schools

HANC High toasts its grads at Westbury event

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HANC HS celebrated its 47th Commencement at The Space in Westbury on June 14.

The program, which was also livestreamed, opened with a parody video featuring administrators, teachers, and students reflecting on memorable events with the graduates.

After the National Anthem and Hatikvah were sung by Dylan Homapour (’15),  graduates Ravid Levy and Kayla Landau were recognized as they will be joining the IDF next year, and Justin Rapp was applauded for enlisting in the US Marines.

Rabbi Eli Slomnicki, menahel of the high hchool, welcomed guests and graduates and introduced co-valedictorian, Aviva Friedman, who delivered the valedictory invocation.

Associate Principal Marie Palaia reminded students to strive for excellence, find balance in life, and laugh and smile each day.

In her valedictory address, Rena Max encouraged her classmates to continue making positive choices based on the foundations each student received while at HANC.

Assistant Principal Tziporah Zucker urged students to continue to be dreamers, and introduced the class speaker, Atara Klein.

Graduates and members of the school band, Jordan Reinstein and Elana Weiss, starred in a music video accompanied by music teacher Jacob Spadaro. HANC President Ruchi Kushner congratulated the class on their resiliency and accomplishments especially during challenging times.

In his charge to the graduates, Rabbi Slomnicki spoke about conformity versus rebellion and finding balance in their new stage of life. He imparted that the equation to success is to synthesize the values learned at HANC as bnei and bnot Torah. 

Before closing out the ceremony, Dylan Homapour (’15) was invited back to the stage to perform a moving rendition of Birchat Habonim.

As they received their diplomas, the graduates were greeted by Dean of Students Avi Smus, and Director of Student Life Rabbi Daniel Mezei, as well as Rabbi Slomnicki, Mrs.Palaia, and Ms. Zucker. Graduates received a gift from the Parent Council and female graduates received an additional book gifted by Paula and Neil Moldovan in memory of Ruth and Philip Hendel.

Co-Salutatorians Nava Lippman and Moshe Wieder administered the benediction, reminding fellow graduates to “keep close to their teachers” and thanking Hashem.