It was an event that was both joyful and bittersweet: On Monday, June 8, the Class of 2026 officially graduated from the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) and joined the ranks of Wildcat alumnae.
But before graduation, the entire grade was treated to one final grade-wide journey: a fun-filled trip to South Jersey, where Wildcats enjoyed pedal boats in Asbury Park, time spent at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Amusement Park, and shopping at the Jersey Shore Premium Outlets before spending one last Shabbos together.
For the school’s 74th annual commencement on the June 8, the YUHSG community gathered at a new location, the Queensborough Performing Arts Center, to celebrate with this year’s graduates. YUHSG faculty mark these occasions as a time to honor the work and growth these students have accomplished over the past four years.
“As our students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, I see the story of their Central journey unfold, a transformation of ninth graders into confident, knowledgeable, and compassionate young women ready to share their unique gifts with the world,” said YUHSG Principal Mrs. Aliza Gewirtz. “This moment is the ultimate nachas and a beautiful reflection of the one-of-a-kind Central experience that shapes each student’s path.”
Ms. Leah Moskovich, for whom this year’s commencement ceremony will be her last as Associate Principal, agreed. “We are so beyond proud of this year’s graduating Class of 2026, and I am extremely humbled to be graduating Central with them,” she said.
Commencement began with T’hilim from Central’s Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Joshua Goller, followed by an address to the class from Ms. Moskovich and a presentation of the Klein Memorial Founders Award Salutatorians for Excellence in Jewish and General Studies to recipients Kayla Etra and Aliyah Kahn. Next, Mrs. Gewirtz presented the Stephen Klein Memorial Founders Award Valedictorian for Excellence in Jewish and General Studies to Sarah Leah Sullivan, who gave the class’s valedictory address before the granting of further awards.
This year’s Keter Shem Tov Award was shared by Eliana Goldman and Noa Shuval, while the Malka Fishhaut Memorial Award for Study in Israel was given to Malka Lavner and Shira Massihesraelian for their overall excellence in Judaic Studies. Yeshiva University High School’s Leadership and Middot Award went to Meira Levine, while YU’s Torah u’Madda Award was given to Tamar Frankel. Lastly, the Leah Lefkowitz Humanitarian Chesed Award was shared by Eliana Gomberg and Shalhevet Koenigsberg.
After crossing the stage to receive diplomas, the class was presented by their Senior Grade Dean, Director of Israel and Religious Guidance and Judaic Studies faculty member, Mrs. Yael Axelrod.
“I could not be more proud of the Central graduating Class of 2026,” Mrs. Axelrod said. “They are an exceptional group of talented, genuine, energetic, and passionate young ladies, and it was my greatest privilege to have been their grade dean for the past two years. I wish them each the biggest mazal tov upon their graduation!”
YUHSG would like to wish each and every graduate heartfelt congratulations. We are so proud of who you have become and everything you have accomplished over the past four years. May your hard work and your integrity carry you forward into a life of joy, service, and unending learning.
