On Monday evening, June 17, The Yeshiva of Central Queens hosted its annual commencement for the Class of 2024 at the Queensborough Performing Arts Center.
This year’s commencement took place under the backdrop of the matzav in Eretz Yisrael, and the different presentations throughout the night made it clear that our brothers and sisters are always on our minds, in our hearts, and in our t’filos.
Ninety-eight students, dressed in blue and white caps and gowns, kicked off the evening with a procession down the aisles, as proud family members looked on. Rabbi Ophie Nat led the packed auditorium in renditions of the American and Israeli national anthems.
Over the course of the evening, Principal Mark Landsman, President of the Board of Trustees Dr. Joel Wein, and Associate Principal of General Studies K-8 Mrs. Melissa Cohen addressed the graduates. They offered words of Torah, encouragement, and praise for the students as they take their next steps.
Student speakers included Valedictorians Moria Cohen and Mikey Fried, Salutatorians Elisheva Schutzman, Eitan Bokhour, Jacob Betesh, and Keter Shem Tov Awardees Aliza Milchman and Justin Schikman. The students thanked faculty, family, and friends for helping shape who they are today, and recited the different t’filos for the IDF and the people of Israel.
Mrs. Esther Lowinger recognized the students who achieved High Honors, and Rabbi Stephen Knapp introduced the respective performances by the boys and girls. Led by Morah Mashie Kapelowitz and Morah Tali Brody, the talmidos wowed the crowd with an impressively choreographed Israel flag “daglanut.” The boys had their turn to shine as they performed a series of songs, including Acheinu and the Mi SheBeirach for Tzahal, all arranged and conducted by Rabbi Ophie Nat.
The crowd was then taken for a journey through time with a heartwarming video montage created by Mrs. Jennifer Jaffe. Fond memories from over the many years in YCQ were displayed as the students looked on, recalling the shared moments they experienced together. The presentation ended with a touching tribute to those who lost their lives on October 7 and in the ensuing war.
Diplomas were then awarded by Rabbi Landsman, Mrs. Malka Fishman, Rabbi Knapp, Mrs. Lowinger, Rabbi Joshua Rohr, Mrs. Cohen, Dr. Wein, Dr. Eliana Langbaum, Mrs. alerie Olsen, Mrs. Ora Verstandig, and Mrs. Sharon Korn.
A collation back at YCQ concluded the memorable night. Graduation was an exclamation point to concluding a wonderful year and to recognize all of the amazing talmidim and talmidos of the Yeshiva of Central Queens. Mazal Tov!
