Class of ‘22 Takes Moment to Reflect

By Rachel Max ‘24
As the seniors approach the end of the school year, they reflect on their years spent here at GOA. The seniors’ graduation is bittersweet; while beginning their future, they also leave behind a large part of their lives. For many of the seniors, GOA was more than just a school, but a special place where they made connections and learned lessons that will last a lifetime. 

“I think my time at GOA has taught me a lot about the value of community,” said former Student Body President Yonatan Arzt. “The bonds that I have made with my friends will last forever, and our experiences growing up together made these bonds even stronger. I am excited to be at the final part of high school, and excited to reach the end with the amazing people that I met along the way.”
Though the seniors are going in their own directions, they maintain the close community they built and fondly remember their time at GOA.
“I’ve been at GOA since kindergarten, so this school is definitely a major part of my life. I’ve grown in terms of my education and also as a human being,” remarked Eve Askin. “My favorite part of GOA is definitely the tight knit community. The people I have met and grown with will be my friends for life.” 
“Golda Och gave me my best friends and I will always be thankful for that,” said former Director of Programming Hannah Lancman.
Though the past two years have been less than traditional due to COVID-19, it didn’t stop the class of ‘22 from enjoying every moment. Their unusual experiences have led to an even stronger sense of community.
“In some ways, Covid-19 stopped my grade from accomplishing traditional high school milestones, but the total whirlwind of the past two years have truly bonded my grade together in ways traditional semesters would not,” explained Hannah Stoch.
While the GOA staff has always been there to teach and support their students, their work through the pandemic was especially inspiring. It was thanks to them that, despite the necessary limitations, the grade managed to have a positive high school experience.
    “Going to high school at Golda Och was an incredible experience because of the support my teachers gave me,” said Michal Goldberg.
Teachers also took note of how the seniors managed to make the best of a less than perfect situation. 
"The Class of 2022 has overcome so many incredible obstacles, and they have done so with grace and compassion," said Ms. Smith. "But most importantly, they have always supported each other."
The class of '22 has left a lasting impression on their teachers. They will be missed, but teachers can’t wait to see what their students will accomplish in the future.
“Having traveled to Israel with the class of 2022 on their Na’ale journey, I feel a particularly strong connection to this group,” Mr. Fox commented. “They are strong leaders and great people and have clearly left their mark on Golda Och Academy. We will definitely miss them as they leave for Neshama, their internships and the world beyond our doors.”    
    While the seniors learned a lot from educators at GOA, they also taught their own lessons.
    “Class of ‘22 stands out to me as one I’ll remember for a long time,” Mr. Langer said. “I’ll remember the excitement this group brought to our halls and classrooms – I’m grateful for the fun we shared, and how much I learned from these students!”
    The school will definitely miss the seniors and everything they brought to the community. However, everyone is also happy to see them progressing in life, and they still have one last learning experience in front of them with Neshama.
When they return from Israel in May, the seniors will come back with an even stronger sense of community and be ready to take the next step into adulthood.
Rabbi Bayar wants to offer the seniors this advice:
“As you wander on through life/ Whatever be your goal/ Keep your eye upon the donut/ And not upon the hole!”