A Tribute to Adira Koffsky, a”h

By The Central Faculty

The Central family mourns the loss of one of its own in Adira Koffsky, a”h, a graduate of the class of 2022. Our grief is deepened by the fact that Adira was such a recent graduate, one who contributed so much to the Central community during her time here – her sharp intellect, her artistic drive, and most strikingly, her unreserved warmth and friendship. Our admiration for Adira is deeply felt, for Adira was truly her own person, through and through. She lived by her principles in a way that was rare for someone her age, navigating a wholly genuine life – a rare, precious thing in an individual of any age.

Among other things, Adira was an accomplished member of Central’s performing arts community, a Broadway devotee who could often be heard humming in the hallways. Her senior portrait in the 2022 Central yearbook is accompanied by a quote from the musical Hadestown: “Let the world we dream about be the one we live in now.” Adira’s tremendous voice and acting range were absolutely crucial to the success of Central’s plays, as well as the success of Central’s Envision Shakespeare troupe. When she served as the student director of 2022’s production of Macbeth, she proved to be a dedicated – and unflappable – guide for the troupe’s players as they prepared for regional competition. This was meaningful work for Adira. She was an excellent steward of the arts, and she saw the hidden talents and capabilities in others and made an effort to encourage these gifts. Her remarkable sense of composure served her well as she took on the responsi - have brought emails and memories from classmates, describing how Adira’s curiosity and deep reflections took class discussions in exciting and unexpected directions. She was a thoughtful, deliberate speaker and an adventurous thinker, even in the face of big philosophical questions. She was also fearless enough humor. Her personality has been described by more than one faculty member as “effervescent.” She freely shared her creative endeavors, her hopes and dreams, and her great love of her family with her instructors. bilities of direction. Every aspect of the production – from the largest plot turn to the smallest background detail – earned Adira’s care and attention. In response, the cast’s respect and affection for her were beyond measure and resulted in a deep bond that extended past her graduation from Central. Her friends feel exceedingly lucky simply to have known her.

Adira’s subtle leadership could also be seen in other arenas; the recent days to ask these questions aloud. This habit bolstered her peers – made them a little braver, a little more open, a little more willing to ask their own questions. She also formed strong relationships with her teachers, who remember a bright, inquisitive student who, despite her remarkable composure, was also in possession of a keen wit and sense for timing – there were many class periods that were made more pleasurable with the help of Adira’s robust sense of

One of the greatest losses here is the loss of Adira’s potential, which was immense. She was devoted to a life of the mind. She was a voracious reader whose vast vocabulary made her an asset when playing word games. She was also a writer, one who had already begun a joyful and ambitious practice. As a senior, she was already at work on a novel, and she dreamed of publication. She wrote with passion, with enthusiasm, and with a sense of vision older than her years. Her art brought her obvious joy and a connection to the world around her. But perhaps even more important is the human contribution she made to the Central family. Adira was unafraid to live life on her own terms, but she was also unafraid to express warmth and support when it was needed. Both those who were close to Adira, and classmates who did not know her as well, remember the offer of a ride home when stranded at school or kind words where they were needed.

Adira was an indispensable member of our family, one who contributed something singular and special.