Jews in the D on the cover
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e are proud to announce this year’s Rising Stars: Teens Making a Difference! Judges chosen by the JCC selected these 18 remarkable teens for their incredible achievements and for the positive impact they are making on others and in the community. Detroit Jewish News, the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit, Jfamily and the Youth Professionals Network, who partnered on the project, had planned to announce these Rising Stars in April, but — like so many other things in 2020 — our plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 Keep your eye on these young people making a positive impact on the Jewish community. COMPILED BY JN AND JCC STAFF
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OCTOBER 8 • 2020
“The JCC and our community of youth-serving organizations are pleased to once again partner with the Detroit Jewish News to recognize 18 outstanding teens making a positive impact on our world,” said the JCC’s Director of Teen Engagement Katie Vieder. “A lot of the news we see related to teens can be really negative, focusing on the challenges and problems youth experience or cause. We are excited to place the focus on the positive and shine a light on the kindness, innovation and leadership we see in our teens. These youth are doing amazing things, and they deserve to have their voices heard and their accomplishments recognized.” The JN team is also excited to showcase these accomplished young people in our pages. “This might be the first time you hear these names,” said JN Associate Editor Jackie Headapohl, “but it definitely won’t be the last. I’m confident we’ll be hearing more from them in the future as they continue on their paths of being shining lights in the Jewish community.” Without further ado, please meet the Metro Detroit Jewish community’s Rising Stars of 2020.
CARLY COHEN Carly, 17, of West Bloomfield is a senior at Bloomfield Hills High School. She is a member of Temple Israel, YFTI and BBYO. She has been one of the Madrichim (teenage guides) at Temple Israel since ninth grade. Carly has been on her BBYO chapter’s executive board for three years and participated in a BBYO Entrepreneurship program. She was selected to be on the Jewish Fund Teen Board, where she has been learning about philanthropy and engaging in grant making in the Jewish community. Carly is also a member of the UMatter Board. In the West Bloomfield community, Carly has participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life by volunteering for several years and, since ninth grade, has been a teen coordinator for the event and recruits other teens to volunteer at the event. At Bloomfield Hills High School, Carly is a member of Yearbook. She also serves on the board of the Key Club, a volunteer organization that raises money for charitable causes. Carly has participated in DECA for the past two years, a group that prepares students in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Carly participated in a DECA state competition in March. She is also a member of the Jewish Student Alliance and the National Honor Society. JONAH COHEN Jonah, 16, of Farmington Hills, is now a junior at the Interlochen Arts Academy. He had attended North Farmington High School up until his junior year and plans to return for his senior year. Jonah and his family are members of Temple Israel, where he is a member of YFTI. Jonah is an all-A student who maintains a rigorous schedule, participating in many clubs and the ski racing
