Cameras flashed and tears of joy traveled down parents’ faces as the class of 2011 marched several seconds apart down the aisles of Nessah Synagogue June 12, to the music of the European soccer federation’s “Champion’s League Song.”
Welcomed in by cheers and a sense of pure accomplishment, all 38 Shalhevet seniors marched in wearing dark blue caps and gowns, then were seated in the front rows for speeches from each other as well as teachers and administrators. Later they received their diplomas from outgoing General Studies Principal Mr. Phu Tranchi, Judaic Studies Principal Rabbi Ari Leubitz and board chairman Esther Feder.
Shalhevet’s 20th graduation began with the Choir the American and Israeli national anthems. The first speech was by Rabbi Leubitz, who mentioned that he would miss all of the unique individuals that this senior class has brought.
“No longer will I have Ari Tuchman argue a point with him that he doesnt even believe in, just for the sake of arguing,” Rabbi Leubitz quipped in a loving way. “No longer will I have Zev (Hurwitz) follow me around the school until he gets the perfect quote for Boiling Point. No longer will I have Ariella Benji and Stephanie Salem pitching an idea until I acquiesce because I am so tired.”
It was the fourth and last graduation led by Mr. Tranchi, who will leave this summer for a position at The Oakwood School in North Hollywood. He noted that they had been freshmen when he first took over as principal and telling them several times that he had learned from them.
“You’re my inspiration – you’re my teachers,” he said.
He proceeded to give the graduates advice as they were to go off into the world.
Next, class speakers added in their personal stories and memories. Ariella Benji, all smiles, opened with her signature “Hey, guyyys…” as she started off her speech with classmate Emilio Lari. They spoke about all they had gained from Shalhevet and fond memories they shared with the class.
“The past eight years were the best years of my life,” said Emilio, who also attended Shalhevet Middle School.
Greeted by an assortment of his trademark pssh’s and sh’koyachs, Nathaniel Kukurudz was then welcomed to the stage and spoke passionately about his classes, debate and newspaper trips and extra-curriculars. Class presidents Ari Tuchman and Keren Meir shared inside jokes that everyone graduating seemed to enjoy but were a mystery to everyone else.
Faculty speakers chosen by the seniors were Mr. Christopher Buckley and Rabbi Ofer Sabo, who shared humorous moments and expressed their fondness for the class of 2011.
The valedictorian and salutatorian, Stephanie Salem and Jaclyn Kellner, spoke together, reading back and forth from the same script.
“Growth can only happen with plenty of support and love, and those two things come in abundance at Shalhevet,” said Stephanie. “Seniors 2011, we love you guys and here’s our blessing to you: A community is a beautiful thing. You’re never going to find one as caring, welcoming and accepting as Shalhevet until you make it that way.”
After that it was time for awards and diplomas. Dr. Jerry Friedman awarded the Dr. Jerry and Jean Friedman Menschlikeit Awards to Emilio Lari and Eli Willis.
The rest of the senior awards had been given at a senior brunch the week before. Top winners were Meshi Amzalag, who won the Bolotin Award from the Bureau of Jewish Education; and Nathaniel Kukurudz and Jaclyn Kellner, who won the Keter Torah Award.
Finally, diplomas were awarded to the proud seniors, camera flashes were flooding the room. After all was said and done, with music blasting through the speakers, the seniors threw their hats up in the air, and danced happily at the fact that they were done.
They also felt relieved.
“I feel like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders,” said new alumna Rachel Lesel, adorned with a big smile on her face. “I know it will soon be replaced with another one probably heavier, but for right now I feel so light and free.”
