The academy has served the Jewish community of Western Massachusetts for more than 60 years.
LONGMEADOW - Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy recently honored its graduating class of 2013.
Administration, family and friends celebrated the milestone on June 17 with the graduates reflecting on their educational and social experience using the theme of a garden.
"I am so glad that my parents chose to plant me at (the academy). I came to LYA and received a great education," reflected Zelda Meyer. She thanked the academy for providing her with the study skills and note taking skills that will be necessary for high school.
"The soil here provided me with great opportunity for growth. My seeds are ready for planting," Meyer added.
In addition the graduates thanked the academy for instilling leadership skills.
Rabbi Dovid Edelman, dean of Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy in Longmeadow, presents words of blessing to the graduating Class of 2013. Graduate Rochel Wolff explained how she and her classmates were encouraged as students to begin new initiatives and make change in the school. She illustrated the idea by describing a student run breakfast initiative during the week of standardized testing.
"In LYA, we embrace the 'Leader In Me,' which we use to become leaders" said Wolff. "If there is a change to the school, which we think may help, we can write it down, make a plan and hand it into the administration to look over."
LYA Graduates Rochel Wolff, Zelda Meyer, Shira Ben Naim and Aviana Schwartz present an original painted gift of a sunflower to Dr. Mitchell Kupperman, LYA educational director, and Rabbi Noach Kosofsky, LYA principal. Shira Ben Naim thanked the academy for the knowledge she received and for the support the staff gave her. "The teachers at LYA have helped me succeed and feel confident," she remarked. "I am ready now to enter high school to continue to add more petals of knowledge to my flower."
Aviana Schwartz, spoke about inspiration and how it affected her in her role as the editor of the academy's student newspaper.
"Since our school began the 'Leader in Me' model, we have been taught to be leaders and through the paper I have become one, as well as inspired others to take leadership roles in the paper," remarked Schwartz.
The academy has served the Jewish community of Western Massachusetts for more than 60 years.