Students Celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut (and Carly's Sign-Off)

 by Talia Herbst, SSLI '25

Today was Yom Ha'atzmaut, which is Israel's Independence Day. It was also a fun and special day at school. The day started off with an all-school minyan, followed by elections for the new student government board. The senior class presented their play, Sallah Shabati, and there were Israel-themed activities and foods. Finally, the day concluded outside with Battle of the Classes.

Happy 77th birthday, Israel!

Below, please enjoy some photos from the day as well as a farewell letter from graduating editor Carly Smith.

Seniors enjoyed performing Sallah Shabbati (S. Thorgersen)

Seniors enjoyed performing Sallah Shabbati. (S. Thorgersen)

Student government 2024-2025 are signing off. (S. Thorgersen)

Sasha and Addison have done the wheelbarrow for four straight years. (T. Herbst)

Our Student Body President organizes students for the final competition. (S. Thorgersen)

The senior class did a great job and can't wait to perform again tonight. (S. Thorgersen)

Talia Herbst is a staff writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since December 2021. Talia is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: therbst25@schechterli.org

A Graduating Editor's Note:

Dear PPN Readers,

I remember walking into the cafeteria for my freshman-year club fair. I felt overwhelmed by the number of juniors and seniors approaching me, telling me to join their clubs, and I did not know what to sign up for. After putting my name down for maybe ten different clubs, little did I know that the first club I signed up for, for which Ari Schor eagerly handed me the sign-up sheet—Paw Print Now—would be one of my most meaningful activities throughout my high school career. I have loved being able to grow not only as a writer, but as a collaborator, these past two years editing for Paw Print Now, and these past four years, being a part of the large team that makes Schechter’s daily news blog. I remember writing my first article, entitled “Now on ‘Exhibit’: Drama Club's Fall Production,” stressing about getting interviews and formatting the article correctly. Now, after writing and editing many, many articles, I feel I know Paw Print Now like the back of my hand, and I am excited to see what the “next generation” does with it. I’m going to miss getting the “We have to text” message each Sunday in our editors' group chat and waiting to see who signed up to write for my editing day in the PPN poll. I cannot believe that this chapter of my life is over, and I do not know what I am going to do with so much free time on Thursdays from now on!

First, I would like to thank Mr. T for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Paw Print Now editing team, trusting my judgment, teaching and helping me grow as a writer and leader, and having confidence in me and my fellow editors. Paw Print Now could not succeed without you and, especially, your quality photography skills. I would also, of course, like to thank Sasha, Yael, Ellie, and Risa for being an amazing editing team. Our teamwork and collaboration have truly allowed PPN to flourish over the past two years, and I am so happy we were able to set the precedent for this new “era” of Paw Print Now with five co-editors. Next, I want to acknowledge our new editors—Shir, Sara, Penina, Corey, and Yoni. I am excited to see everything you have in store for PPN, and I have full faith that you will continue the legacy with strong leadership and skill. Finally, thank you to all of you readers for supporting us, staying engaged, and reading the articles that our entire team (editors, staff writers, and writers) work tirelessly to produce every single day. It is because of you that we are all able to do what we love and share the unique happenings in the Schechter community.

Signing off,

Carly Smith