Academy Welcomes Students for New Year

Originally featured in HaGesher, American Hebrew Academy's Monthly Newsletter

While veteran students and parents "know the ropes" of the beginning of another school year at the Academy, it is the new folks who need special consideration, coming as they do, from all parts of the country and the world. So it is with careful planning and a warm reception that the American Hebrew Academy greeted its neophytes after guiding them through the summer to the soon-to-be fall season.

Every year, and this is the ninth, there is a great sense of excitement on the part of everyone-the administration, the admissions specialists, returning teachers, and, of course, the students who have chosen to spend the next three or four years in Greensboro, North Carolina to excel to their greatest potential, challenge themselves personally at many levels, and earn a superior secondary education.

This particular year restarted that process on August 17 with convocation in the Beit Am, followed by a procession of faculty and staff, a presentation of the Torah, a flag ceremony of all countries represented by the matriculating students, and singing of "The Star Spangled Banner."

Welcoming remarks were presented by Rabbi Michael Gisser, Assistant Dean of Jewish Studies, Mr. David Feder and Ms. Adinah Miller, Deans of Jewish Life, and Dr. Gary Grandon, Principal.

Mr. Glenn Drew, Executive Director, provided insightful comments designed to set the appropriate tone for the year. In this particular speech, Mr. Drew stressed his and his own family's personal investment in the Academy:

"My own family's sweat, tears, and financial resources have built this Academy. It has become our Jewish heart and soul, and it will remain with each of us long past our days on this earth. My commitment to those here today is that after you have experienced all that the Academy has to offer, we will not be alone, and the Academy will soon become the core of your Jewish heart and soul as well."

The Academy's pivotal place in Jewish history and impact on the future of the Jewish people was also touched upon by Mr. Drew, "The American Hebrew Academy was born out of necessity and an obligation of us all to preserve the history and protect the future of the Jewish people. Your being here today is a fulfillment of that obligation and recognition of the continuity of the Jewish people that must be achieved."

Following Mr. Drew, Mrs. Leslie Grossman, Director of Admissions, in her warm and charming way, not only introduced each new student, and his or her hometown or country, she also strove to personalize each student by making the audience aware of their many interests and talents.

With a benediction from Rabbi Amy Morrison, the singing of "Hatikvah," and a world-record long-lasting sound from the blowing of the Shofar by Dr. Grandon, the ceremonies concluded as another new year in the history of the American Hebrew Academy began.

On Wednesday, August 19, new students boarded vans and traveled to nearby Hanging Rock State Park to hike, bond, and otherwise be reminded that while the Academy is serious about wanting them as students, in its latest incarnation, the Academy's mission remains to educate those who will one day be the future leadership of Jewish communities around the world.

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