Avital, from the Midwest, is a passionate leader and dedicated NCSYer. She has grown tremendously in her personal development and middos, rising to become NCSY regional president in her senior year. She has strengthened her religious commitment and consistently takes the lead in creating a positive environment at events. She is excited to continue her growth at MMY next year, but needs our support to get there. 

Ella is from an Israeli family, and is a dedicated Midwest NCSYer. She has remained committed to NCSY throughout high school, and has kept incredibly close relationships with her peers, advisors, and NCSY staff members -- having chavrusas, spending Shabbos together, and learning about what her Judaism means to her. She has made the bold decision to attend Midreshet Moriah, choosing to strengthen her Judaism and personal growth, instead of going straight to the army like her older brothers. Her family is emotionally supportive. Ella is eager for this next step, and we are working to help her secure the necessary funding to make it possible. 

Rayli, from the Midwest, has been deeply involved in NCSY since middle school. She has served in several positions on the teen board over the years, including serving as president this past year. Rayli is an integral part of putting together programming and recruiting other teens to join from her small home town chapter, increasing the outreach and impact of NCSY. In addition to her work on the chapter level, Rayli has served on the Midwest Regional Board for two years, planning and implementing regional Shabbatons. She has a deep desire to grow and learn but needs financial support to attend seminary. 

Tali, from the Midwest, began her religious journey with NCSY in middle school, participating in local and regional NCSY events, including learning and chessed programs and Shabbatons. Tali attended NCSY summer Michlelet Mechina and continues to regularly learn with a summer advisor. She continues to seek personal growth, and is planning to attend Midreshet Harova next year despite her parents’ initial reluctance. 

Ori, from the Midwest, has been very involved in NCSY throughout high school, experiencing significant religious growth. Ori’s family is not observant. She plans to attend Meorot Yerushalayim Seminary in Israel next year, but her family is struggling to afford the costs. 

Nathan is from Boston and attends a pluralistic Jewish high school. Coming from a traditional but not observant background, Nathan got involved with NCSY and slowly began asking deep questions and taking on more mitzvos. Today, he stands as one of the only boys in the entire school who wears a yarmulke and tzitzis to school every day — not out of habit, but out of pride. Nathan’s quiet strength and sincerity are rare, and is on a path to become a leader in the Jewish community. He plans to attend Yeshivat Orayta next year to deepen his learning and religious commitment. 

Sammy, from Canada, is a grade 12 student in a Jewish non-religious high school. Sammy grew up in a secular home, but his family became more observent in the past couple of years. Through his involvement with NCSY, Sammy has grown tremendously and has decided to attend Bais Yisroel next year. Sammy is extremely determined to get there but is well aware of how much of a strain this will be on his family, and is seeking financial assistance to make his dream of learning in a yeshiva a reality. 

Julia grew up in a Conservative home. During her high school years, she cultivated a strong sense of Jewish identity, but had little exposure to Torah Judaism. At the end of her junior year of high school, a spark was ignited when she began learning more seriously and getting involved with her local NCSY chapter. Julia's parents were adamant that she would not spend a year studying in Israel. However, after much cajoleing and seeing how passionate she was, Julia was successful in convincing them to agree to send her to seminary. Now Julia needs financial support to get to eretz Yisroel. 

Michael, from Baltimore, is a first generation American and grew up non-observant. He had been fully immersed in the pursuit of becoming a sports broadcaster before everything shifted when he joined NCSY's Israel trip in February to tour yeshivas. Being a very thoughtful and contemplative person, the trip impacted him greatly. After experiencing the beauty and depth of Jewish learning firsthand, he began to see how yeshiva fills in all the gaps in life that he felt but couldn't express. He saw that this was a real opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery and connection to the Jewish people. Inspired by this, Michael decided to spend the year in yeshiva despite the uphill battle to do so. 

Kobie grew up with a strong Zionist Jewish identity. He is a senior public school student in the in Greater Washington D.C. area. Through his time in NCSY, he worked hard and grew religiously. He learned, went on the annual NCSY New York Shabbos, NCSY TJJ Summer program, and participated in everything NCSY had to offer. He began wearing a kippah regularly, and took on Shabbos and kashrut. He continues to fight for his Judaism despite having faced antisemitism at school. With financial asistance, Kobie is planning on attending yeshiva in Israel next year.

Kayla grew up with a love for being Jewish, but without the observerance of mitzvot. When she was in 9th grade, a friend introduced her to NCSY and she immediatley became very involved. Kayla found depth and meaning at NCSY events and Shabbatons. At the end of her junior year, her interest was piqued about the possibility of attending seminary. Now, after years of learning and growing, she knows that attending seminary is a top priority for her. Her parents support her emotionally on the decision, but it's an overwhelming financial burden for the family. 

Leya grew up with mixed messages about Judaism. Her parents had complicated views that were confusing for her. In her senior year, Leya began exploring her Jewish identity. She enlisted her NCSY advisors to learn more about Torah-true Judaism. She became more involved with NCSY, and fell in love with the idea of attending a seminary in Israel, although the costs are a challenge for her family. 

Ella grew up in a mixed religion household. Messages of both Jewish and non-Jewish were shared. Judaism was centered around Israel but not Torah observance. After getting involved in NCSY and experiencing Jewish learning at NCSY Yarchei Kallah, Ella has decided to pursue a year in seminary. Despite some pushback from her parents and the financial hurdle, Ella is committed to making it happen. 

Ilanit immigrated from Venezuela, before her family settled in the US, in Maryland. Her parents enrolled her in public school, and she immediately felt the stark contrast between the traditional Judaism she grew up with and this new environment. Through NCSY, she began learning and growing, gradually taking on more mitzvos with passion and sincerity. Ilanit’s dream was to spend a year in seminary, but her parents opposed her at every turn—they refused to support her financially or otherwise. Yet, with a lot of help and guidance available to her both emotionally and financially, she took on the challenge. Against all odds, Ilanit is now determined to go seminary, and is ready to embrace this transformative opportunity and continue building a life rooted in Torah and mitzvos. 

Talia became more observant after reconnecting with an old friend at a Jewish day school, and attending NCSY programs with her. Despite her family’s lack of support, Talia became inspired to explore Judaism more deeply and decided to pursue attending seminary in Israel, committed to going regardless of obstacles. 

Barr is a grade 12 student in a non-religious Jewish high school who is active in NCSY. Barr has a passion for Israel and Judaism that is evident when you meet her. Over this past year she has begun davening and eating only kosher food even though her home is not strictly kosher, finding ways to do so without upsetting her family. She is a real leader and is strong in her convictions. Her family has come around to the idea of seminary, but Barr must find a way to finance this experience. Barr is a passionate, driven girl who knows that this year in seminary will be what helps her solidify her path and future. 

Rachel is a grade 12 student in public school in Canada, living outside Toronto. She comes from a warm and loving family from Israel. Rachel truly wants to grow in her Judaism and is living in a community that’s lacking in social and integrated Jewish learning experiences. She knows that attending seminary in Israel will allow her to grow and take on mitzvos and be in a supportive environment to do so. Rachel has expressed that when she meets religious families on NCSY regional Shabbatons, she knows she wants to build her own Jewish home one day. Rachel's parents are very emotionally supportive of her decision.  Her parents are seeking every financial aid opportunity they can get as they see it as a financially overwhelming task to get her there. 

Sarah is a grade 12 student from Canada who has been on a journey to deepen her connection to Judaism and is involved with NCSY to guide her in this process. She was accepted to Meorot Yerushalayim for seminary and believes that being immersed in a supportive, Jewish environment will help her continue to grow. Sarah's mother has been inspired by her daughter's growth and has even begun lighting Shabbat candles. While her family is very supportive, financial assistance is crucial for Sarah. 

Benjamin is a grade 12 student in public school in town in Canada with a small Jewish population. Coming from a secular family that is warm and enthusiastic about Judaism, Benji connected with the JSU club (NCSY Jewish public school club) at his public school and discovered his love for learning and Torah through his relationships with his NCSY staff. Benji stands out as someone extremely grateful and positive. Just this year, Benji was so grateful to have been gifted a pair of teffilin by Canada NCSY. Benji wears his tzitzit out proudly at public school. His mother is so thrilled about her son becoming more connected with his Judaism and is loving his transition. She regularly sends pictures and updates about his growth to NCSY staff. After taking a trip to Israel, Benji made the decision to take a leap and learn in yeshiva. He is truly committed to spending an amazing year of growth at Derech Ohr Somayach next year, and they are truly lucky to be getting him.

Daniel is a grade 12 student in a Jewish non-religious high school. He grew up in a very traditional and connected home. His family attend an outreach shul in Toronto. Daniel began learning once a week with the rabbi of the shul and has built a strong relationship with learning. This year, he was recruited to the annual NCSY Israel trip to tour yeshivas. Before going, Daniel would tell you he never would have imagined himself in a yeshiva. Baruch Hashem, after seeing Aish Gesher, Daniel was hooked. He lit up when he saw the other boys from his high school there, who are all thriving and enjoying their year. Daniel came home from the trip and has been flying with excitement since. He is truly on fire and can't wait to go to yeshiva. Although Daniel's parents are extremely on board and supportive of their son's decision, they have made it clear that they are not in a position to fully support his decision financially. Daniel is an amazing boy, with stellar middos. He shows such tremendous Hakaras Hatov for the guidance NCSY has given him to get him to this point. He needs that extra help to make this a reality for him.

Hunter is a bright and dedicated young woman who has shown remarkable growth and commitment to Judaism, despite coming from a secular background. Raised in a family where Judaism was not a central focus, and with a secular education, Hunter could have easily drifted away from religion. However, her journey took a transformative turn when she transferred to a religious day school. Through this transition, she became shomer Shabbos, embracing the values of observance and community, and discovered the power of Jewish connection. Hunter’s profound spiritual growth is a direct result of her involvement NCSY, where she immersed herself in Jewish learning and developed a deep sense of purpose. She rose in to become the regional president. Now, as she prepares to attend Tiferet Seminary, Hunter is poised to continue her journey of growth, seeking to deepen her understanding of Torah and her relationship with Hashem.

Yael is a driven and passionate young woman from Houston, Texas who has experienced an incredible journey of personal growth and Jewish leadership. Having attended public school her entire life, Yael initially had limited exposure to Jewish education and community. However, her involvement in NCSY and the multiple summers with NCSY programs in Israel sparked a pivotal moment in her life, where she deepened her connection to Hashem and built a stronger sense of Jewish identity. Her commitment to her growth and the Jewish community didn’t stop there. Yael went on to serve as the NCSY teen president of Houston and serve on the Southwest NCSY Regional Board, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a genuine desire to encourage others to get involved. Through her role, she inspired her peers, creating a space for young people to engage with their Judaism in meaningful ways and empowering them to take ownership of their yiddishkeit. As Yael prepares to attend Baer Miriam Seminary in Israel, she is poised to continue her journey of spiritual development, gaining deeper insights into Torah and Jewish tradition. Supporting her year in seminary would not only nurture her growth but also further enable her to continue making a positive impact on the Jewish community. 

Daniel is a kind-hearted and dedicated young man from Houston, Texas, who has truly embraced his Jewish identity despite growing up in a public school environment. Having attended public school his entire life, Daniel initially had limited exposure to Jewish learning and yiddishkeit, but he sought out opportunities to connect with his heritage through his involvement in NCSY. His participation in NCSY's exclusive Kollel Mechina summer program, designed specifically for public school students, marked a turning point in his life, deepening his understanding of Judaism and instilling in him a passion for Torah learning. Daniel’s commitment to his Jewish growth is a reflection of his drive and enthusiasm for learning, and he is now excited to continue his journey at a yeshiva in Israel this upcoming year. His experiences with and his active engagement in the Jewish community have shown his potential to grow into a leader who will inspire those around him. Supporting Daniel’s year in yeshiva will allow him to further develop his connection to Torah and Jewish tradition while setting him on a path to continue growing as a passionate and committed individual. 

Shani is a remarkable young woman whose journey of Jewish growth has been shaped by determination and inspiration. Raised in a secular home in California, Shani’s first exposure to the beauty of Jewish life came through the guidance of a Chabad rebbitzen, who left a lasting impression on her as a young girl. When Shani and her family moved to Austin, Texas, she found herself in a community with limited Jewish resources, making it difficult to continue her spiritual journey. However, she didn't let this challenge hold her back. Instead, Shani sought out NCSY, where she found the support and inspiration she needed to continue her growth. Her involvement in NCSY not only deepened Shani’s connection to her Jewish roots, but also enabled her to develop into a true leader. She rose to the position of president of Austin NCSY, where she worked tirelessly to build a strong Jewish community and encourage others to engage as well. Now, as she prepares to spend the upcoming year at Scharfman’s Seminary in Israel, Shani is eager to continue her spiritual and personal growth. Supporting her year in seminary will help her refine her knowledge of Torah, strengthen her commitment to Judaism, and allow her to continue to inspire others with her leadership and dedication.

Noah is an exceptional young man whose dedication to his Jewish growth makes him a worthy candidate for sponsorship in his gap year to attend Derech Ohr Sameach this Elul. As a public school senior in Dallas, Texas, Noah has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to deepening his connection to Judaism, seizing every opportunity to learn and engage in Torah learning. His involvement in NCSY has been transformative, providing him with a foundation of knowledge and inspiration that he now seeks to build upon in a more immersive environment. Through shiurim and independent study, he has shown remarkable self-motivation, illustrating his sincere passion for Jewish learning. Sponsoring Noah’s year in Israel would be an investment in the future of a young man who embodies the values of growth, dedication, and leadership. His time at Derech Ohr Sameach will not only solidify his foundation in Torah but also empower him to bring his inspiration back to his community, influencing others just as he has been influenced. With the right support, Noah has the potential to become a role model for countless others navigating their own Jewish journeys. 

Rachel is an extraordinary young woman whose passion for Judaism and leadership in the Dallas Jewish community make her an ideal candidate for a seminary sponsorship. As a senior in public school, Rachel’s journey to Jewish growth has been shaped by her family’s deep commitment to their heritage, even moving to Dallas for the stronger Jewish environment. Rachel has found her home in NCSY, where she has flourished as a leader, recruiter, and role model. Her infectious energy and dedication have not only strengthened her own connection to Judaism, but have also inspired countless peers to engage more deeply with their heritage. Now serving as the Dallas NCSY President, she continues to uplift her community, demonstrating a natural ability to connect with and inspire others. Sponsoring Rachel’s year at Baer Miriam would be an amazing investment in her yiddishkeit. Her passion for Torah, coupled with her enthusiasm for bringing others along on the journey, makes her uniquely positioned to maximize a year of immersive Torah learning. With the opportunity to study in Israel, Rachel will solidify her Jewish foundation, equipping herself with the knowledge and inspiration to return as an even stronger force for Jewish continuity. 

Mikie, from Dallas, Texas, is an exceptionally talented and driven young man whose passion for Judaism and the arts make him a remarkable candidate for a yeshiva sponsorship. Growing up in Belgium, Mikie and his family experienced the challenges of rising antisemitism, prompting their relocation to Dallas in search of a better Jewish atmosphere. Though his high school education was in public schools, he remained deeply connected to his Jewish identity, finding a home in NCSY, where he flourished as an active and engaged participant. Beyond his Jewish involvement, Mikie is a gifted performer. From an early age, he showcased his incredible vocal talent, singing as a child soloist in the opera. His love for music has only grown, and he is now actively producing and performing. Mikie brings passion and energy into everything he does, and is now eager to immerse himself in Torah learning and spend the next year growing spiritually in yeshiva.  

Henry, an NCSYer from Dallas, Texas, is a dedicated and passionate young man whose commitment to his Jewish growth makes him an outstanding candidate for sponsorship to study in yeshiva next year. His unwavering desire for a strong Torah foundation ultimately brought him to finally transfer to a Jewish school in 12th grade. Now finishing high school in a Jewish environment, Henry is thriving in his learning, and is eager to take the next step in his growth at Yeshiva Torat Shraga, to ground himself in deep Torah study so that his professional aspirations are built on strong Jewish values. His enthusiasm for learning and personal development makes it clear that his time in yeshiva will be one of immense growth, both intellectually and spiritually. Sponsoring Henry’s yeshiva experience is an investment in a young man who understands the importance of balancing ambition with a solid Torah foundation. His year at Torat Shraga will provide him with the tools to not only shteig in his own learning but also carry his love for Torah into every aspect of his life. Henry has the potential to grow into a true Ben Torah—demonstrating that success in both the Jewish and professional worlds begins with a strong connection to Torah.

Talia, from Delray Beach, Florida, has participated in multiple years in NCSY summer programs - NCSY TJJ and NCSY Yeshivat TJJ. Since her first summer at NCSY TJJ, Talia has demonstrated an incredible dedication to her learning and spiritual development. She has been very involved in NCSY throughout her high school years, consistently participating in events and engaging with the community. Talia is constantly seeking ways to become her best self and has inspired those around her with her passion for growth. Known for her ability to engage in deep, meaningful conversations, Talia is always looking for opportunities to learn, reflect, and connect. Talia made the difficult decision to give up some amazing educational opportunities to follow her heart and pursue a year in seminary at Machon Maayan, where she hopes to continue refining herself spiritually and intellectually. She is deeply passionate about Eretz Yisrael and is eager to strengthen her connection to the land and its heritage, all while working on becoming the best version of herself. While her parents are supportive of her journey, the financial challenges pose a significant hurdle.

Benjamin is a remarkable young man from Miami, Florida with great leadership qualities. He has been very involved in NCSY, where he has shown incredible commitment and dedication to his Jewish growth. Benjamin has truly grown through his experiences and developed a deep passion for Torah learning, mitzvah observance, and Jewish life. In addition to his regular involvement with NCSY, Benji spent two transformative summers on NCSY's's programs -- The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) and Yeshivat TJJ -- where he gained invaluable experiences and deepened his connection to Torah and Jewish community. These summers were pivotal in shaping his decision to continue his Jewish journey by studying in Israel. Benjamin is extermely excited about the decision to learn in eretz Yisroel next year, and and will be studying at Derech Ohr Sameach. This opportunity will allow him to further his understanding of Torah, grow in his spiritual journey, and develop his connection to Judaism and Eretz Yisrael. While Benji is excited to take this next step, his family will need financial assistance to make this a reality.

Michael is from Savannah, Georgia, and has shown incredible commitment to his Jewish growth. Although he had been enrolled in a Catholic military school, he decided to transfer schools after his involvement with NCSY's The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ). Michael recognized the importance of being in an environment more conducive to his spiritual growth, and he took a bold step to pursue this path. Michael spent two transformative summers with NCSY on TJJ and at Yeshivat TJJ, experiences that deeply shaped his Jewish identity and understanding. His dedication to his growth within the Jewish community is evident in his active role as the regional board president of NCSY, where he leads with passion and commitment. Despite living much farther away than most of the group, Michael has never missed an event, a testament to his dedication and love for his community. Next year, Michael will continue his journey by studying at Derech Ohr Sameach in Israel. This year at yeshiva will provide him with an opportunity to deepen his Torah knowledge, grow spiritually, and develop a stronger connection to Eretz Yisrael. While he is incredibly excited about this opportunity, his family is unable to fully cover the costs.

Rotem, from Davie, Florida, comes from an Israeli family that wasn’t deeply connected to Judaism. However, through his participation in NCSY's summer programs The Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) and Yeshivat TJJ, Rotem has experienced a tremendous transformation. He has grown in his Jewish observance, even making the personal commitment to start wearing tzitzis. Rotem is an incredibly involved member of NCSY, always showing up for his peers and actively engaging in Jewish learning and experiences. He is one of the only teens from his school who has made the decision to learn in yeshiva next year, where he will be attending Derech Ohr Sameach. This year in yeshiva will give Rotem the opportunity to deepen his Torah learning, strengthen his Jewish identity, and build a solid foundation for a lifetime of meaningful religious observance. However, the financial burden of this experience is significant, and he needs support to make it a reality.

Alexandra (Sasha) is a bright and determined young woman from Northern California whose Jewish journey has been nothing short of transformative. Born to parents who immigrated from the Soviet Union, she grew up without a strong religious background but always felt a deep curiosity about her heritage. Her connection to Judaism began through NCSY, where she found inspiration in Shabbos meals and programs that opened her eyes to the beauty of Jewish life. Wanting to share this experience with others, Sasha helped start and run her school’s JSU (NCSY’s Jewish public school clubs), creating a space for Jewish students to connect and explore their Jewish identity. Now, Sasha is ready to take the next step in her journey by spending the year at Machon Maayan for seminary. With her passion, leadership, and thirst for growth, she is eager to immerse herself in learning, strengthen her connection to Judaism, and embrace this incredible opportunity to deepen her roots.

Nathan, an NCSYer from South Florida, has been deeply involved in NCSY for years. Coming from a home that isn’t shomer Shabbos, Nathan has taken it upon himself to grow in his religious observance. He consistently works on wearing a kippah and tzitzis wherever he goes and has made serious efforts toward keeping Shabbos. His dedication to his growth and commitment to Torah is truly inspiring. Nathan has shown incredible determination in making his dream of spending a year in yeshiva in Israel a reality. Next year, he will be attending Derech Ohr Sameach, where he will have the opportunity to further his Torah learning, strengthen his Jewish identity, and solidify his observance. This year in yeshiva will be life-changing for Nathan, but his family needs support to make it possible.

Sara, from Miami, Florida, has strengthened her connection to Judaism in a profound way through NCSY. Over time, she has grown into a committed and observant young woman, learning Torah consistently and embracing a life of mitzvot. Her journey has been one of dedication, passion, and gratitude—she never takes an opportunity for growth for granted and approaches everything with boundless energy. Now, Sara is ready to take the next step in her growth by attending seminary at Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim. She is one of the only students in her grade choosing this path, a testament to her unwavering commitment to Torah and personal development. Her involvement in has been nothing short of inspiring, and her enthusiasm for learning and growing continues to uplift those around her. This year in seminary will provide Sara with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to continue on her journey, ensuring that her passion for Torah and Judaism is nurtured in an environment designed to help her thrive.

Leael, from Sunrise, Florida, comes from a traditional Israeli home that has not been deeply connected to Judaism. However, through her involvement with NCSY, she has forged a strong Jewish identity and an unwavering commitment to her spiritual growth. Leael has participated in two transformative NCSY summer programs, TJJ and Yeshivat TJJ, and is currently the TJJ president. In this leadership role, she has dedicated herself to facilitating programs and initiatives that inspire her peers. Throughout high school, she has remained an active and passionate participant, always striving to deepen her connection to Torah and mitzvos. Being one of the few Jews in her school has never deterred Leael from proudly embracing her Jewish identity. Over time, she has worked on strengthening her observance of Shabbat and refining her commitment to tznius, further deepening her personal connection to Judaism. Despite numerous obstacles, she has made the courageous decision to study in seminary in eretz Yisrael next year, where she plans to attend Machon Maayan seminary to continue her spiritual growth. However, the financial burden of this opportunity is significant.

Hadassah, from Hollywood, Florida, comes from a traditional Jewish home. She has been involved in NCSY for years, and has shown unwavering commitment throughout her journey. Hadassah spent two transformative summers with NCSY, first with TJJ and then with Yeshivat TJJ, where she grew tremendously from both experiences. Currently, she holds a position on the NCSY regional board. Hadassah originally attended a school where there were very few Jewish students, making it difficult for her to stay connected to religion. However, her strong commitment to her Jewish identity has led her to take important steps toward growing spiritually. She went in the opposite direction of her entire friend group and social circle, fully embracing her Jewish values and identity, and becoming shomer Shabbos. Now, Hadassah is committed to attending seminary to deepen her connection with Torah and grow spiritually, with plans to attend Baer Miriam in the coming year. While Hadassah’s family is fully supportive of her attending seminary, the financial burden is a challenge.

Raquel is originally from Mexico and is now living in Miami, Florida. She comes from a traditional Jewish family. She has shown incredible dedication to her Jewish identity through her involvement in NCSY, attending three transformative NCSY summer programs: TJJ, Yeshivat TJJ, and Michlelet Mechina. Raquel is committed to Judaism, always showing up and present, and she continually seeks opportunities to learn and grow, often engaging in chavrusas with her NCSY advisors. Raquel attends public school, where she proudly "wears" her Judaism and is a visible example of Jewish pride to those around her. Despite the challenges she faces as being one of the few Jewish students in her school, she remains steadfast in her commitment to Jewish growth, and has become shomer Shabbos. Next year, Raquel plans to attend Machon Maayan to continue her journey of spiritual growth. While her parents were initially not supportive of her decision to go to seminary, Raquel worked hard to convince them of its importance to her spiritual development. She is looking forward to a year where she will grow and strengthen her Jewish identity in an environment that encourages personal development and spiritual growth.

Adina has been involved in NCSY for years and recently spent the summer at Yeshivat TJJ, where she made remarkable strides in her learning and connection to Torah. She currently holds a position on the regional board. Adina is also proactive in seeking out chavrusas with NCSY advisors and staff members, consistently striving to deepen her understanding and knowledge. One example of Adina's dedication is that she has worked hard on her tznius, to the extent that when she plays on the sports teams now at her school, she is the only one who wears a skirt. Next year, Adina is committed to attending Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim, where she is excited to push herself to grow spiritually and personally. She is one of the few students from her school making this choice.

Jonny is a bright, motivated, and well-loved teen from Los Angeles. He had a K-12 public school career, and was raised by Israeli parents in a secular home. Jonny always felt a strong connection to Israel but never imagined himself spending a year in yeshiva. His Jewish journey took shape through NCSY, where he attended Shabbatons, went on NCSY TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey), and returned for a second summer on NCSY Yeshivat TJJ. Over these summers, he realized that he wanted to spend a year in Israel learning Torah. This year, he joined NCSY's program to tour yeshivas. After exploring different yeshivas, Jonny is planning to attend Aish Gesher in Yerushalayim. For Jonny, coming from a non-religious background, this is a massive and unexpected step in his life. He is thoughtful, ambitious, and eager to grow, and this opportunity would allow him to take his Jewish journey to the next level and become a true ben Torah.

Milo is a bright, studious, and well-liked teen from New Mexico. Having never been in a Jewish school environment and coming from a secular home, the idea of attending yeshiva was never on his radar. However, after spending a summer on NCSY's Israel program TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey), he became very involved with and interested in growing in his yiddishkite. On his journey, he was exposed to the idea of going to yeshiva. Through the support of his friends and mentors, he developed a deep appreciation for Jewish learning and growth. With the support of his parents, he has made the decision to take this step and spend a year in Israel—something that once seemed extremely unlikely. After exploring his options on NCSY's program to Israel to tour yeshivas, Milo is planning on attending Yeshivat Reishit. Milo is ready to fully immerse himself in a year of learning and growth.

Leedor is a passionate, driven, and well-loved 12th grader from Las Vegas who attends public school. Raised by Israeli parents, she always felt a connection to her Jewish identity. Her Jewish journey flourished through NCSY, where she attended many Shabbatonim, participated in NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) summer program in Israel, and returned for a second summer on Yeshivat TJJ. Wanting to give back, Leedor took on leadership roles within NCSY, serving on both her local chapter Board and the NCSY West Coast regional Board. She also founded and ran a thriving NCSY public school club at her high school, creating a space for Jewish students to connect and grow. Over the years, Leedor’s passion for Judaism deepened, leading to her decision to spend a year at Machon Maayan. For Leedor, seminary is a unique opportunity to strengthen her Torah learning, personal growth, and connection to Israel.

Liraz is a warm, dedicated, and inspiring 12th grader. Raised by her Israeli parents, she has been actively involved in local programming, and attended NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) summer program in Israel, as well as NCSY's Yeshivat TJJ program in Israel. On these programs, her connection to Judaism and Israel grew, and she continued growing in her learning and commitment to Judaism. While she was in high school, Liraz's family moved to Las Vegas, where Liraz quickly became an integral part of the local community. Since then, she has played a key role in Las Vegas programming, helping to create meaningful Jewish experiences for others. Now, Liraz is excited to take the next step in her journey by spending the year at Machon Maayan seminary. With her infectious positivity and eagerness to grow, she is looking forward to deepening her Torah knowledge, strengthening her connection to Israel, and embracing this life-changing opportunity.

Deborah is a vibrant, high-energy leader from Los Angeles who brings joy and enthusiasm wherever she goes. Growing up in a Persian home and attending public high school, she always felt proud of her Jewish identity, but she was certainly not planning on spending a year in seminary in Israel. That all changed when she went on NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) summer trip to Israel. The following summer, Deborah thirsted for more growth and attended NCSY's transformative summer program Yeshivat TJJ. Back home, Deborah became a driving force in her local NCSY LA chapter, serving on the Board and inspiring countless friends to deepen their own Jewish journeys. Her passion and leadership have not only strengthened her community, but have also led several of her local friends to follow in her footsteps and commit to spending a year in seminary as well. Next year, Deborah is excited to continue her growth at Baer Miriam Seminary in Yerushalayim.

Michael is 1/3 of triplets who have been on an incredible journey of Jewish growth. Raised in a secular Israeli home, he and his brother were first introduced to Judaism through Junior NCSY, and later became deeply involved in high school programming. The brothers' passion for learning took off when they spent a summer in Israel on the NCSY Kollel Mechina program, an experience that sparked a desire to continue to grow in their Judaism. Constantly pushing each other to grow, Michael and his brother David joined OLAMI Launch, where they immersed themselves in Torah learning and personal development. This past February, they took a transformative NCSY-led trip to Israel, where they visited various yeshivas and realized that they wanted to take their learning to the next level. Their sister, the third of the triplets, has been inspired from her brothers' growth and has started to keep Shabbos, and has begun exploring seminary options as well. The brothers are excited to spend the next year at Yeshivat Derech Ohr Sameach, where they will have the opportunity to grow in their Jewish observance, as well as continue to develop their love of Torah and Israel. With their unwavering support for one another and with a strong support system from NCSY, Michael and his brother ready to embark on this next chapter of their journey.

David is 1/3 of triplets who have been on an incredible journey of Jewish growth. Raised in a secular Israeli home, he and his brother were first introduced to Judaism through Junior NCSY, and later became deeply involved in high school programming. The brothers' passion for learning took off when they spent a summer in Israel on the NCSY Kollel Mechina program, an experience that sparked a desire to continue to grow in their Judaism. Constantly pushing each other to grow, David and his brother Michael joined OLAMI Launch, where they immersed themselves in Torah learning and personal development. This past February, they took a transformative NCSY-led trip to Israel, where they visited various yeshivas and realized that they wanted to take their learning to the next level. Their sister, the third of the triplets, has been inspired from her brothers' growth and has started to keep Shabbos, and has begun exploring seminary options as well. The brothers are excited to spend the next year at Yeshivat Derech Ohr Sameach, where they will have the opportunity to grow in their Jewish observance, as well as continue to develop their love of Torah and Israel. With their unwavering support for one another and with a strong support system from NCSY, David and his brother ready to embark on this next chapter of their journey.

Olivier is a passionate and determined young man from Las Vegas who has been on an inspiring path of Jewish growth. Growing up in a secular home and attending public school his whole life, Judaism wasn't even on his radar. That changed when he attended NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) summer trip to Israel. That first Israel experience was life-changing for him, and sparked a deep love for the land and its people. After that summer experience, Oliver became more involved with NCSY, attending local NCSY Shabbatons and regional conventions. He also got involved in a number of the local NCSY learning programs and informal Shabbos meals. Eager to continue his journey, Olivier joined NCSY's week-long Israel trip to tour yeshivas, where he explored the idea of spending a year in Israel. Through this experience, he ultimately decided that Yeshivat Ohr Dovid was the best place for him to grow both spiritually and personally. Now, as he prepares for this next chapter, Olivier is excited to deepen his learning, strengthen his connection to Judaism, and to take full advantage this incredible opportunity.

Yoni is an inspired young man from Los Angeles who has decided to make Jewish growth a priority in his life. Despite having attended public school his whole life, Judaism was always a part of his identity, but it wasn’t until he went on NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) summer trip to Israel that he truly connected to it in a meaningful way. That summer in Israel sparked something deeper, inspiring him to explore his Judaism further. Yoni’s older brother, who also found his way to Yeshivat Derech Ohr Sameach through his connection with NCSY, later went on to serve in the IDF—a journey that deeply influenced Yoni’s own aspirations. Motivated by his brother’s example and his own experiences, Yoni has decided to take the next step, and is planning on spending a year at Derech. Yoni is excited to strengthen his connection to Israel, increase his Torah learning, and to develop his character.

Ethan is currently finishing his freshman year at Binghamton University. He grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, where he attended public school. For most of his life, he saw himself as a Conservative Jew, often attending synagogue with his dad at the local Conservative synagogue. He was involved with JSU (NCSY's Jewish clubs in public schools) and NCSY throughout his high school years. In the summer of 2023, leading up to his senior year of high school, he became more religious—he began keeping Shabbos, davening three times a day, and observing kashrus. Throughout his senior year, he focused primarily on applying to colleges, as spending a year in yeshiva did not initially seem like the right path for him. Ultimately, he committed to his college, confident that he could continue growing within its large Jewish community. However, within his first few weeks there, he realized that while he had no trouble integrating into the community and maintaining the religious practices he had adopted after the summer, he felt that spending a year in yeshiva was something he truly needed. Attending college has shown him the immense value of dedicating a year to personal growth and finding his own derech. The Jewish community at Binghamton has already exposed him to aspects of Judaism and himself that he had never considered or explored before. Now, he recognizes how important this year is to find his own place as a young American Jew in today’s world. Ethan will be learning in the Old City of Yerushalyim next year at Yeshiva Oryta.

Ariella is a thoughtful and curious teen from Highland Park, New Jersey, where she attends public high school. Ariella has always been someone who loves to learn, ask meaningful questions, and think deeply about who she wants to become. Over the past few years, she’s felt a strong pull to grow more connected to her Judaism. Ariella is a super involved with NCSY and is a true leader. She’s an active participant in her school’s JSU club (NCSY's Jewish public school clubs), regularly attends NCSY Shabbatons, and spent a life-changing summer on NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) trip to Israel. These experiences have helped spark something amazing in her: a love for Yiddishkeit, a desire to grow, and a commitment to becoming the best version of herself. She’s now looking forward to spending a year learning and growing in Machon Maayan seminary. Ariella is excited to continue building a stronger connection with Hashem, and becoming the kind of Jewish woman she hopes to be. Ariella is looking forward to taking this next big step on her Jewish journey.

Liel is a kind, open-minded, and motivated public school student from Bridgewater, New Jersey. She’s been very active in NCSY for almost three years. She is a regular at her school’s JSU Club (NCSY's Jewish clubs in public schools), and serves on the presidential Board for New Jersey JSU. Whether it’s a NCSY Shabbaton, a club meeting, or just a meaningful conversation, Liel is always showing up with an open heart and a genuine curiosity. She’s the kind of person who’s extremely adaptable and easy to be around. She listens, takes in new ideas, and is always thinking about how she can grow. Through JSU/ NCSY, she’s been learning more and more about Judaism, and it has ignited something in her – a real desire to connect in a deeper way with her Jewish identity, values, and community. Next year, Liel is excited to take her life one step further by learning in Ba'er Miriam seminary in Eretz Yisroel. She’s looking forward to immersing herself in learning, strengthening her love for Judaism, and figuring out what her unique role is in the Jewish world. She’s ready for this next chapter and can’t wait to see where it takes her.

Shira is a senior at a public school on Long Island who has emerged as a powerhouse for the community. As one of the few openly Jewish teens at her school, Shira’s journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Her experience on NCSY's TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey) summer trip to Israel ignited a deeper connection to Judaism and the Jewish community, motivating her to take on a leadership role at her school's JSU (NCSY's Jewish public school clubs), where she founded a new weekly program for her peers, and is currently the president of the local JSU chapter. Her unwavering commitment to her Jewish identity and her passion for advocating for Jewish teens has made her a true leader. In an impressive step forward, Shira has committed to attending Machon Maayan next year, where she will continue to deepen her knowledge and love for Judaism. Shira’s future is bright, and she is poised to inspire many others along the way.

Eitan is a senior at a public school on Long Island. After attending TJJ (The Jerusalem Journey - NCSY’s summer trip to Israel) and being active in JSU (NCSY's Jewish public school clubs), Eitan grew in his Judaism, and became a Board member of NCSY's Five Towns chapter. His work with JSU has allowed him to connect with fellow Jewish students, organize events, and foster a sense of unity. Eitan raised significant funds for his local JSU chapter on the annual Day of Giving. What sets Eitan apart is his dedication to personal growth and spirituality. His decision to commit to learn in yeshiva at Derech Ohr Somayach in Israel is a natural next step in his journey. Eitan sees this as an opportunity to immerse himself fully in his Jewish heritage, deepen his understanding of Torah, and grow spiritually in a meaningful way.

Jesse is a high school student at a public school in Hewlett, Long Island who has recently embarked on an exciting journey of personal growth and exploration. With a passion for Jewish engagement, Jesse has been active in his school's JSU (NCSY's Jewish public school clubs,) where he has flourished religiously. This past winter, Jesse traveled to Israel through NCSY's program to tour yeshivas. Inspired by the journey, Jesse has decided to take a gap year at Derech Ohr Somayach in Israel, following in the footsteps of his older brother who also attended public school and made the decision to go to AISH for men and is now in Israel for his second year. This decision marks an important milestone in Jesse's life as he embarks on a meaningful year of learning and self-discovery.

Yasmin, a senior at a public school in Great Neck, has spent the last several years carving out her unique path both academically and personally. Throughout high school, Yasmin grew not only as a student, but as a leader. She was able to find her voice in a community of like-minded peers who share her passion for Jewish traditions and culture through some of the incredible daily programming put on by her school's JSU club (NCSY's public school clubs), such as girls lunch and learn, Shabbat dinners, and more. A defining moment in Yasmin’s journey came this past February, when she went on a trip to Israel to explore seminaries. The trip served as a transformative experience, allowing Yasmin to explore the idea of spending a year in seminary, and deepening her connection to her Judaism. Yasmin realized the power of a seminary experience, and she is now fully committed to embarking on a year of growth and exploration. In the fall, Yasmin will be attending Be'er Miriam, where she looks forward to furthering her personal development and her connection to Hashem.

Gayla is a true leader. She is a member of Pittsburgh’s NCSY chapter, and serves with distinction on NCSY's regional Board. She attends a non-Jewish college preparatory all-girls private school. Using her very inquisitive mind, she began her own girls’ Parsha chat, where each week she prepares a thoughtful d'var Torah to inspire others. She is a motivated go-getter who is respected by her peers. The seminaries that interviewed her were blown away. She has decided that she wants to attend Baer Miriam next year, where she is bound to soar.

When Ari transferred schools from a yeshiva day school to a public school in Cleveland, NCSY was a survival net for his Judaism. Amazing NCSY advisors went into high gear for Ari and made a huge difference in his spiritual and emotional growth. Ari was carried to new heights with the power of the Shabbatons, multiple Yarchei Kallah experiences, and months of being enmeshed and accepted into the NCSY community. Next year, he will continue his upward growth shteiging at Lev HaTorah.

Aytan, an NCSY alum from Cleveland, attended public high school and was a regular at NCSY Shabbatons. During his four years in NCSY, he attended Yarchei Kallah and Camp Sports. Aytan's self-awareness and maturity stand out. After graduation, he realized that he was not yet ready to go to yeshiva. We kept up with him this year, and B”H, he feels ready to attend Ashreinu next year.

Maurice attends a public school in Cleveland, where he proudly wears a yarmulke. Since he was in junior high, he has been active in NCSY. He consistently attends Cleveland’s boys-only weekly learning program, Parsha & Poppers. He is committed to Judaism and goes to shul each week by himself, and is a leader who has made an impact on the people around him. He is excited to learn in eretz Yisroel next year.

Orit is a delightful young woman who attends a public school in Cincinnati. She first met NCSYers at a community challah bake just two years ago, and then shortly after, she attended NCSY's Shabbaton, Yarchei Kallah. She has been an active NCSY participant ever since. This year, she is serving with distinction on our regional Board. Orit went on NCSY's trip to Israel to explore seminaries, and it really affected her. She decided that she'd really like to attend Machon Maayan next year, where she will be a rising star.

Alen comes from a non-observant family and lives in Detroit. His involvement in NCSY transformed his life, and he transferred from a Conservative day school to a yeshiva day school for high school. For the past year and a half, he has been keeping Shabbos and kosher. He is an integral member of our regional Board. He is an inspiration, and is very determined to go to Torat Shraga this coming year despite his parents not being very supportive of the idea. He will need a lot of financial help to make his dream of going to yeshiva a reality.

Alyssa is a remarkable young woman who attends public school in Detroit. She has been active in NCSY since junior high. She participates in everything NCSY has to offer, including taking on a leadership position in her school's JSU club, NCSY's Jewish public school clubs. She is sincere about her yiddishkite, and is currently being miKarev another public school student to the point that the student is becoming Shomer Shabbos. Alyssa has decided that Machon Maayan seminary will be a good fit for her and is excited to attend next year.

Mendy had been enrolled in the Pittsburgh public school system for the beginning of his schooling. As he became more actively involved in NCSY, his advisors and chapter director discussed with him and his parents about transferring into yeshiva day school to finish his last years of high school. He is committed, and before he made the switch, he made sure that the school would allow him to miss days so that he could attend NCSY's Shabbaton, Yarchei Kallah. This motivated and committed young man is now on his way to Netiv Aryeh this coming year.