Hadar Bet Yaakov, Queens’ Sephardi Bet Yaakov high school, graduated its first 12th grade this past June. “We began with eleven special girls who took a chance on a new school,” beamed Rabbi Robenov, Dean of Hadar Bet Yaakov in his welcoming remarks, “and we’re proudly graduating those same eleven girls four years later.” Girls marched proudly down the aisle at Floral Terrace flanked by teachers current and former as parents and relatives snapped videos and pictures.
Tziporah Gandjian was the recipient of the Kodesh Valedictorian award and Mazal Khaimova was the General Studies recipient. Tziporah Tahalov was the Salutatorian in both Kodesh and General Studies. Ayelet Golpariani received the Middot Award and Victoria Borukhov received the Grace Meng Congressional Award of Excellence. Kodesh Principal Mrs. Rachel Rambod inspired everyone with words of encouragement and confidence in every girl’s ability to succeed and Mrs. Shoshanna Friedman expounded on the significance of embracing resilience as an antecedent to lifelong growth.
Background screens flashed a stream of memories with pictures of students through the years, and parents, teachers, and students enjoyed a delicious reception after with an array of flowers, gifts, and notes of gratitude exchanged along with hugs and excitement looking forward.
Hadar Bet Yaakov students have a 100 percent college acceptance rate as well as entering college with credits from both high school college programs and AP courses. Most of Hadar Bet Yaakov’s graduating seniors are also headed to seminary to study abroad for a year in Israel. Girls are enthusiastic about stepping forward into higher education prepared with Hadar Bet Yaakov’s unique blend of warmth and academic rigor.
By Shoshanna Friedman
