Schools

There is something almost magical about the beginning of summer.

Bnos Malka Academy proudly celebrated the graduation of its eighth-grade class at the Young Israel of Hillcrest on Monday, June 15. Family members, faculty, and friends gathered to honor the graduates and celebrate this important milestone in their educational journey.

On Friday, HALB Middle School celebrated America’s 250^th birthday. Students participated in a special assembly culminating with the reading of the Declaration of Independence. After that, they went outside for America-themed games and a delicious all-American barbecue.

On Monday evening, June 15, the Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2026 at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.

On Friday, June 6, the last day of classes, HANC High School students and faculty filled the school’s auditorium for this year’s Closing Ceremony. The program opened with remarks from Principal Rabbi Eli Slomnicki, who introduced the awards ceremony with a special emphasis on the process of choosing recipients. These awards are a series of honors presented to students who stand out in areas that are valued at HANC. Faculty members nominated candidates for consideration and collectively selected the recipients. Each award was given to one male and one female recipient. Each recipient of the ten awards will be added to the plaques adorning the second-floor hallway.

Every graduation marks an ending and a beginning. At MTA, the graduation of the Class of 2026 was also something more: a celebration of Torah growth, student leadership, and the lasting legacy of a yeshiva education.