The Yeshiva of Central Queens proudly announces its honorees for the upcoming Annual Scholarship Dinner, to be held on Motza’ei Shabbos, December 13, at RAM Caterers in Old Westbury. This year’s distinguished awardees represent the very best of the YCQ community: devotion, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the school.
Dor L’Dor Legacy Award:
The Dyckman Family
The Dyckman Family is the embodiment of the Dor L’Dor spirit, linking generations through deep commitment to Torah, tz’dakah, and communal responsibility. Selma and Jacob Dyckman have spent over 60 years rooted in Kew Gardens Hills, creating a home known for warmth, chesed, and generosity. Their children, Deborah, Ezra, Daniel, Joshua, and Jonathan, have carried on this tradition of giving, inspired by the example of their parents.
The family’s connection to YCQ is strong and multigenerational. Ezra’s sons, Moshe (’09) and Eli, valedictorian of the Class of 2020, are proud alumni. Ezra himself is serving his third year on the Board of Trustees, working tirelessly behind the scenes, while Jonathan’s family is also deeply involved. His wife, Daniella, is a beloved Kindergarten morah, and their children, Talia (’24), Moshe (Grade 7), and Hadassah (Grade 7), have called YCQ home.
Selma and Jacob Dyckman have long dedicated themselves to philanthropy, hosting annual fundraisers for the Slonimer Yeshivah in Israel and actively participating in community organizations such as AMIT (Mizrachi Women). Their home has been described as a “Grand Central Station” of generosity, always welcoming guests for Shabbos and Yom Tov, and instilling a lifelong sense of tz’dakah in their children. Through their decades of devotion, the Dyckman Family truly exemplifies the Dor L’Dor Legacy Award.
Parents of the Year: Laya & Evan Daniel
Laya and Evan Daniel of West Hempstead are being honored as Parents of the Year in recognition of their unwavering dedication to family, community, and the YCQ family. Their commitment spans two decades, during which they have become central figures in the life of the Yeshiva.
For Evan, the honor reflects both his role as a father to his four children – Jake (Class of ’23), Allie (Grade 8), Hailey (Grade 5), and Brandon – and his nearly 20 years as a Wildcats basketball coach. In that role, he has mentored hundreds of players, building lasting relationships and celebrating milestones, including the 2011 Championship with a dedicated group of athletes he affectionately calls his “kids.”
Laya, a devoted educator for 19 years, has contributed tirelessly to the school community. She has played a key role in the PTO, organized meaningful hakaras ha’tov collections for teachers and staff, and spoken at countless school events – from siddur plays to graduations – expressing gratitude and fostering community connection.
Together, Laya and Evan manage a busy household filled with school, sports, dance, and extracurricular activities, demonstrating teamwork and dedication that inspire those around them. Their children motivate them to be better parents each day, and they credit YCQ for providing a community that is much more than a school – it is a true family.
YCQ is also proud to recognize its other honorees: Rachel and Yisroel Orenbuch, recipients of the Hakaras HaTov Award, for their tireless dedication and hands-on partnership in education; and Mr. Gregorio Cruz, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the YCQ community.
Please join us at the Dinner at 7:30 a.m. on Motza’ei Shabbos, December 13, 2025, at RAM Caterers, 21 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, New York. For reservations and journal ads, visit www.ycq.org/dinner.
