HAFTR High School Recognizes Student Success

By Stephanie Marcus

HAFTR High School ended the academic year off strong with a Celebration of Excellence/ Student Appreciation Luncheon for students in grades 9 through 11. This event took place on May 30, and celebrated students’ achievements in academics, Torah, foreign language, chesed, the arts, STEM and athletics. The Celebration of Excellence began with welcoming remarks from Ms. Naomi Lippman, principal, who congratulated students on their outstanding accomplishments, and Dr. Josh Wyner, associate principal, who talked about the students’ great potential to make their unique contributions to HAFTR. Students then enjoyed a video of the ceremonial lighting of the candles to represent the pillars on which the National Honor Society stands: Character, Leadership, Scholarship, Service, and Torah. The candles were lit by Stephanie Marcus, Jacob Wolf, Ethan Muchnick, Michal Mari, and Abbi Kammerman. The incoming president and vice president of the Deah Chapter of the National Honor Society, Kaitlin Pollack and Esther Gaon, then recited the National Honor Society pledge. Along with this presentation, the HAFTR faculty created a montage video expressing their thanks for their students’ consistent hard work and dedication throughout the year. They offered unique and heartfelt messages to students, explained valuable lessons that the students have taught them, and shared their pride in the achievements of their students. Following the program, students gathered in the beautifully decorated gym for a delicious lunch of sushi, pizza, and Rita’s ices.

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During the luncheon, students had the opportunity to learn about exciting new programs and activities for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. In addition, students were presented with awards for their scholastic achievements in both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies. Students were also included in the Deah Chapter of the National Honor Society, Principals’ Honor Roll, Distinguished Honor Roll, Honor Roll, or Certificates of Merit. Students were also nominated to specific honor societies for achievement in art, chesed, foreign language, hatmadah, speech & debate, and STEM.

HAFTR’s values are reflected in this initiative – that hard work pays off. Our school is aware of each and every student’s drive to succeed and improve in an academic, social, spiritual, and emotional sense. This success is not limited to students with perfect scores but is open to all students who are motivated, hard-working, have a solid work ethic and are willing to push through challenges. The culture of HAFTR is about highlighting the positives of every student and finding areas where each individual can shine. Congratulations to all students on another successful year at HAFTR!