to this organization. When Color War came around, our team put me in charge of chesed. I immediately called SCC and asked what they always seem to need? They said theyalways need books, but don’t get enough book donations. With the help of our team, we were able to donate 125 books to SCC.” 

 

Rebecca is very excited for her next chapter. She will be attending Hunter College, Macaulay Honors this fall.

Noyah Shebshaievitz (HS ‘22) is the class of 2022 yearbook Editor-In-Chief. She talked about her amazing team and their work with Ms. Tziri Lamm, the yearbook advisor, to make this year’s edition better than ever. “We focused on showcasing individuals from the class. I am so excited to share it with my classmates.” This year’s yearbook is a showstopper. The team won two awards for their hard work on the book and it was designated for the Bronze Level in the National Yearbook Excellence Program. The book also won first place from the American Scholastic Press Association for the second year in a row.

 

When asked about a special experience this year, Noyah talked about seminar. “Seminar was a little different because we had all been on different chesed trips on the days prior to seminar and then came together to share our experiences. It was incredible to see everyone together again and share those experiences.” 

 

Noyah is headed to Duke University this fall. She is our first alumna to attend Duke in many years.

Sarah Greenberg (ES ‘18, HS ‘22) is the female Falcon of the Year student athlete. She has been a member of our Girls Varsity Basketball team since her sophomore year. 

 

“I am gratified to be recognized for my commitment and dedication to the team,” shared Sarah. Her favorite memories from high school all involve the basketball team. Two back-to-back games against Ramaz, “we lost in overtime, and were very upset by this loss. It was followed by a game at Frisch, where we won. It brought our team closer.”

 

Sarah will be spending a year at Midreshet Moriah seminary in Israel followed by Yeshiva University.

Marc Lessler (ES ‘18, HS ‘22) is a Flatbush lifer and this year’s co-valedictorian. He comes from a family of Flatbush grads, starting with his Mom, Dr. Joelle Saad-Lessler (HS ‘90) and his sisters, Claire (ES ‘14, HS ‘18) and Stella (ES ‘16, HS ‘20). Marc is thankful for all of the opportunities he explored at YOF. Coming from elementary school, he was a bit quiet and shy, but high school gave him a chance to spread his wings, expand his interests and his circle of friends. “Especially this year, I really got to know more members of my class.” 

 

Marc has always been deeply involved in the sciences and science-related programs. He interned last summer in one of the labs at Rockefeller University through our Shifra Hanon Pathfinders Department. But this year, he stepped out of his comfort zone.  He decided to branch out into the humanities and learned graphic design and music. “Every senior has to take music appreciation, but in the beginning I hated it. Now, as the year is winding down, I realize I’ve developed a deep appreciation for classical music.” 

 

Marc will be attending Princeton University next year.

Ronnie Mizrachi (HS ‘22) is representing our Witness Theater participants this year. He was not only a participant, but was also a winner of this year’s National Better2Write Essay Contest. The Better Together program is an initiative of SelfHelp and is a supporter of the JBHS Witness Theater program. You can read Ronnie’s essay HERE. 

 

When we asked about his Witness Theater experience he shared a few thoughts with us. “From this experience, I feel like I now have four more people I can turn to for strength and inspiration. These survivors have overcome so many challenges and have gone on to rebuild their lives, have families and be a source of chizzuk for so many. It makes my problems seem small and more manageable.” 

 

Ronnie is planning to spend a year in Israel at Yeshivat Har Etzion, followed by Yeshiva University.

Irwin Azar (ES ‘18, HS ‘22) is the 2022 male Falcon of the Year student athlete. He is a varsity basketball player, which means practice three days a week followed by homework and studying. Being recognized as Falcon of the Year “means a great deal to me. Although we missed my ultimate goal of a championship season, the award shows the school recognized my efforts, which means a lot.” 

 

During our interview, Irwin shared some kind words about Flatbush faculty member and fellow alumnus, Rabbi Joe Blumenthal (ES ‘99, HS ‘03). "He was my teacher the first three years. We formed a close relationship and he is one of the best guys I know. He inspired me everywhere both in the classroom and on the court. I consider him a mentor."

 

Irwin will be spending next year at Moreshet Yerushalayim Yeshivah followed by Brooklyn College, where he is planning to study business management.