The Hebrew Academy held its in-person middle and high school graduation ceremonies on Tuesday, June 15th at its 11-acre campus in Huntington Beach. There were 21 middle school and seven high school graduates. Although unprecedented, the 2020-2021 school year, culminated in a special evening of joy, pride, and nachas. Thanks to an in-person program, data-driven curriculum, an emphasis on social-emotional learning, and a network of support, the year was successful and ended on a happy note.
Transcending the obstacles posed by COVID-19, the students completed their studies, maintained high academic achievements, and are ready for the challenge of the next stage of their schooling. Remarkably, ninety percent of the middle school graduates scored at the 83rd percentile or higher on their PSAT exams, and all of the high school graduates have been accepted at universities and other post-high school programs.
“These students are fully prepared for the challenges ahead, especially after a productive year of learning,” said Donald Kaiser, president of the board at Hebrew Academy.
Rabbi Yitzchok Newman, head of school, said that he was “proud of the extensive knowledge of Judaism exhibited by the students.” He added that he “hopes the graduates will take on leadership roles in the community as Hebrew Academy graduates have done for more than 50 years.”
The audience of parents and other family members were impressed by the graduation program and the high level of the graduates’ speeches. They expressed their satisfaction with the Hebrew Academy’s strong dual curriculum of secular and Jewish studies and the values the school imparts.
Rabbi Newman concluded, “The five core values of Hebrew Academy – respect, kindness, truth, courtesy, and gratitude – were prominently presented at graduation. Our students are steeped in these values throughout the day and throughout their lives. They are fully prepared for success in taking on their next challenge.”
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