Life lessons for seniors at HANC

Each year, seniors are given the opportunity to choose between a professional internship and a week of dynamic seminars to culminate their high school experience. This year, there were a record number of seniors who completed internships, spearheaded by the College Guidance Department. The other students participated in a weeklong series of seminars consisting of innovative programming and speakers that addressed anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses, life and career planning, college safety, and health issues.

Students who chose to intern did so in a variety of interesting settings. Several students worked with young entrepreneurs who run internet-based retail businesses, while others shadowed lawyers of all kinds. A handful of seniors worked in schools and early childhood centers, and some were learning the ropes in medical offices. A few even secured coveted spots in the fashion industry.

At the conclusion of their internships, students submitted essays detailing their experiences and the impact they expect it will have on their future.

Students who chose to attend senior seminars participated in three daily programs on a variety of topics. All of the seminars were designed to help students with the transition from high school to college, Israel, and beyond.

They included: College Cuisine, a demonstration by chef  Naomi Nachman; College Round-Robin, with a representative from Adelphi University’s career center; Digital Citizen by Dr. Eli Shapiro; Finance Tips and Resume Building by Rabbi Mordechai Kruger, and seminars with representatives from the JCRC and the ORA. There were also Torah-based sessions which included Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on the Top Ten, Rabbi Josh Maroof on Engaging Checked-Out Seniors, and noted artist Stan Lebovic, who described his journey of becoming an observant Jew through his art display Black is Color.

During each seminar, seniors were able to ask questions and learn more about issues that truly resonated with them.

HANC wishes a mazal tov to the class of 2016 and looks forward to celebrating with them at graduation on June 16.