HANC Middle School’s Eighth Grade Graduation took place on Wednesday, June 19, in the gym of our illustrious yeshivah. The gym was adorned with balloons and a “2024” arch. The graduates looked extremely proud as they walked down the aisle, and their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were certainly shepping a lot of nachas.
The graduation began with a “walk down memory lane.” Baby pictures of the graduates were projected on the huge screen, and then a montage of the Middle School years caused some tears. After the procession and the anthems, Pras Hitztaynut award recipients Maya Nof and Jeremy Zeitlin, delivered the invocation. They spoke about two types of leadership styles, that of Moshe Rabbeinu and that of Kalev.
Following the invocation, Mrs. Morey, the Assistant Principal, offered words of greeting. She explained that the world needs the students’ optimism, now more than ever.
Next, came the chairperson of the Board of Education, Dr. Debra Alper. She spoke about when Moshe sought Hashem’s help in dealing with B’nei Yisrael, Hashem told Moshe to appoint 70 elders so that he would not have to be alone. Dr. Alper added that we should surround ourselves with virtuous and wise friends who will give us emotional support and also lead us to elevate our own actions.
David Alper, one of the Torah Umada Award recipients, discussed two different types of solutions to problems, namely technical and adaptive. He did this through the lens of how the Jews complained in Sh’mos and in B’Haaloscha, and Moshe’s reaction each time. Interspersed through the program were four videos, which showcased what advice the graduates would give an incoming Middle School student, the graduates’ favorite memories of HANC Middle School, pivotal learning moments from Middle School and one word the students would use to describe HANC Middle School.
Nili Brukner, Torah Umada award recipient, spoke about the difference between selfless people and selfish people. Rabbi Hecht, principal, spoke about the importance of knowing that each person has a power inside of themselves and limitless potential.
Next, came the distribution of diplomas. The evening concluded with a benediction delivered by Joshua Kohen, Kaleb Lerner, and Yehuda Weissman, who were Pras Hitztaynut award winners. They spoke about the importance of listening to the adults in our lives and doing mitzvos in the best possible way.
We wish all of the graduates and their families much brachah and hatzlachah!
