HAFTR Highlights: Students active in college bowl, debate and blood drive

Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School students have been engaged in a variety of exciting activities these last few weeks. The junior varsity College Bowl team, with a record of 9-1, participated in the Yeshiva League College Bowl championship at the Heschel School, sponsored by the Jewish Education Project. The team, represented by Captains Josh Lederer, Max Lent, and Jaimee Schwartz, and players Justin Glickman, Joanna Greenberg, Josh Hirsch, and Judah Weinerman, was a finalist and placed third overall among twenty yeshivas. Captain Jaimee Schwartz said, “I’m so proud of my team this year and all that we accomplished together.”

HAFTR High School also hosted a debate tournament at Congregation Beth Sholom, attended by many yeshivas. The event was coordinated by Mrs. Ros Nierman, HAFTR High School social studies teacher and faculty advisor for the debate team. HAFTR placed second at the meet. Debate team member Sarah Fuchs said, “The debaters did a wonderful job at the meet, and I’m proud to be a part of the team.” Last Monday, HAFTR also hosted a Long Island Blood Services blood drive. Many students who were eligible to give blood donated, and felt proud to be able to say they saved three lives. “I was nervous at first,” said donor Yael Waxman, “but once it was done I felt such a sense of pride that I could make a difference.”

This past weekend, the HAFTR Players presented two performances of this year’s production, The Corpse Bride. Students in the drama department worked tirelessly throughout the year on this elaborate production. The newly renovated auditorium was filled with family and friends who enjoyed the performances. Congratulations to Mrs. Jennifer Winkler, director of the drama department, and to her crew of actors, stagehands, and student directors.