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.
Elijah Friedman ’27 received the Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook Passion for Education Award, and Elisheva Schutzman ’28 received the Nechama Leibowitz Passion for Education Award. These recipients were recognized for their “academic achievement, true intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated commitment to increasing knowledge in various disciplines.”
Students with outstanding “determination and diligence and an unwavering commitment to advance academically” received the Rabbi Meyer & Rebbetzin Goldie Fendel Determination and Perseverance Award. Gilad Kahen ’27 and Emily Akbashev ’27 were the proud recipients.
The Golda Meir Community & School Spirit Award went to Molly Leifer ’27, and the Natan Sharansky Community & School Spirit Award went to Didi Lubner ’28, as students who exemplify “a strong commitment to the HANC community and work selflessly in order to foster inclusiveness and strengthen school spirit.”
The students who went above and beyond in their participation in chesed activities were Shayna Wunder ’28 and Chaim Ilayew ’28, who received the Rabbi Moshe & Rebbetzin Sandra Gottesman Chesed Award.
The Ateret Shem Tov and Keter Shem Tov awards recognize students who demonstrate distinguished character and a strong commitment to leading a life of high ethical and moral standards consistent with Torah ideals and values. The recipients were Eden Turkfel ’27 and Jordan Furman ’27, respectively.
The program concluded with a nostalgic year-in-review video presentation expertly prepared by the Student Life Team. Haagen-Dazs ice cream bars were enjoyed by everyone.
The ceremony was uplifting, with wonderful achdus among the students as they cheered for their peers who received awards. A tremendous yashar koach to all students for completing an outstanding year.
Wishing everyone a wonderful summer.