2024 Gallery of Grads

of Grads2022 Gallery

A Cleveland Jewish News Advertising Special Section

Photo / Holly Harendza Visual

As schools all around the country celebrate the outstanding achievements and bright futures of its graduating seniors, the Cleveland Jewish News identified a few local graduates to highlight as they reflect on the past four years and prepare for their exciting journey ahead. They each share diverse talents, aspirations and excitement for their future. Mazel tov to the Class of 2024.

Sam Bilsky

Graduation Date: June 2

High School: Orange High School

Hometown: Pepper Pike

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Jewish Activities: Camp Wise camper and counselor, madrich at temple

Parents: Amy and Scott Bilsky

Attending college: The Ohio State University

Sam Bilsky, an 18-year-old high school senior from Orange High School in Pepper Pike, plans to attend The Ohio State University in Columbus after he graduates June 2.

The most thrilling part of the upcoming chapter in his life is that he’ll get to develop a sense of independence while watching the sports he’s interested in, he said.

“I’m excited for the sports because I’m going to Ohio State, so that is going to be fun,” Bilsky said. “I’m just excited to be on my own and try new things, be independent.”

While he’ll watch OSU sports, he wants to continue playing the clarinet, an instrument he has played since

elementary school, with a musical student group at the university, he said. He served as his high school band’s treasurer during his senior year and for all of high school, he was first chair and served as section leader.

Bilsky also participated in mock trial, where he was team captain and vice president, with his team making it to the second round of the state competition this year and to the final four in 2023, he said.

For his senior project, Bilsky spent hours at Camp Wise in Claridon Township aiding in set-up for the upcoming camp season, he said. He helped put together first-aid kits for different areas in the camp and put up signs for cabins and program areas.

Following graduation, he plans to study psychology at OSU, a subject he has been passionate about and interested in since he took Advanced Placement psychology in his sophomore year of high school, he said. He is also on the pre-law track, as he plans to attend law school after he earns his bachelor’s degree.

Bilsky said he doesn’t know what he wants to do after college, but he is leaning toward doing work in the field of psychology.

“I’ve always found psychology to be an interesting subject,” he said. “...I know for law school, I can choose something I’m really passionate about and I’ve always found this subject to be interesting and important.”

- Lydia Kacala

Dani DiDomenico

Graduation date: May 4

High School: Solon

College: The Ohio State University

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: Suburban Temple - Kol Ami

Jewish activities: OSU Chabad

Parents: Tracy Singer and Michael DiDomenico

Majoring in aerospace engineering with minors in astronomy and astrophysics, Dani DiDomenico received her job offer two weeks before graduation from The Ohio State University in Columbus.

“This whole year has been leading up to that,” she said. “I’ve had countless job applications and interviews.”

In July, she will enter the workforce as a level one systems engineer at Blue Canyon Technologies in Colorado.

Holding three internships during her college career gave DiDomenico the hands-on experience and insight needed for her coursework and job prospects.

“It’s really good for hands-on aspect, taking my knowledge from the classroom and applying it to the real world,” she said.

DiDomenico’s college career taught her both resilience and that “progress is progress no matter how small.”

This came to play during her internships and course work where she sometimes felt she was behind her peers, and especially during her job search that began in September, she said.

“I had this daunting email folder of all the email confirmations from all my job applications and then the corresponding rejections from those,” DiDomenico said, adding that she applied to around 100 jobs. “… It’s hard to not look at stuff like that and get impostor syndrome, but you just focus on the small amounts of progress you make, any progress is progress.”

As a creative outlet, DiDomenico joined the club Dance Connection her freshman year of college.

“I have most of my favorite memories from that club,” DiDomenico, a Solon High School graduate who has been dancing since she was 3, said. “It helped me a lot through these four years. I love the people, it took me out of my comfort zone, made me fall back in love with dance and it was just my creative outlet from my really cumbersome coursework.”

For those entering college, she said to “just be mindful of opportunities and take anything that comes your way.”

– Abigail Preiszig

Publisher’s note: Dani DiDomenicois the daughter of Tracy Singer, CFO at the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company.

Bilsky

DiDomenico

American University

Boston College

Boston University

Bucknell University

Carleton College

Case Western Reserve

University (5)

Chapman University

Clemson University

Columbia University

Drexel University

Emory University

Fashion Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology

Hampton University

Harvard University

Celebrating the Class of 24 College Destinations

Indiana University

Lawrence University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2)

Mercyhurst University

Miami University (2)

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University (2)

Savannah College of Art & Design

Smith College

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

Syracuse University (4)

Tufts University

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

University of Rochester (3)

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of St. Andrews

University of Tampa

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin at Madison

College of William & Mary

Occidental College

Ohio State University

Pitzer College

Pratt Institute

Princeton University

Rice University

Ringling College of Art & Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

United States Naval Academy 2029, Postgrad Year

University of Akron

University of Denver

University of Miami

University of Michigan (3)

University of Pennsylvania

University of Richmond

Vanderbilt University

Wake Forest University

Washington & Lee University

Washington University, St. Louis (2)

Williams College

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

as of 5/15/24

Adam Hirsh

Graduation Date: May 5

School: Spertus Institute

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

Adam Hirsh, managing director of community planning and allocations at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, graduated from the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership in Chicago on May 5 with an executive master of arts in Jewish professional studies.

Hirsh, a Solon resident, said it was the “perfect opportunity” for him to join a cohort of “similar-minded peers” around the country.

“I wanted to jump into a program that really spoke to me, that motivated me

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to accomplish it, that would also further my personal development,” Hirsh said.

The master’s will make him a stronger professional in the Cleveland Jewish community, he said, noting he has more confidence, a “greater network and richer experiences.”

Hirsh said he looked at every Jewish professional studies program, but Spertus’ schedule flexibility made it the only one he “actively considered.”

He graduated from Ohio University in Athens in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, management and strategic leadership, and then went to work at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown as youth program director and assistant director, then as assistant director and executive director at Hillel at Kent State before joining the Federation in June 2023.

“I was fortunate enough to know many people that have participated in the program that gave me a good understanding of what to expect,” Hirsh said.

– Kaitlyn Finchler

Publisher’s note: Adam Hirsh’s father, Larry Hirsh, is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company board of directors.

Hope Nosanchuk

Graduation Date: June 5

High School: Shaker Heights High School

Hometown: Shaker Heights

Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple

Jewish Activities: NFTY-Northeast Lakes, URJ Camp

Parents: Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk and Joanie Berger

Attending college: Dickinson College

Heavily involved in the arts, Hope Nosanchuk, 18, will graduate from Shaker Heights High School on June 5 after taking International Baccalaureate classes and more.

“I’ve (had) the opportunity to take jewelry classes and metal work the last three years,” they said. “Which is not something the average high schooler gets to say, so that’s probably my favorite part.”

The International Baccalaureate classes provided a good community “because it has the same group of kids” in most of their classes, Hope said. One of the favorite classes they’ve taken is psychology, because “normally that’s not something you get to explore until college,” as well as another class called theory of knowledge, which provided students with philosophical and real-life situations.

Outside of school, Hope said they work at Tommy’s Restaurant in Cleveland Heights and served as the regional president for NFTYNortheast Lakes, a movement for Reform Judaism. NFTY is a “super fun way” to engage “Jewishly and meet people (from) other places,” they said. Hope also attends camp through the Union for Reform Judaism. After graduating, Hope said they plan to attend Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa.

“I really liked the smaller community and how it felt like you knew everyone,” they said. “Everyone was very willing to help each other out. You could just feel that the people cared about each other, which I really liked.”

For future graduates, Hope said to “enjoy where you’re at right now,” and while the future is coming fast, “there’s no point in rushing towards it. There’s a lot to enjoy while you’re here.”

– Kaitlyn Finchler

Nosanchuk

Adam Hirsh received his MA in Jewish Professional Studies at Spertus Institute’s 2024 Graduation in Chicago. | Photo / Maggie Russo

F REVER GREEN AND WHITE.

Alexa Novack

Graduation Date: May 4

College: The Pennsylvania State University

Hometown: Solon

Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel

Jewish Activities: Regularly attended Hillel and Chabad, Birthright trip to Israel

Parents: Sara and Brian Novack

Following her May 4 graduation from The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Alexa Novack, who is originally from Solon, accepted an offer to work as a registered nurse at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center in Beachwood.

“I always knew I wanted to do something with science and something where I could help others,” Novack said. “I came across the nursing major and I wanted to try it, and I fell in love with it during clinicals.”

Her favorite part about being a nurse is that she gets to be an influence in her patient’s lives and in the care they receive, she said.

“I love how I can have a direct influence in patient’s lives and how I can make a big difference in their health and well-being,” Novack said.

After her sophomore year in 2022, she participated in a Birthright trip to Israel. She also attended Hillel and Chabad of Penn State throughout her time at the university, she said.

Reflecting on her time at the university, her favorite part of attending Penn State was getting to watch the school’s football team – the Nittany Lions – play at Beaver Stadium, she said. At the football games, she was able to spend time with her friends and cheer on her school’s team at the same time. Overall, Novack enjoyed her time studying at the university and experiencing what the school had to offer, she said.

“I loved my time at Penn State and I loved studying to be a nurse,” Novack said.

- Lydia Kacala

How to connect with Jewish life on campus

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

Many Jewish high school students who live in the same area for most of their lives are able to connect with their Judaism at a young age and stay connected throughout high school. However, when they graduate and begin college, they may nd themselves in a new place without a clear connection to their beliefs. e Cleveland Jewish News spoke with Hillels and Chabads in Cleveland and Chabad in Columbus to learn about how they help keep Jewish students connected with their Judaism and each other. Hillel in Columbus did not respond to multiple attempts to be included in this article.

JARED ISAACSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CLEVELAND HILLEL FOUNDATION

• How can Jewish students continue to connect with their Judaism on campus?

Cleveland Hillel remains committed to cultivating Jewish life on campus and in the greater community, while inspiring every Jewish college student and young adult we meet to explore and develop their personal Jewish identity while fostering a meaningful and enduring relationship to Israel and Jewish peoplehood. This is achieved by creating and delivering a wide variety of cultural, educational, religiousand social programs, building meaningful relationships, providing personal connections to Israel, supporting a pluralistic Jewish communityand offering volunteer, leadership and personal and professional development opportunities to young adults on any campus we serve.

•What does the organization provide for Jewish students?

Cleveland Hillel supports and cultivates innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial communities on all our campuses to enhance Jewish pride and build meaningful Jewish experiences for students throughout their college journey. Cleveland Hillel approaches our work in supporting Jewish students’ needs by acting as their Jewish “home away from home,” working to promote a thoroughly welcoming and inclusive space for students – regardless of their background and origin – to build a strong community that empowers these young adults to explore, establish and strengthen their personal Jewish identity.

• How do students benefit from participating with the organization?

As Jewish students across the globe face unprecedented levels of antisemitism and antiIsrael hate, we have seen how Hillel’s programs

and services have been especially meaningful to our students. Through Jewish learning, meaningful one-on-one conversations, Israel advocacy, cultural and social programming, leadership development and general moments of joy and unity, students use Hillel’s space and resources to build purpose.

• What has changed with the organization since Oct. 7, 2023, and on-campus protests?

We have witnessed the global rise of antisemitic incidents for the past over seven months, and its impact on our Jewish students was incredibly harmful, even if many of these incidents occurred in cities and on campuses beyond Cleveland. Our students showed great resilience, strength and pride – especially with the support of Hillel behind them.

SARA ALEVSKY

CO-DIRECTOR OF CHABAD AT CASE WESTERN

RESERVE UNIVERSITY IN CLEVELAND

• How can Jewish students continue to connect with their Judaism on campus? Students connect actively by coming to Shabbat dinner and holidays and to other Jewish events. They connect intellectually by taking our JewishU classes, Sinai Scholars or one-on-ones on any topic they choose. They are empowered to be Jewish leaders by being a part of our Jewish Leadership Team. This connection stays on long after they graduate as they look to connect with Jewish life anywhere they move to.

• What does the organization provide for Jewish students?

our home is always open for support in any way. Other than getting more security at some of our events, and student-led security, we’ve stayed the same open and proud Jewish organization we’ve been since starting our Chabad House at CWRU in 2012.

RABBI LEVI ANDRUSIER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AT THE SCHOTTENSTEIN

CHABAD

HOUSE AT OSU IN COLUMBUS

• How can Jewish students continue to connect with their Judaism on campus?

The Schottenstein Chabad House at OSU is an oasis for Jewish students at OSU, creating and anchoring a warm and vibrant Jewish community. Students can connect with their Judaism and with their peers through the various programming and classes scheduled throughout each semester, highlighted by spectacular gourmet Friday night Shabbat and holiday meals.

• What does the organization provide for Jewish students?

OSU Chabad provides educational, social, recreational and pro-Israel programming, and offers compelling, rich and meaningful Jewish practice

that inspires students from all walks of life. Delicious Shabbat dinners on a weekly basis provide Jewish students an uplifting social setting to eat, meet new friends from every niche of the OSU campus and celebrate Shabbat in a spiritual and authentic manner.

• How do students benefit from participating with the organization?

Through the OSU Chabad House, Jewish students gain a home away from home at The Ohio State University. Students gain a deeper and more meaningful appreciation of their Judaism that camp and Hebrew school cannot provide. As mature adults, they discover their Jewish heritage on a whole new level.

• What has changed with the organization since Oct. 7, 2023, and on-campus protests?

As anti-Israel sentiments and antisemitism on campus rose following Oct. 7, 2023, even more Jewish students sought us out for support and safety. Many new students have joined us this year in the battle against hate. Chabad has been a destination for increasing numbers of students seeking a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear to voice concerns and uncertainty. Personal counseling and guidance is always a core element of OSU Chabad, and has specifically been so over these last few months.

Congratulations

LILLIAN HOWDYSHELL Green High School

Congratulations on graduating with honors from Green High School! We are proud of your hard work and determination!

Good luck at Case Western!

Love, Mom & Dad

Case Western Reserve University

Jewish day schools offer more than religious learning

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

School can is a place of learning for many subjects, including general education topics such as math and English. Depending on the school your child goes to, it can also be a place of learning how their identity blends with their religion.

Attending a Jewish day school can provide students with an educational background that can prepare them for their future school experiences and a place to connect with other people that hold similar religious values.

Jewish day schools are meant to provide students with a religious education and an education that will prepare them for the rest of their lives, according to Rabbi Simcha Dessler, menahel/educational director at Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights, and Rabbi Avery Joel, head of school at Fuchs Mizrachi School in Beachwood.

“ e Jewish day school experience fosters a strong sense of Jewish identity in a unique culture, and provides a growth mindset environment replete with a comforting sense of belonging,” Dessler said. “ e

goal is to create a lifelong love for learning and for life while preparing students with an education for life.”

Jewish day school students can learn about many things that can lead them through any path they may choose in the future, Dessler said. us wide range of subjects that students learn is especially helpful “in an unpredictable world,” he added.

While students learn multiple subjects, attending a Jewish day school also allows students to further learn about their religion and traditions, Dessler explained. Students have an opportunity to not only learn about traditions, but to develop an appreciation for them throughout their time at school.

“ e impact of a child who follows the same beliefs, practices and commitment to heritage of his or her parents, grandparents and ancestors – with a sense of appreciation of it all – is priceless,” he said.

Orthodox Jewish day schools can extend education surrounding students’ heritage into the classroom, setting them up for a lifetime of Judaic learning, Joel explained. Students learn about their values, and di erences between right and wrong and good and evil, as well.

“ rough partnerships with families, Orthodox day schools provide an all-encompassing experience for our students,” Joel said. “ e alignment between home and school means that children experience an Orthodox upbringing in all aspects of their lives.”

rough the curriculum, students learn more than just the values their religion teaches, but also life skills that can help them in every aspect of their lives they face, Joel explained. For example, students develop the ability to “balance and prioritize” di erent parts of their lives, which can set them on “a strong path moving forward” and prepare them for college and the career they choose, he added.

“Our hope is that it (the schooling) gives them (the students) an outlook that allows them to live lives full of meaning, purpose and sanctity,” Joel said. “If they come out with the charge and ability to try to bring kedusha –sanctity – to their lives, the lives of others and the whole world, we have been wildly successful.”

CJN offers advice for new graduates

Members of the Cleveland Jewish News staff offered their own words of wisdom for the class of 2024. Whether you’re stepping into the next chapter of your education or embarking on your career journey, these words of advice are for you. Scan the QR code or follow us on TikTok @newsforjewsOHIO to hear our words of encouragement and guidance.

Dessler

Joel

Day schools help prepare students going from middle school to high school

LYDIA KACALA lkacala@cjn.org

Going from middle school to high school can be an emotional transition for some students. Especially for students that have become used to attending a Jewish day school, going to a high school that doesn’t place importance on religious learning will be a new experience.

While the transition can be di cult for some, there are things their school can do and may already be doing that help prepare them for their high school experiences. Sta and teachers can help students prepare for the next step in their lives by ensuring they have a well-rounded education and encouraging a positive view of oneself.

An important part of education is helping a student feel con dent in who they are, according to Kimberly Favor, middle school director of the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood.

“One of our goals at Mandel JDS is to have the student leave here with a rm sense of their identity,” Favor said. “A bigger part of that being their Jewish identity, so that they’re con dent in who they are as students, they’re con dent in who they are in terms of their Judaism.”

While students may go through programming that has a large focus on the Jewish experience, teachers can aid in creating a well-rounded education, including general studies courses so they’re getting the same education as students at other schools, she added. is ensures students are prepared for their future high school education, which may not take place at a Jewish school.

In order to further prepare students for the transition, the school brings past graduates to each ceremony, allowing them to speak about their experiences and how they

“A bigger part of that being their Jewish identity, so that they’re confident in who they are as students, they’re confident in who they are in terms of their Judaism.”

Kimberly Favor Mandel JDS

Do you have a unique story the Northeast Ohio Jewish community needs to know? Send the details to editor@cjn.org for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue.

handled the transition to high school, she explained.

“We bring in graduates who talk about their experiences, the things that went really well (and) the things that were more challenging, so students have a perspective from somebody who graduated from Mandel JDS,” Favor said.

Students can also prepare for the next chapter in their lives by participating in community sports, Jewish youth groups, or other activities to foster relationships with other students in the communities they live in, she said. Many students are also involved in their local synagogues, which can allow them to remain in touch with their Judaism, while still being able to meet other people that may not attend the school they do.

e school is sure to stress that they are a place its graduates can go to for support, especially after the events of Oct. 7, 2023, she explained.

Graduates can also participate in Jewish programming through the school, allowing them to stay in touch with their Judaism and share their new experiences with students and sta still at the school, she said. In sharing their new experiences, students can provide feedback to the school in how they can better prepare others for the transition to high school, she added.

“We want them to stay connected and we want them also to come back to Mandel, visit our students ... and share with us their experiences,” Favor said.

CLASS OF 2024! university school

university school

CLASS OF 2024!

CLASS OF 2024! university school

Learn more about the Class of 2024 at www.us.edu/grads

Learn more about the Class of 2024 at www.us.edu/grads

Learn more about the Class of 2024 at www.us.edu/grads

For boys, Junior K-12

For boys, Junior K-12

For boys, Junior K-12

Think carefully about options when selecting college

LISA MATKOWSKY

Choosing a college is about more than just the name on the diploma, and can be fraught with anxiety. Where students go to school impacts several aspects of their lives, from academic studies to social activities and beyond. Considering the importance of this decision, prospective students should think carefully about their options.

Erin Heilmeier, assistant vice president and Director of Admissions at Bowling Green State University, and Megan Krippel, director of regional recruitment at Kent State University weighed in on what to look for in a school and how to make a decision that may be complicated, especially in today’s climate.

School selection is a very personal activity and there is no one-size- ts-all approach. Before a student can select a college, they should determine what they want out of the institution and experience.

“Campus location, whether rural, suburban, or urban; campus size, cost and nancial aid options, quality of academic programs and social environment are all factors that need to be

Mazal Tov!

2 24 CLASS OF

considered,” Krippel said. “ ere are a variety of options ranging from community colleges to commuter four-year schools to residential public and private colleges. All these choices mean there are options for students. ere is no universally right or wrong school, it’s about nding the college that is the best t for the individual.”

To help sort through the options, Heilmeier advised, “It’s helpful to make a list of priorities like cost, research opportunities, social life, proximity from home and student organizations. If unsure about their priorities, consider visiting a variety of schools to get a sense of what feels right.”

Students need to experience campus in real life rst and foremost.

“Spending time on campus is critical to selecting a college,” Krippel said. “Investigate the environment through a tour, talk with an admissions counselor, observe a class and meet with faculty and sta in their program of interest. Many institutions o er immersive campus visits that provide these opportunities. When visiting, evaluate: ‘Can I see myself here for the next four to six years? What do I like about campus? What do I dislike?’”

Heilmeier emphasized the value of in-person exploration.

“ e best way for a student to know if a school is right for them is to visit the campus,” she said. “ is is a great opportunity to assess the learning environment, campus size and location that websites and brochures won’t always convey. It also provides a chance to ask questions of admissions professionals, students, and other learning

“The best way for a student to know if a school is right for them is to visit the campus.”

Erin Heilmeier Bowling Green State University

community members.”

For Krippel, “College is an investment, and spending time on campus is your test drive of the campus.”

Heilmeier pointed out “a visit can shape a student’s perception of a school and is helpful in narrowing down their list further. Visits can look di erent depending on what a student is looking for. ey can attend a standard information session, typically o ered daily and coupled with a campus tour, or sign up for a larger event such as an open house. Bigger events allow prospective students to interact with a variety of learning community members for in-depth conversations about programs and o erings. Admissions o ces also can typically facilitate personalized visit requests in which students can meet one-on-one with a faculty member or grab lunch with a current student for further insight and information.”

In addition to in-person exploration, careful consideration should be paid to whether the college’s academic opportunities are aligned with the student’s future goals. Krippel suggested nding out if there are su cient opportunities in the community for working, internships and volunteering.

“A student should also gure out if they are nancially prepared to attend the institution and whether the school has the right resources for them,” she said. “Financial aid departments at most institutions work collaboratively with the admissions teams and can provide guidance about a ording college, and if a student needs student accessibility services, for example, I recommend they talk with that corresponding department and visit their website for more information. Using resources are a critical part of success when attending college, and students need to feel comfortable accessing those resources. “

And nally, the best way to learn about a school from the student life perspective is to talk with current or former students.

Wishing the best to the GSDS Class of 2020 as they embark on their next adventures.

“When visiting a campus your tour guide will likely be a current student,” Krippel said. “Find opportunities to ask questions. Alumni networks are also a great way to learn more about a school you would like to attend. Admissions counselors are also a great resource. Your admissions counselor can provide insight into student life and culture while also connecting a student to appropriate student contacts at that campus.”

Heilmeier said, “Don’t be shy to request other resources such as academic advisers, student support sta , or student organization leaders.”

Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance journalist.

Heilmeier

Krippel

Left to Right: Emma Ginsberg, Isabella Bodzin, Shay-Lee Hameiri, Avery Milota, Aria Risling, Lyla Levin, Miriam Shapiro, Dalia Epstein and Victoria Philip

Make sure major aligns with mission, values, passion

LISA MATKOWSKY

Choosing a major can be overwhelming, especially if you have multiple passions or don’t know what kind of career you want.

Peter A. Shulman, associate provost for curriculum and the Elizabeth and Raymond Armington Professor and Associate Professor of History at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and Brittany Wampler, director of career development and exploration at Cleveland State University, o ered some guidance on selecting a major that resonates with your mission, values and passions.

Before committing to a major, you should consider several factors, including your salary expectations and the employment rates in that eld of study. In addition, you should think about your personality, your academic and professional goals and your interests

“Ideally, a major is both intrinsically interesting to a student and also helpful in advancing their longer term career and life goals,” Shulman said. “But the most important thing to remember is that a major is just one part of a college education, which is itself just one step in a lifetime of learning and career growth. Life’s short. Find something you enjoy studying.”

Wampler said, “We work with exploratory students to identify strengths, interests and pair them to career pathways. But we also want students to choose both a major and identify potential pathways that have potential, will be ful lling and match to the future of the workforce. Working with a career coach to help identify career pathways and match those to majors means that you are thinking strategically about the future!”

Knowing your general career pathway is helpful, but is not absolutely necessary.

“ ere are certain majors that are e ectively required if you want to pursue certain careers,” Shulman said. “If a student wants to become a mechanical engineer, they should probably pursue a major in mechanical engineering. But there are also many career paths that are not directly connected to a particular major. Students interested in professions like law or medicine can major in anything, provided they take the appropriate prerequisite courses and exams needed for their chosen path.

“As it happens, medical school

admissions rates are actually higher for students in humanities majors than they are for the more common biology majors –medical schools want to have classes with students of diverse intellectual interests just as undergraduate programs do. And while history, political science and philosophy are common majors for prelaw students, you can get an excellent preparation for law school with majors in mathematics, sociology or religious studies to name just three. Some students may want to pursue business management or economics to prepare for a career in business. Others may want a technical foundation in science or engineering to work in industry before possibly moving over to management later.”

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Wampler said, “While many majors allow a student to track right into the job their major trains them for teacher education, nursing, engineering, accounting, many more have opportunities that depend upon students to do research and planning, gain experience and exposure, learn, and then decide what career to pursue. Liberal arts, arts, social sciences and more allow for self-exploration and re ection to determine next best steps for career planning. Career coaches/advisers can be supportive in helping students on their path toward discovery.”

Indeed, every major has its usefulness.

“Every major helps teach students how to think and solve complex problems,” Shulman said. “While some career paths are much easier with certain majors, engineering and nursing, for example, any Bachelor of Arts degree will provide a strong foundation in at least one academic area while also giving ample room for a broad sampling of other disciplines.”

Wampler said she believes that most general business, arts, social sciences and science degrees without a predetermined career track can be exible and universally applicable.

Congratulations

MATT KAHN

Bachelor Degree in Sport Medicine

Congratulations on the hard work and determination it took to reach this milestone in your life.

We are very proud of you and excited for what lies ahead as you begin Grad school at Ohio University to pursue your career in Athletic Training.

Love, Mom Dad, Steve, Brit, Cory & Emily.

Shulman Wampler

Congratulations

DANI DIDOMENICO

Bachelor of Science

Aerospace Engineering

Summa Cum Laude

Dani,

Here’s to your next adventure. Make it be as awesome as you! We are so proud of you and all you have achieved.

With love from your biggest fans, Mom, Rob, Jason, Samantha, Eric, Zack and Enzo

e Ohio State University

Mazel Tov

CHASE MANDELL

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Minors: Spanish and Economics

Summa Cum Laude

Congratulations to our favorite Commodore! We are excited to see what you will accomplish next.

Love, Mom, Dad and Jared

Vanderbilt University

Private schools offer advantages academically, spiritually

KEVIN CORVO

Private and parochial schools o er some advantages that cannot be found in public schools.

But there are distinct bene ts to a private school education – both academic and spiritual, according to Ginny Galili, head of school at Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike.

Gross Schechter has an enrollment of about 260 students from infants to eighth-grade, she said.

“While there are an abundance of good public schools in our area, there are parents who look at the excellent private schools here because they can be a better t for a family,” Galili said. e advantages are many, both academic and in augmenting a student’s Jewish faith at school, she said.

“We work to make our school like an extended family for our students,” Galili said. Sta ng levels at Gross Schechter allow for teachers to quickly identify a child’s needs and strengths, and focus on that di erentiation, according to Galili.

“Every student here is an individual and

MAJOR | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

“ ere is always the opportunity for further learning through graduate school, certi cate programs and professional programs,” she said.

But whatever the choice, it should be yours.

“First, students should pursue the major that is right for them, not the one they think they are supposed to have, or the one others are choosing but which might not be the right t,” Shulman said. “Every major is the right t for someone. Second, a major is a launching pad, not the endpoint. It probably won’t lock a student into particular career paths and many students – maybe even most – will end up working at some point in an area not obviously connected to their major, but for which their major may well have

we identify every student’s interests and passions,” she said.

In addition to “drilling down” into the arts and sciences, and other academia, Galili said the school is “immersed in family culture that is aligned with the religious values.”

Students at Gross Schechter achieve a high level of Hebrew literacy, absent from public schools.

e school also strives to develop leadership skills in students.

“Our students are not just learners, but leaders,” often leading readings of the Torah and other activities that build skills that can be applied to many other facets of life, according to Galili.

Students also have the bene t of the opportunity to travel to Israel, providing a chance to augment what is taught in school, and personally see “the history of Judaism,” she said.

e option to combine robust instruction of the history of Judaism, and other religious instruction, combined with academic instruction and leadership experience, provide a skill set and character development that our students carry into the next private school, or a public high school, and then into adult life, and can be a signi cant advantage, Galili said.

Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.

provided an important foundation. ird, if an initial major choice isn’t working out, the earlier the student recognizes this, the more chances they’ll have at nding a better t for their evolving interests.”

Many websites are available to show you which majors are or soon will be most in demand. If that’s helpful in shaping a student’s major choices, students should check them out.

“Jobs, industries and whole sectors change, and most students will be best served by guring out what subjects they are most excited by and taking classes that give them the skills to continue to learn and grow into the future,” Shulman said.

Lisa Matkowsky is a freelance journalist.

Galili

Preparation, planning can help with transition to college

KEVIN CORVO

Transitioning from high school to college is typically the rst of many life-changing occurrences for a young adult.

e four years a student spends in high school or preparatory academy are eventful and while laying the foundation for future challenges, there are many things students can do both within the school and outside it to prepare for the next stage in life.

Hillary Teague is associate director of college guidance at the Laurel School in Shaker Heights, a nationally-ranked, college preparatory, independent day school for girls.

She recommended students not underestimate the changes that come with transitioning to college, including that previous success in the classroom will continue without additional time and attention.

“Classes may be harder and faculty may not be as lenient as what you experienced in high school,” Teague said. “Conversely, you will have more free time than you are used to.”

She o ered some advice to graduating seniors that are soon to be entering college: take advantage of available resources and reach out for support.

Use o ce hours for professors and teaching assistants, seek out and participate in study groups, and introduce yourself to your assigned academic adviser, Teague said.

“Keep yourself busy,” she said. “It sounds counterintuitive, but students who have too much free time tend to procrastinate. Students who work a campus job and participate in clubs or activities tend to do better managing their time.”

Whatever it is, a job or club activities, it is important to develop a network to identify those opportunities, according to Lorraine Pennyman, director of leadership and engagement and undergraduate programs at e Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business in Columbus.

“As soon as new students step foot on campus here at Fisher, we encourage them to explore the breadth and depth of curricular and co-curricular activities available to them as ‘Business Buckeyes.’” Pennyman said. “For some, this happens through participation in the college’s early arrival programs. For others, these opportunities are available to them beginning with the university’s ‘welcome week’ activities.”

“Regardless of when they arrive as new students, we emphasize (these) connections that are so critical to their success. … Getting involved in our many student organizations, meeting with their academic adviser, emerging in leadership development, professional development, connecting with our career management team and mentoring o erings, to name just a few,” she said. Once you’ve become acclimated to college life, take time to look back and don’t panic if it did not go quite as expected or according to plan, Teague said.

“Classes may be harder and faculty may not be as lenient as what you experienced in high school. Conversely, you will have more free time than you are used to.”

Hillary Teague Laurel School

“ is is a big transition,” she said. “You may not do as well academically in your rst semester as you’re used to, but it is okay. Re-evaluate your study habits or your course selections and make adjustments in the second semester.”

Most importantly, ask for help if necessary.

“You’re going to have some big feelings during the rst semester, but resist the temptation to want to throw in the towel the rst time things get hard,” Teague said. “If things get too hard to manage, please seek support (and) don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Post-high school changes are not all academic, either, Teague said, adding young adults living independently for the rst time have other challenges to meet, too.

“Learn how do to things on your own,” such as laundry, if you haven’t already,she said.

For some freshman, college means not only moving out of their childhood home, but perhaps moving far away from family and friends.

“It may be tempting to try to soak up as much time with your high school friends as possible in the summer before college, but don’t forget to spend some time with your family, too,” Teague said. “ ey are going through their own transition with you leaving the house.”

It can also ease the transition if families set some general expectations.

How often parents and children will communicate is how, via text, email, or scheduled calls is a good starting point, according to Teague.

Discussing how children will handle medical care if needed or sharing grades and aspects of social life are other considerations, she said.

Concerning social life, Teague suggested participating activities coordinated by residence halls and dormitories as a means to meet people and make friends.

“Go to club fairs and join one of two that sound interesting (to you) and attend social functions and gatherings, Teague said.

But make “wise” choices, concerning social behavior and the law, she said.

Finally, be aware of your nances and spend money responsibly.

“Don’t sign up for a credit card in order to get free stu ,” Teague said. “While college is a time to learn how to manage some of your own nances, avoid risky nancial behaviors such as unnecessary spending on a credit card.”

Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.

SOPHIE BRAVO Bachelor of Science in Packaging Engineering

We are so proud of your achievements and can’t wait for what lies ahead. Go change the world for the better!

Mom, Dad, and Amelia

Rochester Institute of Technology

HELEN LEVY

Oberlin High School

Congratulations Helen! We are so proud of you and excited for you. You completed high school with integrity and kindness, and we will miss you so much as you move on to your next adventures.

Mom, Dad, Alice, Gabi and Tashi

Pennyman

Teague

Photo / Tanya Rosen-Jones

Mandel JDS dedicates its Kangesser Sanctuary

JOSH GROVES jgroves@cjn.org

Students, faculty and community members gathered to dance, pray and celebrate at the Kangesser Sanctuary rededication ceremony at the Florence and Joseph Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood.

Made possible by contributions from Hedy and David Adler, former campaign chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, the redesigned sanctuary is dedicated to Helen and David Kangesser, Hedy Adler’s parents and advocates for Jewish education in Cleveland.

e update and dedication come after an 8,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the school. Leading the ceremony, Head of School Jay Leberman re ected on the Kangessers’ legacy and the signi cance of studying Torah.

“Hedy’s parents, they understood that importance and what they did with this was they gave with their soul, they gave with full sincerity to Jewish institutions here in Cleveland, but especially schools,” Leberman said.

e Kangessers’ support for Jewish schools include the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights, Telshe Yeshiva in Wickli e in addition to the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland in Beachwood, he said.

A musical trio with a trumpet, accordion

and violin played and Leberman invited each grade to celebrate. Students joined hands, danced and clapped to kick o the celebration.

Hedy and David Adler, joined by their son, Josh, took the stage and were presented with three Torah scrolls. Carrying the scrolls, the Adler family led attendees through updated areas of the school, accompanied by the musical trio.

Torah scrolls were placed in the sanctuary ark and students from the fth grade class read from the Torah, guided by Leberman. e updated sanctuary has been in use for a month prior to the rededication, however “without the Torah, it is like a body without a soul,” Leberman said.

Hedy and David Adler relocated to

the greater Boston area in 2019, and are congregants of Temple Emanuel in Newton, Mass. David Adler’s tenure as a Jewish leader in Cleveland has followed him to Boston, he said, and recounted meeting former Israeli Amb. Michael Oren at Temple Emanuel.

“Michael Oren says, “Cleveland, that’s a great Jewish community,” that’s not a story I can tell in Boston,” Adler said. “And I so very much want to thank the Mandel Jewish Day School community, in particular, Jay Leberman as well as Jared Miller, (a former board chair) for keeping us connected to this great Jewish community and wonderful Jewish institution. Although we do live in Boston now, our hearts in many respects, really remain here.”

Head of School Jay Leberman, left, leads attendees in reciting from the Torah.

Students from the Mandel JDS fifth grade class read from the Torah.

Josh Adler and Hedy and David Adler. | CJN Photos / Josh Groves

Day school principal and director announces retirement

Leah Spector, principal and director of Jewish studies at the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood, will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

Spector, who has held the role for 30 years, has served as an educator and leader, being a source of strength for many in the Mandel JDS community, according to a news release.

“It is with mixed emotions I am announcing my retirement from the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day school at the end of next school year, in the summer of 2025,” Spector said in a May 28 video statement.

Spector will aid in the transitional period between directors, she said in the statement. roughout her career at the school, Spector has put an emphasis on innovation and learning, founding the Hebrew immersion program, the release said. She also played a role in establishing the integrated project based learning style of teaching and the ink STEM program,

according to the release.

She helped build the learning enhancement team, which guarantees support for students with diverse learning needs, the release said.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spector established an outdoor classroom and curriculum, allowing for in-person learning in a way that ensured protection for both students and teachers, the release said. e program has continued at the school since its inception.

More than encouraging learning among students, she has also empowered teachers through the creation of the teacher

committee, which ensured teacher’s voices would be heard in the community, the release said.

“I am positive that the next leadership of Mandel JDS will continue to push it to be one of the best schools around,” Spector said in the video statement. “ is year more than any other year, after Oct. 7, we know how important it is to have Jewish day schools and how important it is to teach Jewish kids to be proud and educated Jews. I know that Mandel Jewish Day School will continue to do exactly that next year and for many years to come.”

MAGNET celebrates Early College Early Career graduating class of 2024

MAGNET graduated its sixth cohort of its Early College Early Career preapprenticeship program May 1. According to a news release, the program provides opportunities for students to work in manufacturing while still in high school. is year’s class consists of 41 seniors, all from minority backgrounds, with 40% being female. Since its 2017 launch, the ECEC program has provided

Cleveland Metropolitan School District high school students, and nearby urbansuburban districts, with paid internships, professional development and technical training in manufacturing. Students bene t from a holistic support system, including mentorship, transportation and technical training featuring courses provided by Auburn Career Center in Concord Township, the release said.

rough the program, graduates earn points and seals that demonstrate their readiness for post-secondary work – the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal and the Industry Recognized Credential Seal, which are part of Ohio graduation requirements, the release said.

“ e remarkable success of our graduates is a testament to their hard work and the powerful support network we’ve built

around them,” ECEC Director Rahim Nicols said in the release. “ is program isn’t just about job preparation; it’s about paving a pathway for sustained success in life and careers.”

e ECEC class of 2025, which is the seventh cohort, has 70 juniors currently enrolled. According to the release, this is the program’s largest group to date. More than 270 students applied for program spots.

Mazel tov, Confirmands & Graduates

Congratulations to the 2024 confirmands and graduates

Shavuot, which this year will begin after sundown on June 11, is the holiday that celebrates the revelation of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. Most Conservative and Reform synagogues hold confirmation ceremonies on this holiday.

Confirmands:

Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Justin Bilsky

Tristan Brown

Matthew Comella

Ari Feinberg

Zachary Flaiz

Joshua Lurie

Lev McFarland

Alissa Monahan

Evan Ricchetti

Caden Silverstein

Reese Ungier

B’nai Jeshurun

Congregation

Maksim Abramov

Madeline Beynenson

Simon Claypool

Emily Kurland

Jordyn Morris

Joshua Peterson

Zachary Smith

Bethany Weisberg

Naomi Wuliger

Ari Zelwin

Park Synagogue

Mackenzie Ecker

Elle Firstenberg

Jonah Frey

Asher Gearity

Benjamin Goldner

Noah Konheim

Nathaniel Price

Allison Rindsberg

Noah Seaman

Maya Siegal

Temple Emanu El

Drew Rosenblum

The TempleTifereth Israel

Ilana Samantha Estrin

Rachel Beatrice Isaacson

Talia Kansal

Reuben Elliott Krieger

David Jacob Martel

Isabelle Klara McClung

Noah Zack

Graduates:

Anshe Chesed

Fairmount Temple

Sam Bilsky

Hope Nosanchuk

Beth IsraelThe West Temple

Helen Levy

Izzy Brashear

Emma Rogers

Becky Neumann

B’nai Jeshurun

Congregation

Andie Berlin

Joshua Berman

Jules Bromberg

Edie Chaiten

Leila Claypool

Libby Ettinger

Gabriel Feinberg

Joshua Fishman

Shai Golan

Ian Goldfeder

Alexandra Haas

Gabriella Krivis

Maya Marderstein

Aidan Matasar

Tali Rabkin

Ella Rosenberg

Ari Rudin-Luria

Aden Schloss

Abigail Si

Congregation

ShaareyTikvah

Solomon Cover

Mikayla Goldman

Adina Ho er

Gabi Kalir

Jacob Kirstein

Nina Mayers

Gabe Rubanenko

Kol HaLev

Aden Epstein

Aviv Logsdon

Morgan Meacham

Gwen Williams

Park Synagogue

Shayna Berke

Fiona Berns

Abby Brown

Mia E ron

Arielle Epstein

Jacob Gearity

Matthew Goldberg

Madeline Goldner

Anna Halberstam

Max Halberstam

Jack Klein

Maya Korland

Lindy Leiken

Asher Leska

Matthew Linden

Alexis Mercado

Parker Newman

Phoebe Port

Eli Posa

Allison Saks

Mira Swirsky

Temple Emanu El

Ava Arch

Jack Arch

Sammie Lashley

The Temple-Tifereth

Israel

Moriah Altman

Vivian Auten

Lily Boardman

Amelia King

Jordan Klein

Jennifer Martel

Charlie Rubsamen

Audrey Sakiewicz

Lists were provided by synagogues/schools. This space is donated by the Cleveland Jewish News.

Spector