HANC Middle School’s Eighth Grade Graduation took place on Wednesday, June 21, in the gym of our illustrious yeshivah. The gym was adorned with balloons and a “2023” arch. The graduates looked extremely proud as they walked down the aisle and their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were certainly shepping a lot of nachas.
The graduation began with a “walk down memory lane.” Baby pictures of the graduates were projected on the huge screen, and then a montage of the Middle School years caused some tears.
After the procession and the anthems, Pras Hitztaynut award recipients Naftali Nathan and Judah Weitzman, delivered the invocation. They spoke about the theme of the graduation, which was Hakaras HaTov. Following the invocation, Mrs. Morey, Assistant Principal, offered words of greeting. She used fire as a symbol to discuss this class, and that throughout Middle School they exhibited their desire for knowledge and their motivation.
Next came, the president of the yeshivah, Dr. Ruchi Kushner. She spoke about the students’ resilience and everything they accomplished.
Camryn Brunner, one of the Torah Umada Award recipients, expressed the idea that each student has the power to make a difference, and Hashem is always there to help us. Interspersed through the program were four videos, which discussed what advice the graduates would give an incoming Middle School student, the graduates’ favorite memories of HANC Middle School, pivotal learning moments from Middle School, and one word the students would use to describe HANC Middle School.
Elijah Friedman, Torah Umada Award recipient, spoke about the idea of argument that is for the sake of Heaven. Rabbi Hecht, principal, spoke about the importance of having a positive outlook and that everyone should appreciate what they have inside of them.
Next came the distribution of diplomas. The evening concluded with a benediction delivered by Shirel Barzideh and Bailey Rosenstock, who were Pras Hitztaynut award winners. They spoke about the importance of remembering that everything is for the best.
We wish all of the graduates and their families much brachah and hatzlachah!
