The Westchester Scholars Program is an elite opportunity for eighth graders who have demonstrated commitment and achievement in areas such as academics, the arts, sports, chessed, and ahavat yisroael. Scholars receive merit scholarships, and have the opportunity to attend workshops, participate in workshops, listen to selected speakers, and to go on unique trips.  The first trip for Scholars this academic year was a visit to SpyScape in New York City. Our Scholars definitely discovered their “inner spy” as they took personality tests and participated in physical and mental challenges, while learning about hackers, surveillance, cracking codes such as the infamous Enigma, and learning about famous spies in history.  Seeing James Bond’s Aston Martin car was a definite highlight, as was being accompanied on this trip by our Head of School himself, Rabbi Beer!

 

Recently WHHS students in the junior class traveled to Manhattan with Mrs. Rosenblatt to see a screening through BAFTA of the much anticipated movie The Hate U Give. All 11th graders read the novel by Angie Thomas over Sukkot and spent time discussing and writing about the important topics in their respective English classes. At the screening, the students were recognized by the moderator, Timberly Whitfield, and members of the panel which included Angie Thomas, the author, George Tillman, jr, the director, and Amandla Stenberg, the lead actress who plays Starr. During the Q&A, students asked questions to the members of the panel that they had prepared in advance of the film and were later photographed with Amandla who waited just to meet them!  It was an exciting and memorable evening for all. Special thank you to Timberly Whitfield for making this experience possible. 

We had the honor of hosting IDF soldiers Keren and Tom, members of the 2017 StandWithUs Israeli Soldiers' Tour.  They spoke with out students about the facts on the ground in Israel and their real life experiences as IDF soldiers.  

Keren is 24 years old and is  studying politics and government at Ben Gurion University.  She made Aliyah on her own at the age of 16.  Following high school, she enlisted in the IDF and served as a basic training commander.  She understands the importance of standing up for Israel and Israel advocacy.  She encouraged our students to learn as much as they can about the topic and to be advocates for Israel wherever life takes them.

Tom is 30 years old.  He is a Bedouin Muslim from the village of Bir al-Maksur in northern Israel.  He volunteered to serve in the IDF and drafted into the Iron Dome unit of the Israeli Air Force.  After a number of different jobs and educational experiences, he decided to get a degree in Law, Government, and Management at the Academic College for Science and Law.  He also works for Acharai (“Follow Me”), a non-profit organization that prepares teenagers for their military service, and guides them to be more socially involved and responsible.  Tom stressed the importance for standing up for what we know is correct even if it is not the popular opinion.  For more information, watch this video: http://youtu.be/CpHGWJwYXqs

 

Representatives from Bar Ilan University, Binghamton University, The Cooper Union, Hofstra University, Queens College, University of Delaware, University of Maryland, and Yeshiva University participated in the 2017 WHHS College Panel organized by Director of College Guidance, Mr. Michael Tedesco.  The college reps covered topics such as the college essay, application deadlines, gap year, Jewish life on campus and financial aid.  Following the panel, students had the opportunity to speak with the representatives and gain additional information that will help them sail through the application process.  Special thanks to Mr. Tedesco and to the college reps who made the time to spend an evening with us during their hectic recruitment season.