If you want to get a sense for any school community, there’s only one place to get the real story: the students. At the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central), the array of extracurricular activities and special programming on offer enables students to design their own personalized high school experience, complete with learning in and out of the classroom.
One of the oldest and most prestigious programs at Central is its Science Institute. Directed by the Science Department Chair, Mrs. Ruth Fried, the Institute gives aspiring scientists a chance to begin their careers right here at Central. While all Central students receive science literacy training and lab experience, the Institute deepens this training with college-level math and science curricula, the development and defense of independent research, and exclusive summer research internships at YU’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine, among other places.
Senior Shira Fisher has been a program participant since her sophomore year. Now in her last year of the program, she regards her time at the Science Institute as one of her biggest influences. As a Science Institute participant, Shira has taken on two internships – the first during her junior summer, at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “I was set up in a lab focused on hepatology,” she said. “That internship made me realize what research is all about – and in a professional lab setting.”
The following summer, Shira attended Stony Brook University’s Garcia High School Scholars Summer Research Program. “We had lectures every day and were mentored by faculty – guided, but with the freedom to pursue whatever research we wanted. It definitely built up my confidence in a lab setting.”
Shira also stayed in campus dorms at the university during the week for the duration of the internship. “That was a learning experience, too,” Shira laughed.
With fellow Science Institute senior Sarah Yagudayev, Shira is currently working on a project developing a liquid embolic agent that will be targeted at treating brain aneurysms. “That part of the process, when you realize that everything is coming together for that click moment – that’s the best part of research, for me,” she said. Shira and Sarah have been selected to present this project at the upcoming Materials Research Society (MRS) Conference in Boston.
An additional summer experience: Shira recently served as an intern in the emergency room at Mount Sinai Brooklyn, and she hopes to pursue emergency medicine. “Central’s resources are amazing,” Shira said. “Our Science Department is incredible. Mrs. Fried, Mrs. (Miriam) Chopp, Mrs. (Shulamith) Biederman – they prepared me for lab work and guided me every step of the way. The Science Institute experience has made me love science.” Her advice for incoming eighth graders: “Don’t be afraid to ask teachers and students questions. That’s how you learn. Keep asking questions until you have your own click moment.”
Just down the hall from the lab, future leaders are building their own skill sets. One of the newest, and most popular, programs at Central is its Leadership Track. A new initiative launched in partnership with Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership, the track is designed to nurture Central students with an affinity for leadership, exposing them to a tailored curriculum, leadership training workshops, and pairing them with YU Leadership Scholars for mentorship.
One of the newest participants in this track is sophomore Bailey Rosenstock, whose path to the program started with Central Student Government. “I served as a grade representative as a freshman, and am serving again this year,” she said. “So, I was excited to be asked to join the Leadership Track.”
The year has gotten off to a rigorous start, with a recent field trip to the YU campus. “We met with leadership students at the Stern College for Women and did some workshops to demonstrate to ourselves that we have leadership qualities – that we were chosen for this program for a reason. We learned what it means to be vocal and confident, but also humble. And I can see these tactics being useful in group projects: knowing when to take a step back, when needed, or when to get more involved.”
The trip included a surprise visit by YU’s President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman. “We didn’t know we were going to get to meet Dr. Berman, and it was definitely a privilege to be able to hear from him,” Bailey said. “I felt more connected to Yeshiva University after that trip. Going to visit campus made that connection real – and it introduced me to opportunities that I might have in the future.”
Another new program adding dimension to Central’s extracurricular life: the Adira Rose Koffsky a”h Humanities Program, an exciting new immersive experience that will support and nurture Central students who demonstrate talents in literature, creative arts, and the performing arts. Cultural trips into the city, live performances, and guest speakers from a variety of industries are also part of the program.
Junior Lana Bahn is a part of this year’s Humanities cohort. Lana’s love of art and literature drew her to this program. “I love reading, history, and art,” she said. “And I was interested in doing this, because the experience is less of a class than an open discussion. Everyone gets to express how she feels, and I really enjoy that aspect.” The program’s current selection: the mythology classic “Antigone.” “I really like it,” she said. “Not only is this main character making her own decisions, she’s taking the little freedom she has to try to do what’s right.”
Lana – who is also the captain of Central’s Robotics Team, a captain of the Track Club, and a member of Torah Bowl and the Model Chinuch League – is most enthusiastic about the program’s writing focus. “When I write, I want it to be a Lana Bahn essay, with humor and varied vocabulary and a wide worldview,” she said.
The program will also concentrate on the writing process via group workshopping. In December, each member will submit workshopped pieces to the national Scholastic Arts and Writing Contest. “It’s so fun to work together in a group, especially when you’re surrounded by people who are also interested in what you’re doing,” she said. “Collaboration is key.” As is the program’s faculty advisor, Humanities Chair and Director of College Guidance, Mrs. Rena Boord. “Mrs. Boord is the best,” Lana continued. “She brings something special to the program.” Lana cites the Humanities program as one of the most impactful aspects of her time at Central. “Even though, for most of my life, I have lived about a block away from whatever school I’ve attended,” said the Cedarhurst native, “I’ve never felt more at home than I do at Central.”
All Central students – and these programs, with many others – will be celebrated at the YUHSG Open House, scheduled for Sunday, November 3.
