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May 7, 2004/Iyar 16 5764, Vol. 56, No. 33
Mazel tov, graduatesEditorialThree years ago, a group of girls took a chance upon the promise of an idea: the creation of a Jewish community high school.When the Jess Schwartz Jewish Community High School opened its doors in the fall of 2001, three sophomores comprised the first class. Joined by a fourth in 2003, these students - along with their parents - became high school chalutzim, pioneers (see Staff Writer Beth Olson's "Graduating seniors," Page 17). When they graduate on May 20, one journey will come to an end, and their journey to adulthood will begin. This first class has set a high bar for achievement. All four students have been admitted to the colleges of their choice and have received scholarships and awards. The local Jewish community dreamed of having a community Jewish high school for at least 25 years. With the success of the Jess Schwartz high school, that dream is now a reality. Many people deserve congratulations and recognition: the Sheila and Jess Schwartz family of Phoenix; the board of directors; founding headmaster Jay Schechter and founding president Debbie Harris; headmaster Janice Johnson; assistant headmaster Rabbi Shmuel Afek, the teachers, administrators and of course the students and their families. The Jess Schwartz high school has fostered a family atmosphere within its walls, where the students feel close to one another and strive toward a common goal of excellence. Along the way, they learn to think critically and also Jewishly. Class size indicates that the future of the Jess Schwartz high school is secure. There are 13 students in this year's junior class; 50 prospective freshmen have toured the facility and taken entrance examinations. Hopes are high that next year's freshman class will be the largest ever. A Jewish community high school strengthens our Jewish infrastructure and makes our community more attractive to newcomers. At last, we can provide our children with a Jewish education from infancy to high school graduation. Tradition teaches that the true builders of our community are our youth. The students of the Jess Schwartz high school not only contribute to the local Jewish community, but also acquire the skills, experience and religious identity to become leaders as college students and young adults. Mazel tov to the current graduating class: Shira Finkelstein, Sara Loeb, Alicia Miller and Maria Restivo. They have helped establish a community high school worthy of our celebration and our support. |
