2023 Gallery of Grads

Maya August

Graduation Date: May 18

High School: Fuchs Mizrachi School

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Solon Chabad

Jewish Activities: Junior NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth) Adviser, Bnei Akiva Cleveland

Parents: Anne and Steve August

For graduating Fuchs Mizrachi School senior Maya August, COVID-19 impacted her high school experience.

“It was sad,” August said. “It was de nitely sad having freshman year cut o and having so much of 10th grade spent in masks, but I think that Mizrachi did a really good job of still giving us the high school experience as much as they were able to.”

August said that attending Fuchs

Zach Chylla

Graduation Date: May 7

High School: Beachwood High School

Hometown: Pepper Pike

College: The Ohio State University

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Jewish Activities: Going to temple and participating in services, celebrating all of the Jewish holidays

Parents: Loren and Heidi Chylla

Zach Chylla, a 2023 graduate of e Ohio State University in Columbus, is ready to take on the creative world in his new, full-time role as account strategy

Kendall Jacobson

Graduation date: April 28

High School: Kenston High School

College: University of Cincinnati

Hometown: Chagrin Falls

Parents: Barry Jacobson and Jennifer Jacobson

Before Kendall Jacobson graduated from the University of Cincinnati on April 28 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in entrepreneurship, her future was already laid out in front of her.

Two months before her graduation, she and her father, Barry Jacobson, purchased Uncle Woody’s at 339 Calhoun St. in Cincinnati, a local college bar that Jacobson worked at as a student, on March 1.

“I joked that Woody’s was my bar from day one, and swore that I would own it one day,” said Jacobson, 22. “I knew I just had to

Mizrachi in Beachwood taught her valuable lessons about volunteering and leadership.

“And I was also just amazed when I came to Mizrachi seeing that the lifestyle of volunteering constantly and giving back was the complete norm in the community,” August said. “So, I was very eager to join them right away. I’d say Mizrachi is the place that taught me what it means to be a leader and they’re the ones that taught me that learning.”

For August’s rst two years of high school, she was an adviser within the NCSY Junior division. She also serves on a leadership board at Bnei Akiva Cleveland.

August plans to take a gap year in Jerusalem at the all-female Midreshet HaRova Seminary. Following her gap year, she will attend the Stern College for Women, a branch of Yeshiva University in New York City, where she will major in education.

August said her love for school and learning motivated her decision to specialize

and management associate with e Adcom Group, a Cleveland-based marketing communications company in Cleveland. He has a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in strategic communications.

However, Chylla, 22, won’t start his new job until July after he returns from vacation.

“I’m traveling to Europe for a month with friends,” he said. “ e trip was a graduation present,” he said, and he’s sharing the experience with friends.

“ e four of us are going to travel around Israel, Greece, Italy, and a few other countries.”

Before graduating, Chylla said the COVID-19 pandemic hit and a ected how he learned, and taught him more critical thinking.

“ e pandemic made it di cult on my

work there, and I called the previous owner a million times before she took a chance on me. Once I was working there, she took a liking to me and we ended up here.”

Originally studying psychology and criminal justice to become a child psychologist or in Child Protective Services, she said she “quickly” changed her mind to business in her sophomore year. Jacobson explained she has an independent mind, which entrepreneurship embraces.

“You have so much room for creativity and to try things out, to see what works and what doesn’t,” she said. “Another thing is you get to create a product or service that people love. It’s a lot of fun to have that freedom.”

Now out of college, Jacobson said the bar is her “No. 1” right now, adding she loves to work and stay busy.

“I am already thinking of my next venture and where I could go with it,” she said. “Outside of work, I’d also love to travel and deepen my relationship with Judaism. I’ve

in education.

“Jewish education has always been really important to me and special to me,” August said. “I’m the kid that loves going to school every single day and loves to learn. So, I think that just because I was given such an incredibly meaningful experience throughout my life, attending day school, I want to be a part of getting to run that and getting to organize and be in a position at a school and give kids the same education experience that I was able to receive.”

August said she has a positive outlook on the experiences she will gain after graduation.

“ ese next few years are the big years to build the foundation of your life and set yourself on a good and successful path,” she said. “So, I’m hoping I grow spiritually and personally. Like, I take the opportunity to learn from others around me.”

college career,” he said, having to do much of his learning online.

He said he taught himself a lot of the core curriculum and applied it, and learned to trust himself when working on assignments, helping him be more independent.

“Towards the end of the pandemic, being able to have more freedom in my classes and being able to meet people in classes and get a little more involved with activities made it easier for me to understand where I wanted to go in my path,” he said.

He said he gained marketing and public relations experience while in college and was happy to be involved in the American

always been encouraged to go to Israel and learn more, so I’ve de nitely taken more of an interest in that.”

roughout high school, Jacobson said she recalls being told about all of the doors that open up to young adults with degrees. Now looking back on her college career, she believes the sentiment rings true.

“ e biggest thing with college that was super eye-opening to me was the opportunities available to me,” she said. “College brought a lot of excitement for my future and gave me a lot of ideas.”

For students preparing to head to college in the fall, Jacobson advised them to lean into that fear and branch out.

“A lot of it is scary at rst because you don’t know anyone,” she said. “Just focus on yourself and do what you love to do, not what you think you should do. Keep your mind open and try new things.”

Julia Loveman

Graduation date: June 6

High School: Shaker Heights High School

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Suburban Temple-Kol Ami

Jewish Activities: Looking forward to joining a Hillel in Chicago

Parents: David and Maurine Loveman

With family members in marketing and a father who inspires her to work hard, 18-year-old Julia Loveman has a clear picture of what she wants to do. Loveman will graduate from Shaker Heights High School June 6 and will leave in August to attend Loyola University of Chicago to study business marketing.

At the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown,

CHYLLA | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34

she delved into owning an online business, Monarch Clothing, to sell her special creations with the goal of raising money for charities. She said it helped her to ll a creative void and transition her into her senior year with a focus on photography.

Loveman’s senior project is giving her another look at business marketing as she ful lls her 100-hour requirement through mid-June to learn from an outside project. She is shadowing employees at an advertising agency called thunder::tech in Cleveland.

She said she’s gaining valuable experience and a perspective of the industry there.

“I’ve met a lot of new people and some are younger, and I can talk to them and learn why they went into marketing,” Loveman said. “You have to reach out and network.

Marketing Association and the Public Relations Student Society of America where he was a student member, and attending industry events also gave him a more intimate understanding of what he wanted and how to go about it.

Stay busy, make yourself heard. ings don’t just come easy, you have to work for it.”

Loveman attributes her attitude and attained skills to being a “busy body.” She said she’s been working since she could drive and jobs with a few small businesses helped expose her to the business marketing world.

She said she’s not sure where she will end up after graduation from college, but she’s open-minded.

“I really like Chicago, I could end up there, maybe in the future with a signi cant other and a dog, or just somewhere with a close-knit community,” Loveman said. “Maybe Shaker Heights.”

Chylla said for anyone interested in getting into a good job after graduation, start while still in college.

“Get involved in the clubs and events that are o ered at your school because it’s a great way to network and meet other people,” he advises.

Chylla graduated from Beachwood High School where

he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball, and his love of sports has only grown.

“I’m de nitely a Cleveland fan of all the sports, especially the Cavaliers and the Guardians,” Chylla said.

Kylie Soble

Graduation Date: May 25

High School: Solon High School

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Jewish activities: Friendship Circle of Cleveland

Parents: Julie and David Soble

Like many of this year’s graduating seniors, Kylie’s sophomore year was completely virtual due to COVID-19, but as she approached her May 25 graduation, she re ected on the silver lining.

“It was very weird being online my entire sophomore year,” Soble said. “But even though it made school really hard, I got to spend a lot more time with my family. We all learned to cook together and bake together.”

She said a de ning experience she had in high school was her involvement in competitive dance, which she participated in for eight years. She danced in multiple styles, including jazz, tap and contemporary.

“It was just really good to have a space outside of school, and I had such a close community of dance friends, and I just loved dancing,” Soble said.

She said she was also involved in the Friendship Circle of Cleveland, which she

joined in seventh grade for her bat mitzvah project.

“ e biggest thing is kind of that you all get to be together and make friends,” Soble said. “And during COVID, obviously that was really hard because everyone was stuck at home, and you couldn’t do that. So, we did Zooms every day where we would play games, we would get to know each other, we would have guest speakers and fun activities.”

She plans to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., where she will major in biomedical engineering. She said she hopes to pursue a pre-med track, but her goals are still

Carly Stewart

Graduation date: May 12

High School: Solon High School

College: Vanderbilt University

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Park Synagogue

Jewish activities: Vanderbilt University

Hillel, student president

Parents: Rachael and Ralph Stewart

Graduating from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., is a two-day a air in which this year, Carly Stewart of Solon was able to play a special role in representing the Jewish community.

e day before her May 12 commencement ceremony in downtown Nashville, Stewart gathered with other graduates on the lawn for “Graduates Day” to hear from 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria A. Ressa. As several students also took the stage to share a few words, Stewart spoke on behalf of the Jewish community in her role as student president of Vanderbilt University Hillel.

“It was very meaningful to be able to go up there and speak for my community, and o er advice and wisdom that I think was applicable to the entire campus community, but coming from my own faith,” Stewart said.

Solon High School, Stewart knew she wanted to continue her involvement in Jewish activities through college and found that at Hillel.

“When I got to college, I knew that that was a really easy way for me to make the campus seem a bit smaller and I always thought of it as a slice of home,” she said.

With an ambitious double major in molecular and cellular biology and communication of science and technology, along with a minor in medicine health and society, Stewart plans to enjoy a trip with one of her roommates before going back to school.

In late June, she will be attending the University

SOBLE | CONTINUED ON PAGE 39 STEWART | CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

After growing up attending what is now Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School and becoming involved in BBYO while attending

Dassi Wolovitz

Graduation Date: June 19

High School: Beatrice Stone Yavne High School

Hometown: Cleveland Heights

Synagogue: Shomre Shabbos

Jewish Activities: Bigs and Littles (Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Mentoring Program), Saltzman Youth Panel (Jewish Federation of Cleveland)

Parents: Dr. Brian and Jill Wolovitz

With her graduation on June 19, Dassi Wolovitz re ected on how COVID-19 impacted her experience at Beatrice Stone Yavne High School.

“I think the hardest part was not being with other people, but I mean it was de nitely an adjustment, but I feel like the good memories outweigh the negative in that aspect,” Wolovitz

SOBLE | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

changing.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) eld and I want to help people, and so going to med school is de nitely something that I could see myself doing,” Soble said.

said.

Wolovitz said that her favorite activity in high school was the Chesed Volunteer Service she led.

“It really gave me a really good outlook at the community,” she said. “And we were able to do programming that could show how important it is to volunteer and to, you know, spread the kindness that we can, wherever we can.”

is year, Wolovitz said the Chesed Volunteer Service’s theme is “making waves.”

“ e more volunteering, the more that you do, the more waves you make,” Wolovitz said.

“Like you never know your impact.”

She said she is fond of her experience in high school because of the peers around her.

“So I come from a class of a grade of forty girls who really are all di erent backgrounds, very diverse, but even though we’re not all one and the same, we still are able to create such close bonds as a grade and it no longer feels like a grade, it feels like a family,” Wolovitz said.

After she graduates, she is taking a gap year

in Israel at Machone Raaya in Jerusalem, a Bais Yaakov seminary. Wolovitz explained that a gap year is a norm at her high school and within her family.

“I think it’s just a pathway for growth and I wanted to have that experience before I can, you know, really take steps towards my career and my goals,” she said.

After her gap year, Wolovitz is planning to attend the Lander College for Women, a branch of Touro University in New York City, where she will be a part of the honors program. She is hoping to specialize in biology and eventually attend PA (physician assistant) school.

Touro University is a Jewish college, and Wolovitz plans to continue her involvement in the Jewish community while attending.

“I was thinking of probably when I go there, hopefully to be able to teach at like a Sunday school,” she said. “I know they do like to have programs through the college for that to, you know, kind of spread Jewish beliefs and be able to

FreshFest, a program for freshmen that includes a day of activities with the university’s Hillel.

“And Miami does have a big Jewish population, which is also one of the reasons that the school attracted me just because it’s nice being able to be around other kids that are similar to me and have similar backgrounds,” Soble said.

teach young children about that.”

STEWART | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

of Cincinnati for a doctorate of medicine and of philosophy as she hopes to one day work in a research lab as well as see patients.

She said she will be involved in Jewish life in college and plans to start early to participate in the Hillel’s

“I was always interested in genetics and in research,” Stewart said. “And then throughout college, I realized

MazalTovtoourClassof2023

that I still love those, but that I also wanted to have the more personal interaction that you get by seeing patients, which is why I wanted to do both.”

Our Graduates will be attending:

Beachwood High School

Cleveland Heights High School

Hawken School

Laurel School

Mayfield High School

Notre Dame Cathedral Latin

Orange High School

Shaker Heights High School

Solon High School

University School

Our Class of 2019 will be attending:

Boston College

Emory University

George Washington University

Midreshet Amudim

University of Buffalo

University of California Irvine

University of Cincinnati

University of Rochester

Yeshiva University

Friendship Circle gala honors families, teens

Friendship Circle of Cleveland held its annual gala May 23, honoring Lindsay and James Sulzer, Barbara and Ira Taub, and their families at Beachwood High School’s auditorium.

Rabbi Yossi Marozov, executive director of the Friendship Circle in Pepper Pike, presented the award to the Sulzers, “for their fortitude, inspiration and kindness,” he told the capacity crowd of more than 500 people.

A video was played, featuring volunteers who announced their involvement with Friendship Circle, ranging from 19 years of service on down to one year as volunteers or supporters. The video then transitioned to demonstrate the daily life of the Sulzer family and how they became involved with Friendship Circle, which happened after their daughter, Liviana, was struck in the head by a tree limb which caused debilitating health issues.

e Sulzers were recognized for their dedication and positivity toward Friendship Circle, as demonstrated in the video celebrating their daughter’s inspiring strides since her injuries. e Sulzers told attendees that weekly visits from Teen Friend-Makers as part of the Friends @ Home program and community holiday events brought Liviana much joy and encouraged her to be more engaged.

Lindsay Sulzer addressed the difficulties of raising a child with disabilities, and how that child may miss out on social milestones of childhood such as sleepovers, play dates, riding bikes with friends, and talking about crushes.

“These experiences are a normal part of childhood, and although we try to do as much as we can for Livi, this is a role we cannot fill,” she said. “The video highlighted the need for socialization for children with disabilities. It is critical for Livi’s recovery, development and happiness.”

Referring to the teens that spent time with Liviana, Lindsay Sulzer said, “It takes a unique child to take time out of their day to play with someone like Livi. We are really grateful that Friendship Circle fosters this environment and recognizes these teenagers’ extraordinary effort.”

James Sulzer said, “Our family is certainly still a work in progress and we are trying to learn to be happy in this situation, but we are grateful.”

He also thanked his parents, saying, “They help us with our needs at a moment’s notice, they’ve even helped us with needs we didn’t know we had. We are thankful to the rest of the family and the Cleveland community.”

James Sulzer also went on to thank Friendship Circle for “doing what you do.”

“Thank you for creating a community where Livi and kids like her can be part of the family,” he said. “We accept this award on behalf of ourselves, but also on behalf of all the special needs parents who struggle to be happy, despite all the difficulties.”

James Sulzer also helped present awards to Shoshana Taub and Fruma Brown, who spent much volunteer time with Liviana.

“You embody the spirit of dedication and commitment to Friendship Circle,” Marozov said of the teen volunteers. “And to the Sulzers, I am so humbled you shared your

story and your journey so openly.”

Barbara and Ira Taub were honored for their volunteerism, support and dedication, along with their daughters Leora, Daniella and Shoshana. Their daughters were featured in the video explaining why they are involved with Friendship Circle as Teen FriendMakers. They said being Friend-Makers brings them joy, noting that what they have gained from the experience –namely a sensitivity to others’ needs – leads to a broader understanding of their role in the world and stepping up, as well as finding a sense of community through the friendships they have cultivated. They also thanked their parents for being an inspiration.

“It is such an honor to share the stage with the Sulzers,” Ira Taub said. “Your grace in sharing your story with everyone else is inspiring. It’s been a blessing to have Livi come into Shani’s (Shoshana) life.”

Ira Taub said his children have learned to respect and to accept others no matter their age, abilities or religion.

“They have learned to see the world from another perspective,” he said.

Barbara Taub added, “We are grateful for Friendship Circle.”

On behalf of his wife, Estie, and himself, Marozov said, “We express a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you in this room. You are partners in the extraordinary impact Friendship Circle makes on so many lives of children and teens and families. We thank you.”

Marozov, his wife, Estie, and Rabbi Yosef Peysin, director of youth engagement at the Friendship Circle, then recognized the 2023 Teen Friend-Makers in grades

HENRY J. MILLER Howland High School

We are so excited for your next adventure at IU and your future success!

of our Love, Mom & Dad

FRIENDSHIP | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 40

eight through 12, noting the organization is “grateful to your time, dedication and friendship.” Teen volunteers were also recognized and thanked through the Weinberg Teen Awards. He also thanked sta and board members.

Marozov spoke of the Torah values each Jew should strive to achieve, saying, “Every teenager you’ll see here tonight who goes out of their way to connect with a child is indeed expressing and developing their good heart, but in the process they are also developing a good eye to others, being a good friend, being a good

Get on YOUR way.

community neighbor and learning about the consequences of their good deeds. So, together we are tipping the scales to form a kinder, more sel ess and bright future.”

Harley Cohen, board chair of the Friendship Circle, closed the evening reiterating thanks and gratefulness for those who contributed time and money to the

organization.

e Friendship Circle band played several songs, including an original called “It’s Gonna Be Lit,” in which audience members were asked to light up their cellphone ashlights and shine them toward the stage.

Experience

EXPLORE YOUR POSSIBILITIES.

in classrooms, internships, and on the field. Real Learning. Real Involvement.

Congratulations to our favorite Buckeye!

We are so proud of your drive and determination and we are excited for your next chapter.

We love you! Mom, Dad, and Mallory

e Ohio State University

‘Caesar the Musical’ showcases students diverse talents

The St. Clair Ballroom at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower in Cleveland was lled May 19 for e Growth Opps Carpe Diem Awards luncheon, where dozens of students from the Cleveland Metropolitan School

District gathered for the announcement of winners in an essay, rap, poetry and video competition based on “Caesar the Musical,” a play written and directed by Mike Pettrone, a longtime Cleveland singer-songwriter and director.

is year’s competition was funded

So proud of you and all your accomplishments. Looking forward to the next chapter of your life. Love,

in part by MacKenzie Scott and a grant was created to bring “Caesar e Musical” to CMSD students. Michael Jeans, CEO of Growth Opps, Joy Anzalone, COO of Burton Carol Management, and Pettrone also helped sponsor the competition. Winners received a $1,000 college scholarship from Growth Opps, and a cash prize.

Judges were Bill Garvey, president of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Mary Ellen Carras, curriculum and instruction manager, secondary gifted education, Advanced Placement and college readiness for the CMSD, Pettrone, Jeans and Anzalone,.

CMSD students submitted entries in April. Teachers picked the best submissions for judging.

e $500 grand-prize winner was 10th grader Brielle Roberts for an original poem. Roberts attends Early College High School on the John Hay Academic Campus in Cleveland.

“She’s an incredible reader and her favorite book is Fyodor Dostoevsky’s, ‘ e Brothers Karamazov,’” Pettrone told the Cleveland Jewish News. “When I read Brielle’s poem, I thought this student has an amazing command of the English language and she said she read Tolstoy’s War and Peace ... and loved it.”

Pettrone said nding young “geniuses” motivates him to continue the competition.

“ at’s what it’s all about,” he said. “It’s a gift to me to come across this amazing creativity.”

e $100 rst prize for rap was Neil Johnson, who also attends Early College High School. e $100 essay winner was Landon Harris who attends the Cleveland School of Architecture & Design.

Two students won the best poem category and each won $100. ey were Kysean Palmore, who attends the Cleveland School of Architecture & Design and will attend Cuyahoga Community College this fall to be a re ghter, and Tre’El Ford, an eighth-grade student at Wade Park School in Cleveland. e best video award went to 17 juniors and seniors from Max Hayes Vocational School in Cleveland. ey received gifts from the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.

“ ey are intellectual geniuses,” Pettrone said of the contestants. “I hope they discover that about themselves and are encouraged,”

Pettrone spent 10 years creating his musical hoping to make it to Broadway, but changed courses when the pandemic hit and he and his wife, Kristine, also a musician, turned it into a lm which won 15 awards and was selected for 20 international lm festivals.

He said after getting involved with the CMSD, Anzalone and Jeans increased the cash prizes and joined his e orts, and more categories were added. He said he hopes to keep the program going and expand it to other districts.

“Mike Pettrone works so hard to spread goodness and to lift those that often cannot lift themselves which is why

being a part of this for me is such a blessing,” Anzalone told the CJN.

“ ese students being recognized is creating something special. It helps build con dence and leads to a path of future achievement. is allows kids to share something inside them that is special. I’m blown away by this program. e fact that it came to CMSD makes it so special. Kudos to the teachers. ey aren’t just teaching, they’re molding human beings.”

Mazel Tov

How to land first job following graduation

Justice, Justice you shall pursue!

Sarah, we are so proud of you, your perseverance and hard work through this journey to achieve this milestone! Please use all you have learned to bring justice to the world!

We love you!

Mom, Dad, Jordan, Eliana, Samson and Delilah

University of Pennsylvania Law School

Many college students have their next steps at the forefront of their minds. Whether they are just starting school and don’t yet know what career eld they want to enter or are nearing graduation and searching for a job, career guidance at colleges is a great service that helps them explore their options, sharpen their professional skills and network with potential employers.

Debbie Aron, director of nonpro t management programs and liaison to the Midcareer Fellowship at Gratz College in Melrose Park, Pa., and Brittany Wampler, director for career development and exploration at Cleveland State University, discussed how colleges help their students explore career opportunities.

“A lot of our students – they’re graduate students, and they’re not traditional graduate students – they don’t come straight from undergrad,” Aron said. “I would say in terms of support, since we do not have a traditional career counseling department, the program directors –and the relationship that the students have with their program directors – becomes even more important.”

Aron explained that because Gratz is a small school, it allows for a more individualized experience when it comes to career counseling.

“When my students are ready to graduate and they’re looking for the next job up, then I’ll look at their resumes,” she said. “So, there’s resume prep or we’ll do workshops related to resume prep. In addition to that, last year in our summer institute, we had someone who did a prep for your LinkedIn pro le.”

is type of social media preparation is important because sites like LinkedIn o er access to professional groups and job opportunities, she said.

A lot of students at Gratz are pursuing graduate degrees and are already working, Aron reiterated. ey are pursuing higher degrees to work at higher levels and possibly receive higher salaries. By consulting with students, sta at the college can get a sense of what their goals are and guide them accordingly.

She advised students to take advantage of the resources available to them.

“What I’ve found is that students are often hesitant to really tap into their network,” Aron pointed out, adding that it’s the best way to nd a job.

Although students seeking employment can “apply blind” online via job search engines, using their networks gives them a “leg up,” which is important, she said.

“Call people up, email them and say, ‘I’m at this stage of thinking about where I want to go,’” she suggested.

Even socializing in a way that is not connected to work, such as having lunch with someone, can be a good way for a student to get information about what that person’s job is like and gauge if that is something they would also be interested in doing, Aron explained.

“Ultimately, our goal is to break down the barriers that students experience on their path toward career by providing support and whatever it is that a student needs to track toward their goals,” Wampler said.

Such support that a school can provide may be nancial aid by way of scholarships, funding for on-campus internships, and programs that help connect students with organizations in the community for o -campus internships, she said.

Sometimes, nding a job after college can be challenging, she acknowledged, but this does not have to be a bad thing.

“I like to frame challenges as also opportunities for growth and learning,” Wampler said. “Certainly, every challenge – with applying to multiple positions, with learning that process of networking and landing that rst destination position after graduation – it can be intimidating.

“It can feel daunting. It can feel like you’re not sure where to turn and that’s really where our o ce comes in, in terms of helping students – via career coaching and support services – so that they don’t feel alone; so that they feel that they have a team of people that are supporting them until they land that position.”

Because many layo s occurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, job security has become a concern for many students in search of employment, Wampler pointed out.

“I think, ultimately, people want to land a position where they feel they will be stable, nancially supported and where they might have the opportunity to grow,” she said.

Many colleges also continue to o er their career advisory services to alumni, giving them the option to seek help from their alma maters when they are searching for a new job, she noted.

Office of resident life helps transition from home

For students who choose to live on campus, the transition from home to dorm can be di cult for some. Factors such as homesickness, not knowing people and learning to live in the same quarters with another student who they may not know might contribute to the intimidation that comes with moving into college.

Deidrinelle Rouse Moton, associate director of residence life at e University of Akron; and Mark Zeno, assistant vice president and dean of residence life and student life auxiliaries at Oberlin College, discussed how students can overcome these challenges and make their living quarters feel a bit more homelike.

“I always tell parents and students when I am speaking with them during orientation that, ‘You are living with us for 32 weeks,’” Rouse Moton said. “‘We’ve got you for about nine months out of the year, so bring your room here.’”

She noted there are certain rules about which items and appliances are allowed in dorm rooms. Wall ower plugins, Keurigs, string lights and humidi ers are permitted, as well as some refrigerators and microwaves, depending

on their wattages. Belongings such as candles, air fryers and rice cookers are prohibited. Students who live in apartments have a bit more exibility in what they are allowed to bring with them because they have kitchens, which dorms do not have.

Bringing items that remind a student of home and o er them a sense of comfort can help combat homesickness, Rouse Moton pointed out.

“Bring your photos, bring your blankets, bring the things that make you happy,” she suggested.

Some students are afraid to reach out if they are having an issue with a roommate, she said. Resident assistants are equipped to help with these problems.

She suggested students reach out to their

resident advisers or another trusted adult on campus who can help them mediate tension with roommates, or help them arrange to move to another dorm if the situation can not be resolved.

“I just want everybody to know that it’s OK if you and your roommate pair don’t necessarily work out because we will do our best to try and nd someone that does work out for you,” Rouse Moton said.

Zeno said one of the hardest parts of the transition is knowing what to bring, and what is essential for a student to be able to make their living space feel like home.

“In some cases, you’re most likely – as a rst year – sharing a room with someone for the rst time,” he noted.

Students may encounter the “culture shock” of realizing they are living in a small space and guring out they have to share it with someone else. ey start to contemplate what they need and what can be left at home, taking into consideration the small living space they now have

“I think, for most institutions, we’re really good about trying to get that information out to them,” Zeno said about what colleges suggest their students bring to their campus living spaces.

He recommended students bring items that remind them of home, such as blankets, stu ed animals or photos.

“Find the things that you want that feel good for you,” Zeno said. “Make the space look warm and inviting, and have a handful or a couple of things that remind you of home so that, when you do get back from class or from those late night activities, you feel like, ‘Ah, I can relax here and this is a safe space for me to be in.’”

Modern dorm rooms have amenities that allow students to maximize their spaces, he pointed out.

Standard dorm rooms include a bed, dresser, desk and chair, and wardrobe or closet, Zeno said.

“Most campuses now are looking at di erent ways to maximize space,” he explained. “So, you’re seeing more loftable beds, you’re seeing where the dresser and the desk can be incorporated into the loft kits, which gives them more oor space. We’re seeing more students bringing the beanbag chairs and love seats and comfy little carpet space areas to sit at and relax on the oor. So, we’re trying to give them opportunities to maximize as much of the small spaces they have.”

Students should take advantage of available scholarships

The hunt for college scholarships is a laborious one. And, as much help as there is available, a student has to be prepared to be his or her own primary advocate.

You’ll have company in this pursuit. Sallie Mae computed that in 2021, 25% of college students received some sort of scholarship or grant assistance. Having said that, there is a gold mine out there.

Before one even begins the prospecting, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called the FAFSA, is the rst part of the process, and essential to securing most forms of nancial aid. You’ll need to parcel information from the previous year’s tax forms from both the student, and parents.

“For the 2023-24 year, submission of the FAFSA started in October 2022 and will remain open until June 30, 2024,” said William McGinley, director of nancial aid at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea. “ e U.S. Department of Education has announced a delay until later into December for the 2024-25 aid year as they continue to work on programing for the new simpli ed

FAFSA.

“Individual colleges and universities are also a great resource as they o er many unique awards speci c to their institutions based on a student’s nancial need, academic merit and/or talent.

“Looking beyond the aid that (the U.S. Department of Education) colleges and universities award are the opportunities provided by many generous donors, foundations and corporations through outside scholarships. ese awards vary in size and scale but there are thousands of opportunities for students to seek additional funding.”

“We encourage students to start with their own institutions,” said Megan O’Bryan, president of the Cuyahoga Community

College Foundation. “Colleges and universities have the best resources and most current information on what nancial aid is available. Take advantage the best resources your college has to o er.”

e U.S. Department of Education awards monetary scholarships in the vicinity of $46 billion annually. at’s a big number and di cult to equate in terms of a ceiling for individual applicants. Scholarships, both on the federal and institution level, were una ected by the COVID-19 pandemic. e largest federal scholarship is the Pell Grant, which provided assistance to 7.5 million students in 2020, the most recent year with federal statistics available to date.

“ e Pell Grant allows lower income families to decrease their out-of-pocket costs without needing to pay those funds back at a later date,” McGinley said.

“It seems opportunities for outside scholarships will continue to grow, but putting a number on how much money exists in scholarship opportunities is hard to quantify. Many businesses and donors continue to value and wish to support higher education, so I don’t see scholarship opportunities going away anytime soon.

“Students should be sure to start to apply for these resources as early as they can as many outside scholarships award their funds by May. Every scholarship has a unique deadline to their award. So, start searching early, keep track of deadlines, and apply to as many opportunities as possible.”

“Tri-C has dramatically increased what is available to our students,” O’Bryan said. “Since academic year 2019, Tri-C and the Tri-C Foundation has awarded more than $16 million in scholarships to 14,000 students. We expect to continue to exceed $4 million in annual awards, which is double what we were awarding a decade ago.

“Tri-C Foundation has grown to more than 150 endowed scholarship funds, as well as funded scholarships that support speci c areas of study.”

e list of scholarships and grants can seem endless. According to inkImpact, there are an estimated 1.7 million private scholarships available. To nd them, McGinley suggests starting the search with a guidance counselor, at the library or even the local Chamber of Commerce, as they might have a list of scholarship opportunities unique to the area.

“ ere are also many websites that o er free scholarship searches covering a broader geographic area,” he said. “While some legitimate sites do require a fee for their

services, be wary of fee-based applications that make you pay for the application prior to submission as they may be scams. Before paying for anything related to scholarships, nd out if they are legitimate. Always check out a site thoroughly before providing any personal information.”

McGinley had some particular recommendations: Ohio Scholars Program through OFIC – one application for over 500 scholar-ships; see OFIC’s website for eligibility requirements; FastWeb; MyScholly.com or e Scholly App (fee required); College Resource Network – a free scholarship search and college planning; Scholarships.com; Scholarships360; and Tuitionfundingsources.com.

O’Bryan also had some suggestions:

“I encourage students to see what is available through scholarships o ered by Cleveland Foundation and College Now,” she said. “ ey are just two of Tri-C’s many great partners. We work closely with these organizations and others to match students to the nancial resources that will support them best. Students can also look in their own communities – libraries and clubs can also be good resources.

“Financial aid counselors can help students apply for emergency funds for immediate help with basic needs. ey connect students to campus food pantries, or where to nd an internship. All of these programs are made possible by our many philanthropic donors.”

e community college route may be more robust than you might imagine.

“Tri-C’s tuition is the lowest in Ohio. at a ordability and excellent value means that nancial aid resources go further. Our scholarship recipients often tell us how important it is to them to avoid debt. Tri-C o ers them a winning combination of a ordability, generous student resources, and a quality education.”

e hunt for scholarships and nancial aid can be as time-consuming and lengthy as the admissions process. BaldwinWallace’s timetable mirrors the time frame of other institutions.

“For the upcoming 2023-24 academic year, BW has accepted FAFSAs since Oct. 1, 2022, and will through early May 2024 when our nancial aid year ends. We want to make sure that every student who wants an opportunity to le a federal application has the chance to do so.”

University of Cincinnati

Congrats Kendall. We are all very proud of you and all you have accomplished. This is just the beginning for you and we know you will be a big success.

Love, Dad, Miranda, Bubbie and Poppy!

Colleges can help freshmen make new friends

Starting college is a time of great transition as students face many changes in their social lives, living situations and academic experiences. Being in a new place and not knowing people can be intimidating. is is why many colleges o er support from sta and peers to support new students through the transition and why they host programs that encourage students to get involved and make new friends.

Liz Sinclair, assistant dean of the undergraduate programs and assessment at Kent State University, and Mick Steiner, assistant dean of students at Hiram College, talked about how schools help new students nd their place and build new friendships.

“People fear how they’re coming across to other people,” Sinclair said. “ ey’re imagining what everyone else is thinking.”

ey scrutinize themselves with thoughts of, “‘Oh, I’m too this,’ or ‘I’m too that,’ ‘I don’t look like them,’ ‘I don’t act like them,’” she explained. “ e thing is, if everybody’s thinking like that, no one is thinking about you.”

As a leader of the student advisory group for the dean’s o ce, Sinclair said she has asked older students to write down pieces of advice they would give to younger students who are navigating these social changes.

“I think several people wrote, ‘Don’t be self-conscious,’ ‘Don’t think that other people are looking at you and judging or forming opinions,’ and ‘Just try to be yourself and you’ll gure it out,’” she recalled.

Sinclair pointed out that some schools have learning communities to make larger universities seem smaller and less intimidating.

“It’s a group of 30 to 100 students who are part of this community of people who get together before classes start; and they may be exploring downtown and getting to know one another,” she detailed. “Are they going to like all 30 or all 100? Probably not, but they’re going to nd a core of people within that smaller group who they like and who they have things in common with.”

She recommended students look at lists of student organizations o ered by their schools, as there are often many and they will likely nd at least one that appeals to their interests.

“I know my daughter, when she rst started (college), was interested in makeup and so there was a group of people who got together and did makeup and talked about makeup; and so she was participating in that,” Sinclair mentioned.

For students who live on campus, they will have many opportunities to meet other students and build friendships simply by being in the same living quarters, she noted.

For those who commute, she recommended seeking learning communities, as they will help students form their core groups of friends.

“Maybe even just some people are introverted and nd it di cult to start conversations with people in their class,” she mentioned.

If a student is struggling with the changes they are facing when

starting college, Sinclair suggested they speak to their college advisers, administrators or resident assistants if they live on campus.

Steiner pointed out that the social dynamic at college has changed signi cantly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of those experiences, I think, look a little bit di erent now,” he said. “We have to try even harder to ensure that students are connecting and nding their place on campus.”

is starts with the school meeting the most basic needs of students within their rst few days on campus; and administrators and sta asking themselves what they are doing to ensure students make at least one new friend who they can go to lunch or dinner with, and feel less socially isolated, he explained.

“I think one of the biggest things is trying to remember that that sense of awkwardness is only temporary and everyone is experiencing that together,” Sinclair said.

Everyone is going through some degree of adjustment, from sleeping on a new mattress to nding new friends, he noted.

“It can be challenging and I think for all of us across the college, we’re really committed – especially in our small school environment here – to making sure that students nd their place here,” Steiner explained.

Colleges often have systems in place to help students who are struggling with making those initial connections, he said.

“Our resident assistants are trained in general topics like homesickness and helping students connect to the resources on campus,” Steiner said. “We want to catch those students as soon as possible to ensure that they are connecting with others.”

CAITLIN LUDWIG Laurel School

We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future brings!

Selecting private school is a long-term investment

For some soon-to-be-eighth graders, there are decisions to be made; in some cases, long before the next school year starts, such as where to attend high school.

According to the Private School Review, there are 26 private high schools in the Cleveland area. For those choosing the private school route, there’s much to weigh.

“It is important to nd a high school that is a good t; not only in terms of academics and extracurricular opportunities but also to ensure a girl and her family can see themselves as members of the community,” said Abigail Steinberg, director of enrollment of management for Laurel School in Shaker Heights.

“When choosing a private school, and knowing it will be a long-term investment, the highest priority for a family should be that the student feels a sense of belonging and purpose at the school,” said Christina Townsend Hartz, director of admission and nancial aid at University School in Hunting Valley.

“For most students and families, that can be determined through research and inperson visits,” Townsend Hartz said.

She o ered a number of questions you’ll eventually want answered.

“Belonging can mean many things,” she said. “Does the school o er programs your child is interested in? Does the academic programming match your student’s passions and also allow for exploration? Does the school o er athletic or extracurricular options that would line up with your student? Does the school mission/motto resonate with your family? And, can you ‘see’ your student at that school?”

Once you and your prospective student want to dive into the investigative process, here are some tools to help:

“Online review sites such as niche.com have really grown to become reputable resources and places where prospective

Mazel

families can hear authentic reviews from other parents, students and alumni,” Townsend Hartz said. “ ese sites can also provide a good overview of what schools have to o er and what sets them apart from each other.”

“ ere are so many ways to learn about Laurel School,” Steinberg said. “Families can utilize admissions packets, open houses and our website and social media channels when they rst begin their search. As they get deeper in the admissions process they often will connect with current Laurel students and parents to learn what sets Laurel apart.”

No doubt, you’ll want to schedule an in-person interview with an admissions counselor. Here’s what to expect to hear when you walk in the door:

“I like to know what brings a family our way and learn more about their daughter,” Steinberg said. “What are her particular passions or interests? What is important to the family in a high school experience?”

Townsend Hartz said, “ e start of every admission conversation has to center around the student. Often my rst question is ‘Tell me more about your son and why you think our school might be a great place for him to learn and grow.’”

With summer vacation in the o ng, your middle school student, no doubt, needs a breather. So do you.

at said, local private schools suggest starting your investigative process before the next school year starts.

“Early in the fall is when most schools o cially begin the admission season and welcome prospective students and parents on campus for open houses, student shadow days/visits, or parent centric-events,” Townsend Hartz said.

“However, I do think that the summer is a really great time to start researching and learning more about Cleveland schools. Cleveland is fortunate to have so many great schools, so many great options – so many that it could become overwhelming. If the summer is a quieter time for your family then starting the research process at that time is a great idea.”

“We have conversations with families all year long,” Steinberg said. “While many families will start their search process in the fall of eighth grade, some begin in sixth or seventh grade with a school tour or attending an open house to get their feet wet.”

Mazel Tov

You are an exceptional young man: brilliant, kind and curious who will always accomplish meaningful achievements in life.

I love you always, Mimaw Texas

We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We are excited for your next adventure in NYC.

Love, Mom, Dad and Alex

College students should consider loans among options

Loans are one option for college students.

Mike Collins, director of nancial aid at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said federal direct loans are regarded as the best initial option for students.

“ ey are guaranteed, based on the information from the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and generally provide the most bene ts and protections,” Collins said. “For many students, the interest rates are also lower than what they could nd on their own.

“ ere are three types: direct subsidized loans are available to students in undergraduate programs and the U.S. Department of Education typically pays the interest while the student is in school and for six months afterward.

“ e direct unsubsidized loan is available to students in both undergraduate and graduate programs, however, the U.S. Department of Education does not pay the interest on that loan. e Direct PLUS is available to either a graduate student or the parent of an undergraduate student and requires a separate credit check.”

Collins o ered tips regarding best ways to cross check information:

“A great way students can make sure they’re getting the best rate is to check with their school,” he said. “Many schools will have their own private lender list that includes either a historical record of lenders students have previously used or a list of lenders the school prefers. You’re not required to use a lender on that list, but it provides a great starting point.

“Most students don’t realize that if you submit more than one application in a short time frame for the same thing, such as a student loan, it may only count as a single inquiry on your credit score. TransUnion recommends keeping this rate shopping to within 14 days. Additionally, the Direct PLUS has one interest rate (regardless of credit) and uses a di erent (publicly available) standard than most private loans.

If you’re considering a private loan, it may be worth comparing your interest rate to the Direct PLUS to see which is lower. If you’re not sure what’s on your credit, you can get a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com. Some credit cards and banks also o er a similar credit reporting service.”

Many students and parents have worried about a potential shrinking of the pool of loans available. Collins said the options are as many as ever.

“Too many to keep a handle on it all,” Collins said. “Rule No. 1 is students should never pay upfront to have applications submitted and processed. Once the federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans have been used, consider the names you know such as your bank or lenders you already have a relationship with. Don’t be afraid to ask them about any specials or perks. Remember that if you qualify for a private loan, you’ll probably qualify for a Direct PLUS and can use those terms as a baseline.”

As referenced, there is a limit on the maximum students can borrow.

“Depending on the year in school, federal direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduates can range from up to $5,500 to up to $7,500 yearly,” Collins said. “Independent students are eligible for increased yearly amounts, up to totals of $12,500 (undergraduate) and $20,500 (graduate) respectively.

“Private loans and Direct PLUS are available for whatever amount is still needed to cover tuition, fees, and other costs such as living allowances. e school deter-mines the actual amount, based on costs and other aid a student is already receiving. at other aid can help students attending schools that cost a little more to pay the same or less than students attending schools that cost a little less.”

For parents who are planning for their child’s education down the road, Ohio’s 529 Plan, CollegeAdvantage, is one of the top-rated college savings plans in the country, and has been lauded for investment performance.

CollegeAdvantage claims that, as of September 2019, the plan oversees 638,372 accounts. Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

RYAN LOUIS ALEXANDER VINCENT

Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude Majored in History/Classics

“Veni. Vidi. Vici.”

Ryan, you have lived your motto and exceeded our expectations. We are so proud of all your extraordinary accomplishments. Continue to dream big in the College of William & Mary Masters Program in Secondary Education and beyond!

College of William & Mary

Benefits of extracurricular activities

KYLIE SOBLE

Solon High School

We are overjoyed and so proud of all that you have accomplished! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for you in the future! The University of Miami is lucky to have you! Go Canes!

We love you, Mom, Dad and Morgan

e University of Miami

MAX MOSES

Solon High School

Max,

You have worked so hard all of these years and we are all a witness to your success. Keep reaching for the stars, working hard, and be your best self. We can’t wait to watch the next steps in your journey. We love you and are proud of you.

Mazel Tov.

Mom Dad & Jake

If you believe in statistics, numbers show students who are involved in extracurricular activities excel better in terms of academic performance.

Since the early 1930s, research has showed that students in extracurriculars have higher grades and better test scores than students who do not.

A 2018 study by Researchgate showed “students tend to perform better in their studies and score good grades. As their mindset gets stimulated by the participation in activities, their exam results and educational attainment gets improved.”

Apparently, parents have taken notice, and the latest US Census bears out this trend:

In 2020, 37% of girls ages 6 to 17 were involved in extracurricular activity, compared to 33.5% in 1998. Twentyseven percent of boys were involved in extracurriculars, compared to 24% two decades earlier.

Maureen Eppich, who runs Jump Start Gymnastics in Beachwood, speaks from experience. Her best case study is her daughter, Lysia Cook, who took up gymnastics at 7 years old and later competed in diving.

“She went to a challenging high school and a challenging undergrad program, and now she’s getting her doctorate (at Chatham University in Pittsburgh),” Eppich said. “She developed some really good habits and it paid o for her.”

Eppich has seen similar results with others who attend her program.

“When a student is doing any type of activity, two to ve times a week, those children learn how to budget their time, discipline themselves and create priorities,” she said.

“ ey learn to get better sleep, they learn how to fuel their body properly, by making healthier choices.

“ e nutritional aspect, the time management, and learning how to set goals for themselves, makes a di erence.

“Anything that takes up a signi cant amount of their extracurricular time, these habits carry on throughout their lives, especially when there is no one around to remind them.

“ ey know where to put their focus at the right time, and they know how to come back from a negative experience.”

A study at e Ohio State University in Columbus released in April reinforces the bene ts of extracurricular sports involvement. e OSU research revealed that 88% of 12th-grade athletes attended college, compared to 71% of non-athletes. Athletes were also more likely to attend fouryear schools compared to two-year schools.

e OSU research did nd one caveat, however: Don’t feel the necessity to overdo it.

e school’s study revealed that students participating in two or more activities did not result in an advantage over students involved in only one extracurricular endeavor.

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

Students launches new Jewish group at NEOMED

Daniel Dorman is similar to many medical school freshmen. He has found the rigors pressure-packed, and there is little free time.

“You absolutely do not have a lot of time on your hands,” Dorman, who grew up in Akron, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

In those rare idle moments early in his rst year at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Dorman felt a void.

“ e summer before this year I was in Israel, and I really felt inspired about my Jewish life,” he said.

“I wanted to have that same feeling on campus.”

So, Dorman took things into his own hands. He spread the word about forming a Jewish student group on campus, and he found comrades with similar desire for religious activity.

“I just took it upon myself to help bring some Jewish life to campus,” said Dorman. “I really didn’t think twice about it. I just thought it needed to happen for the sake of others. We’re kind of out in the middle of nowhere (between Akron and Cleveland) and it’s nice to nd some sort of Jewish life.”

Dorman then enlisted support from Rabbi Berel Sasonkin, who is director of Chabad at Kent State.

“Daniel was interested in being a part of more Jewish life on campus, so I highly encouraged him,” Sasonkin told the CJN. “If you know one thing, pass it on to the next person.

Whatever he knew from Jewish practices, he was able to share that with others.

“After a few conversations and discussions, the group was created, and it seemed to immediately catch the attention of other Jewish students. He’s gearing it toward a lighter atmosphere, to take a break from studies and eat some latkes. To be honest with you, I’m happy this was driven by students. You want that to be the case, because they know what they need and want the most.”

e group’s rst activity began during Chanukah. en it handed out hamantaschen during Purim. For Passover, the group organized a matzo ball soup station for anyone at NEOMED who wanted a taste.

“It was a big hit,” Dorman said. “Anyone who was passing by was welcome to some soup. We started the group with 10 founding members, and we simply named it the Jewish Student Association. Now we’re up to 15.”

Now that the school year has ended, Dorman said he looks forward to the student group expanding. ere are plans for an o cial shofar blowing during the High Holy Days, and he said he hopes to attract more members.

“ e group is open to anyone who wants to come,” Dorman said. “Just that little bit of Jewish life here during down time between classes or a break from studying can make all the di erence in someone else coming to school at NEOMED.”

Steve Mark is a freelance journalist.

How to stay connected to Judaism on campus

An estimated 6,000 colleges exist in the United States. ere are varied outlets available to keep students connected to their Judaism while away from home.

Aside from synagogues near college campuses, Hillel touts itself as the world’s largest Jewish campus organization, with 850 outlets around the world. Hillel serves more than 140,000 students each year.

“Hillel International aims to empower every Jewish student along their Jewish journey,” said Sandy Myers Grawert, associate vice president of communications for Hillel International, “positively impacting the lives of generations of young Jews and ensuring the Jewish future, now and for years to come.

“Campus Hillels provide Jewish students

with the opportunity to learn more about Judaism and develop their Jewish identities. From traditional Shabbat and holiday dinners to our Jewish learning fellowship and service opportunities anchored in Jewish values, Hillel o ers something for every student looking for Jewish connection and community.” Touro College and University System, a

private Jewish school, has 36 campuses in six states, and is a signi cant faith-based program for students wishing to keep active during college years.

“Our founder, Dr. Bernard Lander, bemoaned the state of communal a liation and Jewish identity for college students on secular campuses,” said Moshe Krupka, executive vice president of Touro. “ at was one of the motivations for him to start Touro.

“Touro is the largest institution of higher learning under Jewish sponsorship – it is respectful of the traditional Jewish calendar and only serves kosher food on its campuses. Depending on the program and the campus, we have di erent levels of Jewish programming, ranging from formal Judaic-studies programs, to extracurricular programming and informal educational events.

“Especially from a traditional Jewish standpoint, we want to make sure that those who have bene ted from Jewish education until now are able to express their observance in a meaningful fashion.

“ e college experience is inherently stressful, and Touro is no exception, but we fervently believe that students should not worry that the ful llment and celebration of their cultural and spiritual needs will get in the way of their academic pursuits. Students’ ability to honor their religious traditions should be a source of strength and support, not an additional barrier to overcome.”

Heights High’s Rich-Drehs recognized by Cleveland Institute of Art

BECKY RASPE

braspe@cjn.org | @BeckyRaspeCJN

Cleveland Heights High School art teacher

Nancy Rich-Drehs was one of three educators presented with a Cleveland Institute of Art Excellence in Teaching Award, presented at a ceremony on May 12 during CIA’s 2023 BFA Celebration.

e other recipients include Michelle Kane of Mentor High School and Amber West from Olmsted Falls High School. Each recipient received a $500 prize and a certi cate designed by CIA alum Julia Milbrandt. eir names will also be inscribed on a plaque on campus, joining last year’s inaugural class – Sarah Curry at Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Dayna Hansen at Lakewood High School and Dan Whitely at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.

Educators who are considered for the award are identi ed by CIA based on connections made throughout the recruitment cycle and are selected for the award based on the outcomes of their students’ portfolios, and their commitment to providing access and opportunities for students to show their work and consider the best art colleges in the country, according to a news release. ree winners are selected each year.

Yvette Sobky Sha er, CIA’s vice president of enrollment management and marketing, created the Excellence in Teaching Award, inspired by her former institution before she came to the Cleveland-based art and design college, she told

the Cleveland Jewish News.

“I feel like its really important for colleges to embrace their thought leaders, and honor them, as well as make sure the community is made aware of the great work that is happening throughout all the high schools in our area,” she said. “What we’re looking for is a consistent legacy of college-bound culture. So, someone who really makes an e ort with (their) students to consider arts college as a viable option.”

All three recipients t the criteria, Sobky Sha er said. But what set Rich-Drehs apart from other possible recipients, she added, was her dedication to supporting her students and their ambitions.

“Nancy really hits the mark,” she said. “She creates a safe space for her students in her classroom. She facilities conversations and brings in great colleges. She takes students on tours of both art institutions and colleges. en, the work her students are producing is a great balance between the technical expertise the student will need to have but also still honors their vision.”

When she rst heard of the honor, Rich-Drehs told the CJN she thought it was a “prank.” She’s been a teacher in the district since 2004.

“It was nothing I knew about beforehand,” said Rich-Drehs, who lives in Lyndhurst and attends Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood. “I found out in April and really thought it was all a prank. I had never heard about the award or even applied for anything. So, that made it even more of an honor - to be selected. I was really shocked.”

e ceremony was a “wonderful” experience, Rich-Drehs said. She said her principal, Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, and her husband, were also in attendance, which was “so nice.” e

group got a tour of the campus facilities, which Rich-Drehs said she was “in awe of,” even as the product of an art school herself. She earned a BFA in metals and a minor in industrial design from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit and a master’s degree in art education from Case Western Reserve University.

While she was the one presented with the award, Rich-Drehs said she feels the honor is a credit to her students’ successes.

“I love my job and my students,” she said. “I love seeing them thrive. I love seeing them think outside the box and take that next step. I don’t think I am doing anything special. I am just doing something I love, and have wanted to do since I was a little girl. ... I go to graduation and prom every year and cry. I started teaching at the

(Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District) in elementary, and when I moved to high school, it was like seeing my babies grow up.” Awards like this only solidify the importance of art education in primary and secondary school, both women told the CJN.

“For me, being able to elevate (art education) in our community and say ‘hey, this is important,’ that’s why we do what we do,” Sobky Sha er said, adding many professions one might think are non-artistic use art skills.

“If you look at (today’s careers), it is all art, creativity and thinking outside of the box,” RichDrehs said. “Art surrounds us every day. And when kids come in saying they can’t draw, I beg to di er. It’s about bringing that creative aspect out of a child.”

Bringing Israel to local college students

We’re taking a break from all of Hillel’s Israel at 75 campus celebrations to reflect on how important bringing Israel to our students on campus is to Hillel.

A primary goal of Hillel is to inspire every Jewish college student to develop a meaningful and enduring relationship to Israel. Whether through Israeli culture, educational events, advocacy or travel, we are deeply committed to helping each student nd their personal connections to Israel. rough e orts like these, we know that engaged and educated students can become committed Jewish adults and passionate supporters of Israel, well beyond their years on campus.

Both Hillels host a full-time Israel fellow, or Israeli emissary, in partnership with e Jewish Agency for Israel and Hillel International. Over the years, we have seen the immense impact of bringing a talented young Israeli sta member to our campuses to build personal bonds with all types of students, Jewish and not. ese Israel fellows bring their own passion and perspective about Israel to Hillel. ey annually host Israel learning cohorts, engage

diverse speakers and meet with hundreds of students for one-on-one conversations.

Nothing can replace the experience of traveling to Israel. We’ve seen the impact hundreds of times over by accompanying students on Birthright Israel and other

educational and experiential programs. And, would it surprise you to learn that we are talking about Jewish students (of course), but also about non-Jewish students?

It’s true. Since 2017, Hillel at Kent State University and Cleveland Hillel have sent 171 in uential student leaders, the majority not Jewish, to Israel on campus-speci c leadership missions – 38 students traveled there this academic year alone. ese trips changed the landscape for Israel on campus in Northeast Ohio through the important discussions and relationships that start in Israel and continue back on campus.

Under our Israel-related programs and projects we have cultivated student leaders and volunteers to focus e orts built around Israel education and advocacy, engaging Jewish and non-Jewish students alike. Our students work with their peers in partner student organizations on campus creating opportunities for co-sponsored programs. is creates partnerships that make for a positive Israel-on-campus atmosphere for all students, most notably our Jewish students.

As we celebrate Israel’s 75th birthday, we emphatically proclaim “Am Yisrael Chai,” and proudly announce that feeling from here on our campuses.

Adam Hirsh is the outgoing executive director of Hillel at Kent State University and Jared Isaacson is executive director of Cleveland Hillel.

DISCLAIMER

The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.

Gallery of Grads Listings

HIGH SCHOOL

Maya Eisengart

Beachwood High School

Attending Barnard College

Area of Study: Neuroscience

Caitlin Ludwig

Laurel School

Attending Emory University

Area of Study: Philosophy, Politics and Law

Madeline McCann

Hawken School

Attending Boston College

Area of Study: Biology - Pre-Med

Henry J. Miller

Howland High School

Attending Indiana University

Area of Study: Business

Max Moses Solon High School

Attending The Ohio State University

Area of Study: Environmental Sustainability

Samara Rivchun Laurel School

Attending University of North Carolina

Area of Study: Neuroscience, Pre-Med

Adam Ritzenberg Beachwood High School

Attending The Ohio State University

Area of Study: Biology

Kylie Soble Solon High School

Attending The University of Miami

Area of Study: Biomedical Engineering

Marcus Streem Solon High School

Attending Rochester Institute of Technology

Area of Study: Game Design

College

Reid Adelman

The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Summa Cum Laude

Area of Study: Operations and Logistics

Zach Chylla

The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication

Ella Damaser Howard University

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Minor in Chemistry

Sarah Goodman

Juris Doctor University of Pennsylvania Law School

Kendall Jacobson

University of Cincinnati

Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship

Tyler Markowitz

Kelley School of Business at Indiana University

Degree in Finance

Richard Rose

John Hopkins University

Doctor of Education

Ryan Louis Alexander Vincent

College of William & Mary

Bachelor of Arts

Magna Cum Laude

Area of Study: History/Classics

Colleges can assist freshmen with transition from home

Starting high school can be an intimidating experience for some. Many big changes are occurring, such as more rigorous academia, making new friends, and having more independence and responsibilities than one did in middle school. High school administrators acknowledge these challenges and have systems in place to help students overcome them.

Rebecca Biggar, school counselor at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, o ered advice on how kids can get help if they are struggling as new high school students.

“ e transition from middle to high school is a really big one,” Biggar said. “I think it’s really exciting for both students and their parents. I think it’s a big moment in adolescent development, but we all know that it comes with its bumps and challenges,

academically, socially and emotionally.”

She said she often sees new high school students struggling academically due to challenges with how they organize their time.

“I would say, academically, one of the biggest hurdles that I see for incoming ninth graders is them guring out those executive functioning and time management skills,” she said. “So, being able to plan and organize their time, and prioritize things, and stay on top of the di erent balls in the air.” is plays into academics because, in high school, the expectations are higher and the rigor gets more intense, Biggar stated.

Being able to manage one’s time can be even more di cult for a new high school student who is involved in an extracurricular activity, such as athletics or theater, she pointed out. ey also juggle the social aspect of high school, wanting to get to know their peers and make new friends.

“I think being able to keep all the balls in the air can be really challenging for adolescents,” she said.

Students can mitigate feelings of being overwhelmed by utilizing organizational tools, like scheduling apps, that

help them carve out time to work on the tasks they need to complete, she suggested.

“I think that’s really important for being able to schedule and understand their commitments and their time, but then I also think it’s important for them to have that toolbox of things that make them feel good when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed,” Biggar said.

High schoolers can come up with this “toolbox” by nding things that help them practice self-care, tending to both physical and mental health, she recommended. ese coping mechanisms may include physical activity, breathing exercises, journaling or listening to music.

“I would say the most important piece is really nding those people that the student can go to and talk to, whether it’s a teacher, or their coach, or their parent, or their best friend, or an older sibling, or the counselor,” she said.

Sleep is also very important, she pointed out.

“Sleep impacts the way we regulate our mood, our ability to focus; and so if you’re not getting enough sleep and you’re going to bed (in the) early hours of the morning, the next day, everything is going to feel overwhelming,” Biggar said.

Mazel tov, Confirmands & Graduates

Congratulations to the 2023 confirmands and graduates

Shavuot, which this year will begin after sundown on May 26, is the holiday that celebrates the revelation of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. Most Conservative and Reform synagogues hold confirmation ceremonies on this holiday.

Confirmands:

Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Laila Bilsky

Alyssa Feldman

Reese Hoegler

Nora Klein

Molly Lewis

Jessica Lieberman

Leo Mendelsohn

Aaron Miller

Shawna Polster

Sadie Zelin

Beth Israel –

The West Temple

Ava Watts

Iris Wright

B’nai Jeshurun

Congregation

Caroline Auer-

bach-Brown

Kiva Jacobs

Sara Kurland

Jake Leeson

Jacob Morris

Shira Poliko

Rachel Wolf

Jacob Wolinsky

Park Synagogue

Stav Avisar

Max Berke

Alexander Eisengart

Leah Hulewat

Noah Isaacson

Rachel Kantarovich

Isabelle Kaufman

Nicole Kleyner

Elijah Kriwinsky

Avi Saidel

Jacob Tannenbaum

Braden White

Hannah Yakubov

Temple Emanu El

Louis Elia

Thatcher Gross

Dylan Hershey

Dina Rubin

The Temple-Tifereth Israel

Rubin Reed Harris

Rachel Viola Aliya

Kasimov

Camryn Annie Klein

Hannah Rose Soranno

Kayla Eden Streem

Graduates:

Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Alison Gunzler

Blake Hoegler

Logan Kennicutt

Jordyn Levine

David White

Noah Zelin

Beth IsraelThe West Temple

Jonas Evans

Rachel Neumann

Lila Wright

B’nai Jeshurun

Congregation

Rena Berkowitz

Emma Berlin

Nathan Claypool

Maya Greller

Morgan Leeson

David Levine

Jonathan Loeb

Hannah Plotkin

Lia Polster

Bradley Rothschild

Melissa Rothschild

Shana Steinberg

Eliana Wolf

Congregation

Shaarey Tikvah

Liat Browner

Zev Gold

Hannah Plotkin

Arthur Stadlin

Park Synagogue

Anna Buchner

Samuel Cohen

Virginia Cohen

Maya Eisengart

Ayala Galili

Misha Lauer

Emmett Luzar

Max Rindsberg

Joshua Schoenbrun

Eli Shore

Eliana Uher

Temple Emanu El

Sam Hall

Cecelia Messina

The Temple-Tifereth

Israel

Sabrina Fellinger

Rebecca Martel

Kylee Moss

Marcus Streem

Madelyn Wilkov

Anna Wolf