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| A Journey of Learning and Discovery | Spring 2019

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Dear Davis Academy Families: 2018-2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President
Evan Toporek
It’s hard to believe that the 2018-2019 school year is drawing to an end and that in
just a few weeks, the Class of 2019 will walk across our stage and become graduates! Vice Presidents
Ann Davis
This spring edition of The Journey magazine celebrates various activities and Lisa Freedman
programs that fill our calendars, the outstanding efforts by our faculty, many special Jeff Hopkins
milestone moments, and the varied accomplishments of our alumni. Through
photos and stories, the pages reflect the uniqueness of The Davis Academy and how Secretary
we Live Our Values Everyday. Carol Rubin

At The Davis Academy, community (kehillah) is more than Treasurer
just a group of people who share a common space. We share Mark Edelstein
a common vision, common values, common hopes, common
language, and common expectations of one another. We Immediate
don’t sacrifice our individuality to be part of a kehillah but Past President
instead, we understand that our diverse and unique qualities Jon Leven
and attributes are what make our community vibrant.
Trustees
We aspire to be righteous, to act like mensches and to make Amy Shafron Karl Altmann
the world a better place. We view wisdom as something Abby Bechler-Karsch
richer than knowledge, as the ability to go deeper, to Mara Berman
make wise choices, and to arrive at a place of true insight, Dana Bernath
appreciation, and understanding. We model that each Scott Bohrer
person deserves respect and through our words and deeds, Elizabeth A. Davis
we transform the way we relate to all people, including Russell Falkenstein
ourselves. The spirit (ruach) within each of us is what drives Scott Galanti
us to do what we do and be who we are, helping us and those David Goldberg
around us reach our full potential. Ronnie Goldman
Micah Goldstein
Enjoy reading about how we live our values, from our Billie Greenberg
Lisa Haynor
athletes’ unprecedented spirit capturing the MAAC Evan Toporek Hope Kaufman
basketball championship, to our students’ exceptional Jami Kohn
Mark D. Kopkin
commitment to tzekek during our Day of Menschlichkeit. See how through learning Debbie Kurzweil
Kevin Levingston
to code, acting on stage, playing the guitar or traveling to other cities or countries Brian Mand
Arlene Marcus
with their classmates, our students learn the most important lesson of all—they Barbara Perlstein
Barbara Pollock
learn who they are. The results are apparent in the stories of our graduates. Our Michelle Rosenberg
Bill Rothschild
Davis values continue to guide them, serving as a compass into the world beyond Dan Russotto
Linda Selig
The Davis Academy. Murray Solomon
Stanley Sonenshine
Amy Shafron Evan Toporek Jason Tessler
Head of School President, Board of Trustees Sam Tuck

LAUNCHING OUR LEGACY PROGRAM Trustees for Life
William Breman z’’l
The Davis Academy, in partnership with the Harold Jay Davis
Grinspoon Foundation, has established a Legacy program Sid Kirschner
for individuals and families. A legacy can be established Dulcy Davis Rosenberg
by including a bequest in your will, by adding The Davis
Academy as a beneficiary on a portion of your retirement Past Presidents
plan or by naming The Davis Academy as a beneficiary of (in order of service)
a life insurance policy. Jan Epstein
Carol Nemo
By including our school in your estate plan, you can assure that the amazing Dean Benamy
programs, traditions and teachings which happen at The Davis Academy will exist Harriet Zoller
for future generations to come. Information about our Legacy program and how to Bryan Fields
become a founding member of our Legacy Society can be found on our website at Ben Sillins
davisacademy.org/legacygiving.org. Billie Greenberg
Tonia Sellers
Sam Tuck
Debbie Kurzweil
Jon Leven

The Journey Magazine | 3

HAPPENINGS

Rise Up Davis @ Microsoft

Davis Academy students Fifth grade Network Sherpas
joined members of the historic participate in unique educational
Ebenezer Baptist Church choir adventures beyond the classroom
for a live performance of Rabbi that inspire curiosity in technology,
Micah Lapidus’s song, Rise preparing them for a complex future
Up, at the Falcons final home and perhaps jobs that have yet to exist.
game of the 2019 Season. One of this year’s experiences was a
Students arrived in the pre- visit to Microsoft for a special coding
dawn hours, had field-access workshop facilitated by Microsoft
passes, and greeted many professionals. Using digital tools
players and coaches as they such as Kano’s Harry Potter coding
took the field for warm ups. kit, students explored JavaScript as
Pre-game performances at the a continuation of their fifth grade
Mercedes Benz Stadium are a technology exploratory curriculum.
rarity, and our students had an This learning partnership with
unforgettable experience being Microsoft exposed students to drag
part of this special day. and drop and text based programming
languages, an important skill in the
21st century, as well as innovative
career possibilities.

Visiting Author Series at The Davis Academy

Each school year, The Davis Academy provides opportunities for students to learn from a
diverse group of renowned authors of different genres from around the globe. This year,
The Davis Academy Media Center hosted five author visits on campus and four authors
for a presentation via Skype. Author visits included Aisha Saeed, co-founder of the
#WeNeedDiverseBooks initiative, New York Times best-selling authors Meg Wolitzer
and Holly Goldberg Sloan, middle grade Georgia book award nominee Taryn Souders,
Davis Academy alumna Rachel Stein, and more. These authors are role models for our
students as they develop their own creative skills, which manifest in their writing as
they become authors as well. We are proud of our own student authors including those
who present their work during Young Author’s Night as well as those who publish books
on their own, like Ruby Mundell (fifth grader), author of Kindness Come In.

4 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

FACULTY NEWS

Power of One Photo courtesy of Paula Gould, PMG Photo.

Family Challah Bake We are proud that Davis Learning
Center teacher, Julie Weiser was
Hundreds of Davis Academy students, recognized as The Davis Academy’s
parents, and extended family members honoree at the annual Power
gathered in early February for the PTO’s of One reception hosted by The
first ever Challah Bake. Coinciding with Jewish Abilities Alliance. Honorees
one of our “No Homework Nights,” are recognized for having an
these families had a chance to get impact on the inclusion of people
their hands “doughy” while preparing with disabilities. Julie has had
challah for the upcoming Shabbat. The a tremendous impact on a wide
energy in the room was extraordinary as range of learners over her many
our Kehilah gathered across grade levels years of teaching. Other members
and zip codes to participate in one of of The Davis Academy family were
Judaism’s tastiest traditions. recognized that evening as well:
faculty member Rebecca Good (The Breman Religious School of The Temple), Class
Holy Sites of 2007 alumna Sarah Scheuer (MJCCA Day Camps) and Class of 2010 alumna
Nikki Berne (Jewish Kids Group). We wish a mazel tov to Julie and our Davis family
Deep respect and knowledge of their members on their well-deserved recognition!
own faith makes Davis Academy middle
school students naturally curious and The Davis Academy at TCEA
well-positioned to learn about other
religions. Utilizing relationships Associate Head of School and Principal, Drew Frank, and
across the Atlanta faith community, Stacy Brown, 21st Century Learning Coordinator were
our seventh graders visited the presenters at the annual TCEA (Texas Computer Education
Roswell Community Masjid, the BAPS Association) Conference in San Antonio, Texas, sharing
Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, and their expertise with educators from around the globe.
the Dharma Jewel Monastery. Each Drew’s presentation was on “Creating a School Culture
site included intimate conversations to Support Individual and Organizational Growth” and
with religious leaders as well as highlighted The Davis Academy’s personalized professional
opportunities to observe prayer development opportunities led by teachers for teachers.
practices and traditions. Stacy’s presentation focused upon strategies to cultivate
student leadership opportunities, empowering them to
share their expertise on a variety of platforms. These and other Davis faculty
continue to lead the way in professional growth in the field of education.

National Jewish Day School Expertise

Rabbi Micah Lapidus was a featured presenter at the biannual conference of
Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. The theme of the conference, which was
attended by more than 1,000 Jewish Day School lay and professional leaders here in
Atlanta, was “Dare to Dream.” Rabbi Micah presented with his colleague, Dr. Cathy
Harmon-Christian,
on the importance of
interfaith programming
for students in Jewish
Day Schools. Rabbi
Micah and other Davis
administrators also
welcomed colleagues
from across the country
to The Davis Academy
campus to learn about
our school community.

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 5

The 16th annual theatrical
production was a magical
adventure of GIANT proportions!

This spring, Davis Academy students brought their theatrical
talents center stage for four peachy performances of the
annual all-school musical: James and the Giant Peach, JR.
Under the direction of Kendrick Phillips, Director of Visual and

Performing Arts, 150 cast and crew members brought the
Roald Dahl Classic to life for an audience comprised of
students, family, friends, alumni, and members of the

greater Atlanta community in The Rosenberg Performing
Arts Theatre.

James and The Giant Peach, JR. is a tale of courage, acceptance, family, and
friendship. Throughout the production, audience members are reminded that
everyone has something special and valuable about them and to appreciate this
individual uniqueness. As the story unfolds, James calls upon each of his friends to
use a skill distinguished to their character, which helps James navigate his journey.
The performance not only demonstrates the importance of these distinctive traits,
but it also emphasizes the power of combining our unique qualities as a community.
Also in this magical musical, James inspires the audience with his discovery of
hidden strengths and honorable character. From losing family, to finding family, to
choosing family, James realizes he has the power to make a change enabling him to
live a more fruitful life surrounded by those who share his admirable integrity and
compassionate disposition. Even when faced with adversity, James truly embodies
what it means to “Live Our Values Every day” (L.O.V.E.) as he stays true to himself
and lets his moral compass guide him along his journey.
James and The Giant Peach, JR. performances took place on Sunday, March 17,
Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19. In addition to the theatre performances
on campus, the cast and crew took their talents off site for three outreach
performances, featuring highlights and songs from the musical at The Jewish
Community Center, F.L. Stanton Elementary School in Atlanta, and at The Avalon in
Alpharetta for a Little Acorns event.

6 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

Alumni Mentors:

Marlee Jones (2008)
Jeremy Schwartz (2010)
Hannah Prass (2013)
Audrey Kaye (2015)
Jack Kaye (2015)
Darcy Denneen (2016)
Dara Grocer (2016)
Isabelle Mokotoff (2016)
Matthew Aronin (2017)
Olivia Bercoon (2018)
Shelby Bercoon (2018)
Rachel Binderman (2018)
Sam Durbin (2018)
Annalise Hardy (2018)
Rachel Hertz (2018)
Ellie Rifkin (2018)
Ava Stark (2018)
Lily Stark (2018)
Matthew Szabo (2018)

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 7

LEARNING COMMUNITY

The Heart of a Boy Exploring Digital Tools

The Davis Academy hosted Atlanta-based Over coffee and conversation, Davis Academy
photojournalist and author of The Heart of grandparents joined our community of
a Boy: Celebrating the Strength and Spirit of learners, becoming tech savvy with cyber
Boyhood, Kate T. Parker for a community- security expert and founder of Savvy Cyber
wide author event this spring. Throughout Kids, Inc., Ben Halpert. Grandparents
her presentation, Parker shared details learned about digital tools that
about The Heart of a Boy, a book whose goal can enhance communication
is to positively redefine masculinity and inspire boys to stay true to with their grandchildren and
themselves, answered questions about her book and about being an ways to protect themselves
author, and signed copies of her publications for event-goers. from digital scams. Halpert’s
involvement in The Davis Academy
Wellness in the Workplace learning community includes faculty
professional development as he works
A culture of positivity and support permeates The Davis Academy and this with teachers to increase digital literacy,
school year, faculty and staff have made it a priority to ensure “wellness critical thinking skills with technology usage,
in the workplace”. Through a series of programs and events, organized and the integration of digital citizenship
by faculty and staff for faculty and staff, we are taking care of each other strategies in their classroom curriculum.
and ourselves. Sample offerings include an all-levels yoga class hosted Connecting our community through learning
on campus to detox after the work day and a self-defense course taught enhances the educational experience overall.
by the Sandy Springs Police Department This year Halpert has shared insights with
complete with easy to remember all constituents—faculty, grandparents and
techniques to use in case of a personal parents, in parallel with our students, further
emergency. Additionally, throughout educating all about the digital world we live in.
the year, faculty and staff participated
in a healthy recipe exchange, sharing Faculty Educating for the Future
nutritious foods with one another. The
“wellness in the workplace” effort is not The Davis Academy proudly hosted the Atlanta
only an opportunity to learn about and Area Technology Educators Conference on April
encourage healthy choices and lifestyles, 2nd, bringing together educators, educational
but also draws our faculty and staff even technology coaches, media specialists, directors of
closer together as a caring community. innovation and administrators from throughout
Georgia to learn from our educators. Stacy Brown
8 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org served as coordinator of the day and Sharone
Bolnick and Stacy Schleicher facilitated a session
at the conference, sharing their use of engaging
tools in the classroom, including BreakoutEdu and
SeeSaw. Missy Stein also presented, sharing the
integration of creative strategies in teaching and
learning. Davis faculty experts serve as tremendous
resources for the greater educational community.

t respect co
wisdom spiri mmunity rig
At The Davis hteousness
Academy, we
are proud to INSIDE THIS SECTION:
Live Our Values
Everyday (L.O.V.E.) PAGE 10

Guided by our We are
The Davis
VALUES Academy
AS a school community, we unite around our
menschlichkeit values of kehillah (community), PAGE 12
kavod (respect), ruach (spirit), chochmah (wisdom), and
tzedek (righteousness). We have so much to celebrate Day of
as students live by our menschlichkeit values on a Menschlichkeit
daily basis. It is our goal that we live our values to the
fullest, keeping them in our thoughts and actions as PAGE 14
they inspire us to be the best versions of ourselves. In
the coming articles, read about some of the many ways Davis Athletics:
we incorporate our values into our curriculum, special How our Values
programming, athletics, school community and more. come into Play

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 9

We are The Davis Academy

This school year we have committed to emphasizing how we can truly L-O-V-E: Live Our Values
Everyday. Based on their exposure to our Menschlichkeit values of community (kehillah), respect
(kavod), spirit (ruach), wisdom (chochmah) and righteousness (tzedek) and their learning experiences this
school year, we asked several students of all ages what each Davis Academy value means to them.

We are spirit.

We are The Davis Academy.

Spirit is showing enthusiasm and pride
for something you are passionate about.
Performing in James and The Giant Peach, JR., and
especially in our community outreach performances at
places like F.L. Stanton Elementary School downtown,
was meaningful because we shared our spirit for both
theatre and The Davis Academy. Spreading
spirit can make a difference in others’ lives too.
— Emily Hoff (7th grade) and Avery Friedman (8th grade)

We are wisdom.

We are The Davis Academy.

Wisdom, or chochmah, is something more than
learning or knowledge—it’s deeper as it applies
to real world understanding. It was so rewarding to
develop my business idea of 3D printing prosthetic limbs
through The Davis Academy this year and to present it at
Microsoft’s Make Hustle Happen competition. Winning
Make Hustle Happen not only helped bring me one step
closer to my business goals and gave me great experience
in building and presenting a thorough business
model, but also took learning to a whole new level.

— Maggie Deutsch (8th grade)

10 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

GUIDED BY OUR VALUES

We are righteousness.
We are The Davis Academy.
Righteousness means doing what you know is
right while thinking about other people who
may come from different backgrounds from you.
In fifth grade, we learn a lot about the civil rights
movement and take a trip to Birmingham.
Through the stories of our history we learn that we
should be mensches, treating each and every
one with the same amount of respect.
— Avery Slipakoff (5th grade)

We are community. We are respect.

We are The Davis Academy. We are The Davis Academy.

To us, being a school community means To me, respect is treating everyone with kindness.
all being together, family and friends, no Through projects such as The Daffodil Project
matter your age or background. It means having which honors children who perished during the Holocaust,
a diverse group of people to connect, to we show respect. When we show respect within The Davis
discuss ideas, and to share advice with. Academy community, ultimately, it has a ripple
— The Katz Brothers: Logan (7th grade), Jared (4th grade) effect on the greater surrounding communities.
— Avi Frank (7th grade)
& Ethan (Mechina: Kindergarten Prep)
The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 11

Day of Menschlichkeit

Our second Annual “Day of Menschlichkeit”
raised the bar in terms of what our Davis
Academy Kehillah (community) can accomplish
when we take a few hours out of the day to
focus explicitly and exclusively on living our
Menschlichkeit values. Through a series of
grade level, developmentally appropriate and
curricularly-integrated activities and excursions,
our children and teachers had a chance to put
our values front and center. We listened, we
learned, we explored, we created, we gifted,
we empathized, we grew in understanding and
demonstrated clearly that The Davis Academy
plays a vital role not only in educating our
students, but in the fabric of the Sandy Springs,
Dunwoody, and broader Atlanta community.

In order to “Escape the Room,” 4th graders had to complete a series
of activities that helped them empathize with a series of common
disabilities that many children their age experience on a daily basis.
Jewish Family & Career Services partnered with our 4th grade team
to create this deeply impactful extension of our 4th grade yearlong
Tzedakah theme.

Middle School students joined a small minority of Americans who
can say that they’ve had deep and meaningful interactions with faith
leaders that represent the diversity of religious life in America. Thank
you to Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, The Marist School, and The
Roswell Community Masjid for sharing your gracious leaders with us!

Our 2nd graders enjoyed a beautiful morning in our Nature
Sanctuary and learned about environmentalism with a special guest
from Dunwoody Community Garden. Connecting to the earth means
getting your hands dirty, especially if you’re in 2nd grade!

GUIDED BY OUR VALUES

Our kindergartners’
natural love for animals
only increased as
they learned about
the important role
of therapy dogs from
a special guest from
Canine Assistants.
In packaging handmade
Gary Rosenthal style
Mezuzot for The
Breman Home, 3rd
graders combined their
artistic abilities with
their Jewish knowledge
to make sure that
their gifts would bring
smiles and warm
feelings to our local
Jewish elders. Eager to
deliver the Mezuzot, a
representative from
The Breman Home
came to thank our
3rd graders and collect
the special gifts.

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 13

Davis Athletics:

How our Values come into Play

The Davis Academy’s robust athletic program provides opportunities for students to strengthen their
physical skills and abilities, and to build leadership, teamwork, friendships, and community all at the
same time. More than 90 percent of Davis Middle School students participate in at least one team sport
annually, choosing from 10 unique sports and typically, 18 teams. Throughout fall, winter, and spring,
our two gyms and multiple fields are filled with motivated athletes participating in soccer, cross country,
volleyball, baseball, softball, ultimate frisbee, basketball, track & field, tennis and golf.

While there is excitement in each The exhilaration continued into our 300 meter hurdles, making this the
season, The Davis Academy 2019 A spring Track and Field season, where first time that a team single-handily
Boys Basketball team had an especially for the first time in five years, the Boys won every field event in the Conference
thrilling season earning the title of Track and Field team took home the Championship! Go Lions!
Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference MAAC Championship trophy. Defeating
(MAAC) champions, after an undefeated ten teams in total, the boys scored in Just as we celebrate our wins, as
season (15-0 record). The team defeated the 200 meter dash, 3200 meter run, importantly, we celebrate the way our
The Galloway School in the D1, MAAC 800 meter run, and both the 4x100 and values come into play. With an emphasis
basketball finals hosted at The Davis 4x400 relay races on the track. The boys on lion pride regardless of the final score,
Academy, with a final score of 71-50, also individually won the long jump, Davis coaches ensure our student athletes
becoming the first boys’ team to go triple jump, shot put, discus, pole vault, are focused on spirit and respect as they
undefeated in the history of the school! 400 meter dash, 110 meter hurdles, and develop as individuals and as a team.
“Whether we win or lose, the importance

14 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

GUIDED BY OUR VALUES

of values in our athletic department students in developmental sports LION PRIDE…
does not waver,” said Loren Spaulding, programs to middle school students
Director of Athletics and current in competitive leagues throughout College and Beyond*
president of The Metro Atlantic Atlanta, it is incredibly exciting when
Athletic Conference. “Incorporating we witness our alum advance their Sammy Altman (Class of 2006)
values as we play sports builds lifelong athletic careers post-graduation. Baseball – University of West Georgia
skills, such as accountability, humility, Jared Kahn (Class of 2006)
and self-discipline.” The Davis Academy is proud of Baseball - Emory University
its many alumni athletes who go on Juliana Altman (Class of 2007)
The values and skills learned on the to play on high school teams, and Lacrosse – Oglethorpe University
court or on the field, reinforced by beyond. A number of Davis alum have Ashley Rosenberg (Class of 2007)
our dedicated coaches, are ultimately been recruited for athletic programs Track and Field – University of Georgia
beneficial to our students beyond at renowned colleges and universities Eliot Arno (Class of 2008)
any game, meet, or match, in their throughout the country, and in some Football – United States Air Force Academy
everyday experiences. Our athletic cases have even continued their Jake Maziar (Class of 2008)
program is at the core of how we build pursuits into professional athletics. As Baseball – Wake Forest University
positive character, self-respect and our alumni chase their dreams, whether Dani Paz (Class of 2008)
respect for others, confidence and through athletics or other avenues, we Professional Soccer - Israel ASA Tel Aviv
kindness. And while we love watching continue to be their “cheerleaders” as National team
our student athletes grow during we follow them along their journeys. Paige Weinberg (Class of 2008)
their years at Davis, from elementary We take pride in our Davis Lions. Tennis – University of Mary Washington
Brandon Gold (Class of 2009)
Baseball - Georgia Institute of Technology
& MILB Hartford Yard Goats team
(Colorado Rockies affiliate)
Matthew Nathan (Class of 2011)
Football- Dickinson College
Daniel Gothard (Class of 2012)
Football – University of Georgia
Emma Sidman (Class of 2013)
Cross Country & Track and Field –
University of Alabama
Joelle Zelony (Class of 2015)
Basketball – Tufts University

*According to our most current records.

» STARTING ON PAGE 16

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 15

HAPPENINGS&events

Alumni Involvement on Campus

We are always thrilled to have alum working, interning, and
mentoring at The Davis Academy. Opportunities include
working in the Extended Day Program (EDP), internships
where graduates can gain professional experience in the
classroom, and volunteering with the theatre department
as students prepare for the all-school musical.

Alumni Happy Hour

In February, local 21+ Davis Academy alum came together for
a Young Professional Happy Hour. Hosted at Fado Irish Pub &
Restaurant in Buckhead, the event was an opportunity to reconnect

with faculty, staff and friends over drinks and appetizers.

16 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

Class of 2015
Senior Send Off

We welcomed back the
Class of 2015 for our

annual Senior Send-Off
event. With over 100
attendees, this event
brought together

alumni parents, faculty
and staff to wish

our college-bound
alumni good luck as
they embark on their

next journeys.

Alumni Cheer on Davis Lions

During Spirit Week, our alumni brought their Davis ruach
back to the Middle School campus as they cheered on the
Davis Lions basketball team.

D.C. Based Alumni Get-Together

D.C. based alumni joined Davis Academy faculty, staff, and
seventh graders during the annual seventh grade trip to
Washington D.C. These alum, who are now undergraduate and
grad students and working professionals living in D.C. met up
with the Davis delegation at Pinstripes in Georgetown.

Davis Dawgs Reunion

Members of The Davis Academy staff traveled up to Athens, Georgia
for a “Davis Dawgs Reunion,” a gathering for alum currently attending
The University of Georgia or living in Athens. Over lunch at The Taco
Stand, the “Davis Dawgs” caught up with each other and the visiting
Davis team members.

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 17

F ounded in 2016, The Alumni
Tzedek Grant recognizes
and supports initiatives that
exemplify The Davis Academy’s
menschlichkeit value of Tzedek,
a Hebrew word which means
righteousness or justice. Open
to high school and college-aged
Davis alum, this annual grant is
an opportunity to advance the
charitable endeavors of our alum as
they lead their peers in giving back
to the community.

If you know anything about our Davis
Academy alumni, you know that they are
continuously making a positive impact
wherever their journey takes them. Guided by
our Davis Academy values, Davis alumni feel
empowered to make a difference and seek out
opportunities to do so. The Davis Academy
Alumni Tzedek Grant is a special resource that
we extend to our high school and college-aged
alumni. Those rewarded receive a financial
grant as well as marketing and media

DAVIS ACADEMY ALUMNA

Emily Brothman (2013) is the 2018-19 recipient
of The Davis Academy Alumni Tzedek Grant.

18 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

support that shines a spotlight on their are proud to foster an environment that Previous Tzedek
good work. inspires students to make a difference Grant Recipients
with acts of tzedek and tikkun olam.
The recipient of this year’s Davis From the annual Day of Menschlichkeit Nikki Berne
Academy Alumni Tzedek grant is Emily and student driven initiatives focused (Class of 2010)
Brothman (Class of 2013). Currently a upon giving back to tzedek themed Miracle Children
student at University of Maryland, Emily field trips, community service oriented
applied for the Alumni Tzedek grant to curriculum, and projects influenced by Zoe Light
help galvanize Terps Against Hunger, an the idea of repairing the world, Davis (Class of 2012)
organization which she will lead during Academy students, families, and alum Sustainability
the upcoming academic year. In her grant embrace the value of tzedek, adding
application Emily wrote, “I have always strength to the values-based foundation Jacob Cohen
been passionate about helping people our community is built upon. (Class of 2013)
struggling with food insecurity, a value JAM Bowl
I believe my time at The Davis Academy As we follow our alum along their
helped instill.” As president of Terps journeys post-graduation, it brings us Max Kamean
Against Hunger, she will lead a team great joy to see the many ways tzedek (Class of 2013)
of thirteen board members and more continues to transpire in their lives. JAM Bowl
than 70 volunteers as they coordinate With more than 1,000 alumni, The Davis
the packaging and distribution of close Academy takes tremendous pride in David Antonino
to 400,000 meals during the upcoming knowing that our impact reaches far (Class of 2014)
academic year. beyond the four walls of our wonderful Homelessness
school. We wish a mazel tov to Emily, as
At The Davis Academy, we welcome she joins the list of previous recipients. Max Rubenstein
students into a life of giving back, and (Class of 2014)
Game Givers

“I have always been passionate about helping people
struggling with food insecurity, a value I believe my
time at The Davis Academy helped instill.”

— Emily Brothman

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 19

Building
Upon Our
Alumni
Connections

AS The Davis Academy’s 26th school year comes to Connections
a close, we are proud to celebrate well over one by the numbers…
thousand graduates who are attending various high schools
throughout Atlanta, colleges across the country, and are The Davis Academy
developing careers around the globe. opened with 20 students
in kindergarten & first
To continue to maintain and strengthen our relationships with and between grade in 1992
our Davis graduates and alumni families, The Davis Academy Alumni
Connector was launched this year. With an end goal of providing graduates h1a,0ve95grsatduudaetnetdsfrom
with resources and further connecting alum post-graduation, this initiative is The Davis Academy
an opportunity for them to seek guidance as well as advise one another in their since our doors opened
areas of expertise.
The Davis Academy
Through the Alumni Connector, alum have the opportunity to sign up to be celebrates its 20th
a mentor or to be mentored, to host or attend get-togethers, to participate in graduating class in 2019
professional networking, to be a resource or to seek information about the city
they live in, and to provide or to gain information about high school, college,
and/or graduate school. If you are willing to be a resource to others, or if you
are looking to be connected with a fellow alum with relevant insight to share,
please email [email protected] for more details.

20 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

Class Notes North Carolina – Charlotte and now Ashley Rosenberg got engaged
works as an Epidemiology Fellow in to Alex Carey this spring.
Alumni Journeys by Class Year the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention
at the CDC in Atlanta. Sarah Scheuer was honored by
2000 City. Additionally, Seth visited The Jewish Abilities Alliance and
Ethiopia, where he served as an 2006 the Jewish Federation of Greater
Adam Kaplan lives in New York City Anesthesiologist at Cure Hospital Atlanta at the annual Power of
with his wife, Paige. Adam works in February. Seth will begin working Hannah Bock has been living One Reception on January 27,
as the Vice President of Content at Atlanta Medical Center as an in Washington D.C. for the last 6 2019, recognizing individuals
Business & Operations at FanDuel. Anesthesiologist in August 2019. years. She graduated last year from who have impacted inclusion in
George Washington University with a the Atlanta Community. Sarah
Ali Lewis married Lyle Passink Michael Fields and his wife Francie Masters and is working as an Interior was also awarded the Robyn
in October 2018 in Charleston, welcomed new baby Jack Fields to Architect for a firm in Georgetown. Berger Emerging Leader Award,
South Carolina. The ceremony was their family. designated for a rising leader in
officiated by former Davis Academy Josh Jacobs is engaged to Tesi the community. For the past five
headmaster, Rabbi Steven Ballaban. Jarred Klorfein has returned to Saker. The couple will get married years, Sarah has been dedicated
Atlanta and now works for Caplan this August at Summerour Studios to supporting MJCCA Day Camps
2001 Cobb law firm, where he focuses on in Atlanta. as the Special Needs Teen Camp
business litigation law. Coordinator and Director of Inclusion.
Stefanie Solmson Boxer and Ryan Jones recently became
husband Josh Boxer welcomed Caroline Patterson teaches fourth engaged to Joy Bohnenkamp. Jason Schwarz married Melissa
baby Zachary Edward to their grade language arts and math at Fuhrman on April 7, 2019 in New
family on March 15th, 2019. The Davis Academy. Caroline is Alana Schube teaches second and Orleans. The wedding party included
the cantorial soloist for The Well, third grade at The Davis Academy. three former Davis classmates:
Hillary Fixelle Hendrix and a monthly young professional Ryan Goldstein, Kyle Schaffer, and
husband Jeffery welcomed Shabbat service at The Temple. Alexandra Wolf is engaged to Ben Greenberg. The ceremony was
baby Finn Edward Hendrix to Josh Lieberman. officiated by current Davis Academy
the world this winter. Davis Arielle Scherz is a dentist at faculty member Sim Pearl (also
Academy classmate Audrey Geller Waldron and Lee Dentistry in 2007 former Head of The Weber School,
Henderson and her son, Foster Atlanta. Additionally, Arielle is where Jason & Melissa met). Jason
attended Finn’s Brit Milah. the featured alumni speaker at Alex Friedman is currently working will graduate in May from Emory
this year’s Davis Academy for CNN as a Cross Platform University Medical School and will
Samuel Rosenstein graduated graduation ceremony. 1 Associate Producer and Screenwriter. begin a general surgery residency
from Florida State University with a at The University of Chicago.
Doctorate in Art Education (E.d.D.) 2004 1
in December 2018. Additionally,
Samuel volunteers as an Art Jordan Edelstein is in his seventh 2
Teacher at Camp Horizon. year living in New York City and
his third as the East Coast Sales Shabbat with Alumni Friends
Ashley Sanders Tarica and Josh Manager for the Global Brand
Tarica welcomed their first born son Partnerships team at Electronic Max Miller (2003) is a Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El in Atlanta. This year,
to the world, Nash Steven Tarica on Arts (EA). He’s responsible for he hosted alum from the Class of 2006: Louis Galanti, Jared Kahn,
October 26th, 2018. integrating brands into the games Sam Altman, Brett Gelfand for a Shabbat Dinner.
and securing sponsorships for
2002 Esports competitions. 2 (right)

Lauren Miller Brekke and husband Kelsey Rogut married Jeffrey
Zander welcomed baby Jacob Portman on November 7, 2018.
Alexander to their family. Additionally, Kelsey was last
year’s alumni speaker at The
Violist, Abigale Reisman Davis Academy Class of 2018
performed in the “Lost and Found Graduation Ceremony.
Musical Treasures” on January 26th
at Marietta’s Strand Theatre. The 2005
show featured Hasidic melodies and
Yiddish theatre. Dana Berger is engaged to
Josh Kirschner. The couple will
Jeremy Schube and wife Talia get married on May 26, 2019 at
welcomed baby Lilah Pearl Schube to The Temple.
the world on December 30th, 2018.
Catherine Solmson works at The
2003 Davis Academy as a Kindergarten
teacher. Catherine got engaged to
Seth Eisenberg is a current resident Brad Cohen this past June and will
in anesthesiology at Pennsylvania get married this May.
State School of Medicine. For
medical school, Seth attended Ari Whiteman completed his PhD
University of Missouri – Kansas in Epidemiology at University of

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 21

Max Shafron is living in Rachel Foody married David Pent Lindsay Kraun finished her Baltimore Center Stage. Cameron
Washington, D.C., and attends this fall. program in Occupational Therapy is pursuing a career in theater
The Elliott School of International and is beginning her fieldwork. management and will attend
Affairs at George Washington Ally Eisenberg lives in New York Yale School of Drama’s Theater
University. Max will spend the City, where she works as an auditor Renee Lewis lives in New York City, Management Master’s Program
summer as a Political/Economic at PwC. where she is a Human Resources in the fall. 5
Intern at the U.S. Embassy – Oslo. Analyst at Morgan Stanley.
Victoria Goldstein teaches Renee attended the AIPAC Policy Cayla Harris was accepted to the
Ally Sillins is engaged to Santosh kindergarten at The Davis Academy. Convention 2019, along with Davis Dental College of Georgia and will
Vadlamani and will get married in classmate Rebecca Shafron. 4 be joining the 2023 Dental School
2020. Ally lives in San Francisco, Rachel LaVictoire is living in Class this July.
California and works at Google as Jerusalem, Israel, where she Paige Lincenberg is finishing her
a Program Manager on Android. works at Lightricks Ltd. as an 2nd year of Rabbinical School Sydney Joffre finished all her
Outside of work, Ally is President of Operations Specialist. at HUC. She spent her first year requirements for her Chemical
her local Toastmasters Club (Global in Jerusalem and this year is in Engineering Undergraduate
Public Speaking Community) and Sarah Stallman is engaged to L.A. on the USC campus. She is degree at University of Colorado -
likes to run, read, and travel. Daniel Forrestal. doing a rabbinical pulpit monthly Boulder. Starting in June 2018, she
in Amarillo, Texas and has been began working toward finishing
2008 2009 involved in the running of several her Environmental Engineering
Jewish meditation retreats. Paige Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
Tommy Antonino and brother, Jason Bohrer graduated from was selected to participate in a at CU - Boulder through a fully
Matthew Antonino (2009) own University of Michigan last year program in Poland sponsored by funded research project for the
Friendly Foxes, a sustainable with an Engineering degree in FASPE: Fellowships at Auschwitz for Environmental Defense Fund, which
production company based out of Computer Science. He is working the Study of Professional Ethics. will culminate in her thesis.
Atlanta, most recently producing and living in Buckhead, doing
and filming content for Macy’s in computer programming for a Haley Longo is graduating from Emily Karsch is a registered nurse
New York City. company called Cvent. Purdue University Pharmacy School in the Cardiac ICU at Children’s
in May and will start her residency National Medical Center in
Karly Covall is pursuing a Master’s Justin Franco is enrolled in a at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Washington, D.C.
degree in Behavioral Analysis at dual degree program at Southern in Chicago in June.
Simmons University in Boston. Methodist University in Dallas. He Allison Miller is graduating from
is pursuing a Master’s in Sports Rebecca Shafron lives in The University of Georgia magna
Alex Edelstein is in his third year Management and a Master’s in Washington D.C. and works as cum laude this spring. She has a
living in San Francisco, and is a Business Administration. a Program Associate at The bachelor’s degree in Art Education
Product Marketing Manager at Shusterman Foundation. Rebecca and Public Relations and a minor
Google. He recently spent three Brandon Gold plays in the MILB attended the AIPAC Policy in design and media. She was
weeks in Europe and the Middle for the Hartford Yard Goats team Convention 2019, along with Davis chosen as a Yarbrough fellow at
East learning about different (Colorado Rockies affiliate). classmate Renee Lewis. UGA Grady College of Journalism
business environments and and Mass Communication for which
volunteering at startups. To start his Lindsey Gordon is working for Jonathan Shuster is living in she received a scholarship, funded by
trip, he spent the weekend with the Carnival Cruise Lines as a Sports Denver, Colorado, where he works as Dick Yarbrough, to create graphics
Sela family in Tel Aviv. The Edelstein Staff Host. 3 a Sales Representative for Republic for the college’s marketing office.
& Sela families have remained National Distributing Company.
close friends ever since Roy Sela, Gabby Oquendo attends
attended The Davis Academy as an 2010 Georgia State University, where
exchange student fifteen years ago. she is on the Dean’s List of the
Michael Baron is working as a Honors College.
2 (page 21, left) Sports Editor at The Calhoun Times.
Marissa Rubin lives in Atlanta,
3 Nikki Berne was named the Jewish where she works at Village Realty
Kids Group honoree by The Jewish as a Marketing Coordinator.
4 6 Abilities Alliance and the Jewish
5 Federation of Greater Atlanta at Kayla Schwarz is living in
the annual Power of One Reception New York City and working for
on January 27, 2019, recognizing W20, a healthcare marketing
individuals who have impacted communications company.
inclusion in the Atlanta Community.
Eddie Samuels graduated from
Jack Broda is working in Technical Tufts University in December
Theatre/Stage Lighting, recently and after graduating, joined
touring with Niall Horan and The Atlanta Jewish Times team as
Joe Bonamassa. a Staff Writer. While he was a
student at Tufts, Eddie pursued
Maia Charanis is a Company a degree in English and was the
Dancer for Kit Modus in Atlanta. managing editor of The Tufts Daily
college newspaper.
Courtney Cohen is studying
Elementary Education at Georgia Jeremy Schwartz is a Technical
State University, where she was Recruiter at Applied Resource
named to the fall 2018 Dean’s List. Group and since graduating, has
returned to The Davis Academy
Cameron Frostbaum is living in campus to help out with the all-
Baltimore, Maryland working in school musical.
development for a theater called

22 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org

Class Notes

2011 SIMCHAS

Jami Bohrer will graduate in May Ali Lewis (2000) married Lyle Passink
from the University of Michigan with on October 6, 2018 in Charleston, South
a degree in Economics. Jami has Carolina. The ceremony was officiated by
accepted a job with Allstate Insurance former Davis Academy headmaster, Rabbi
in Chicago and will participate in their Steven Ballaban. A
management program.
Stefanie Solmson Boxer (2001) and husband
Scott Eisenberg is a senior at
The University of Georgia, where A Josh Boxer welcomed baby Zachary Edward
he is graduating with First Honors, to their family on March 15th, 2019. B
an honor given to students with
the highest GPA. Additionally, BC Hillary Fixelle Hendrix (2001) and husband
Scott along with fellow Davis alum DE Jeffery welcomed baby Finn Edward Hendrix
Ethan Mann earned the highest to the world this winter. C
GPA in their Alpha Epsilon Pi FG
Fraternity pledge class. Scott J Jeremy Schube (2002) and wife Talia
also earned the “Best All-Around welcomed baby Lilah Pearl Schube to the
Four Year Member” award. world on December 30th, 2018. D

Jordy Frankel is a senior at the Lauren Miller Brekke (2002) and husband
University of Colorado Boulder, Zander welcomed baby Jacob Alexander to
studying English with an emphasis their family. E
in literature, a minor in Spanish,
and is also pursuing a licensure in Catherine Solmson (2005) got engaged
elementary education. Outside of to Brad Cohen this past June and will get
school, Jordy will work at Camp married this May. F
Eagle’s Nest, where she will be one
of the coordinators and mentors Dana Berger (2005) is engaged to Josh
for the Junior Counselor program, Kirschner. The couple will get married on May
lead singing in the Dining Hall, and 26, 2019 at The Temple. G
direct the musical. 6
Josh Jacobs (2006) is engaged to Tesi Saker.
Max Franco will be graduating from The couple will get married this August at
University of Alabama this spring Summerour Studios in Atlanta. H
and will be attending Georgia State
College of Law beginning in the fall Ashley Rosenberg (2007) got engaged to
of 2019. Alex Carey this spring. I

Gina Karseboom, is a senior at The Jason Schwarz (2007) married Melissa
University of Georgia. In addition Fuhrman on April 7, 2019 in New Orleans. The
to school, Gina is an Account ceremony was officiated by current Davis
Executive for The Talking Dog, a Academy faculty member Sim Pearl (also
full-service, student-run agency. former Head of The Weber School, where
Jason & Melissa met). J
Ethan Mann is a senior at The
University of Georgia, where he Ally Sillins (2007) is engaged to Santosh
is a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Vadlamani and will get married in 2020. K
Fraternity. Ethan along with fellow
Davis alum Scott Eisenberg H
earned the highest GPA in their
pledge class. I

Becca Nadolne is graduating from K
The University of Georgia cum laude
with a degree in International Affairs. The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 23

Caleb Rudnicki attends Georgia
Tech, where he is a Computer
Science Major. Outside of school,
Caleb plays on the Georgia Tech
ice hockey team. Caleb will intern
with Nike this summer as a Mobile
Application Developer.

Ali Shutzberg completed a six
month long internship on an
acoustic prototyping team at Apple
and has plans to begin another six
month internship with Apple on a
new product development team.

Comedian, Andrew Stein has 2013 weekend on Feb 2nd with the Valerie Light is a student at The
performed comedy in Atlanta, fraternity’s Community Service University of Delaware, where she
Athens, Chattanooga, Savannah, Carolyn Friedman is attending Award. In addition to his fraternity is studying Media Communications
Huntsville, Louisville, and Nashville. Columbia University in New York involvement, Jaron is also a and Fashion Management. Valerie is
He is the creator and producer of City, where she is participating Chemistry Peer Leader Advisor. a Trustee Scholar and on The Dean’s
“Atlanta Comedy Grind,” a behind- in student films and readings on List. In addition, Valerie is a University
the-scenes look at the stand-up campus and is directing for the Ali Shindell is the Program Director of Delaware Tour Guide, an ULTA
industry in Atlanta. 7 Columbia University Sketch Show. of the UCLA Makerspaces’ “Make Beauty Ambassador, and Beauty
Outside of school, Carolyn was an your Own Board Game Workshop” Director of UDRESS Fashion Magazine.
Savannah Williams will begin her Artistic Lab Intern for The Women’s program, a three part workshop
career working for McKinsey & Project Theatre. dedicated to showing students how Rachel Murray is living in New York
Company after graduating college. to build board games. At UCLA, City, working in video production
Jenna Grossman was back in the Ali studies both Computer Science and fashion through Onyx
2012 hallways of The Davis Academy last and Linguistics. Productions and Onyx custom line.
summer as she worked with Aurora
Julie Covall is rising senior at The Day Camp, a day camp for children Jessica Thompson, a current Benjy Nadolne is one of twelve
University of Pennsylvania, where who have cancer. 8 sophomore at The University students in the Nativ College
she studies French and Political of Georgia was awarded the Leadership Program in Israel to
Science. Julie is completing a Jacob Karsch is a Pre-Med Foundation Fellowship Award, successfully complete his MDA
semester in Paris and will intern in student at The University of the university’s most foremost training to be first responders on
Washington D.C. this summer. Pennsylvania. In addition to school, undergraduate scholarship. Israeli ambulances. 10
Jacob conducts research at The
Sophie Frostbaum interned at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Ross Williams is a student at Mollie Schwarz is a freshman
Abbott Nutrition in the Consumer and volunteers for the West Virginia Tech and has an internship at Tulane and a member of
Sales department. Philadelphia Tutoring project and at BMW. AEPhi sorority.
for DREAM, a mentorship program
Ben Marcus attends Elon for kids in a local West Philadelphia 2014 Maqueline Weiss graduated from
University, where he studies housing project. Jacob was also Mount Vernon Presbyterian School
political science. Outside of school, accepted to the Birthright Excel’s David Antonino published Stories in May 2018, where she received
this past summer, Ben interned at business program. As a part of the from the Street, a compilation the End-Of-The-Year Ambassador
The Washington Center. program, he will be living in Tel Aviv of true stories and interviews Prefect Award. Prior to starting her
this summer for 10 weeks while that raise awareness about freshman year at Elon University on
Anna Rosing is a current student interning with a healthcare venture homelessness. To help combat/end the pre-med track, Maqueline was
at Louisiana State University, where capital company. homelessness, Antonino is donating a Junior Counselor at Camp Kudzu,
she studies Political Communication fifty percent of his book proceeds a non-profit camp for children
and has been named to the Dean’s Emily Kurzweil is a sophomore at to shelters and charities. Stories with diabetes. At Elon University,
List for the past three semesters. The College of Charleston studying from the Street is available for Maqueline was invited to join the
Outside of school, Anna works at psychology. Emily wrote and sang purchase on amazon.com. 9 Leadership Center, has accepted a
The Bautsch Group. Additionally, an original song for a Daffodil role as Fundraising Chair for Elon
Anna studied abroad in Paris for Project program at The College Mitchell Bohrer is a freshman at University’s Juvenile Diabetes
five weeks last summer. of Charleston on November 18th. the University of Georgia. He plans Research Foundation Walk for a
She has plans to study abroad in to major in Business. Cure, was elected to Hillel Board,
7 Thailand this summer. initiated to Alpha Omicron Pi
Jared Hopkins attends University Sorority, and named to The Dean’s
Jaron Longo is the AEPi of Georgia and has helped organize List for academic achievement.
representative for UGA Miracle, and lead the UGA Miracle Dance
a student run philanthropic Marathon which benefits Children’s 2015
organization that benefits Healthcare of Atlanta. In addition,
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta he has joined AEPi fraternity and Sara Altmann is a senior at the
and the local children’s Miracle was elected as one of the Rush Weber School. She is currently in
Network Hospital. This year the Chairman for next year. her fourth year on varsity tennis
AEPi brothers, under Jaron’s
leadership, raised over $7,000 for UGA Ramsey Scholars
this worthwhile organization. He
was honored at the AEPi Parent’s Davis Academy
Class of 2014’s
89 Marshall Berton
(3rd from right) and
10 Eric Miller (2nd
from left) were two
24 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org of nine incoming
UGA students
to be named
Ramsey Scholars.
In addition to this,
Marshall was also
inducted into the
Tate Honor Society.

Class Notes

where she is co-captain of the Congratulations to the members of
girl’s team. She has spent the last The Davis Academy Class of 2015, who
several years supporting Sydney’s are planning to attend the following
Got Heart project as well as the
Save a Child’s Heart Foundation, all colleges and universities:
in honor of her cousin Sydney who
was born with a heart defect. Sara Top 10 Clemson University Ringling College of Art and Design
will be graduating in the spring and Cornell University Tufts University
is excited to be attending Indiana Class of 2015’s Zachary Baylin Georgia College and Tulane University
University in the fall. (3rd row, far right) and State University
Leah Tuck (second row, center) Georgia Institute of Technology University of Alabama
Zachary Baylin was named as were named as two of North Georgia Southern University University of California – Los Angeles
one of North Springs Charter Springs Charter High School’s Gwinnett Technical College
High School’s Top Ten students. Top Ten students. Elon University University of Colorado – Boulder
Additionally, Zachary won Emory University University of Florida
first place in the Coding and Alex Panovka will attend Cornell Florida State University University of Georgia
Programming category at the University next year. Kennesaw State University University of Maryland
2019 Future Business Leaders Indiana University University of Michigan
of America State Leadership Jacob Rogow is graduating from Middle Tennessee State University
Conference in March. He will Dunwoody High School and will be New York University University of Mississippi
now travel to San Antonio, Texas attending the University of Vermont North Carolina State University University of South Carolina
to represent North Springs at Honors College, where he plans to Northeastern University
the FBLA National Leadership study Economics and Finance in Northwestern University University of Texas
Conference in June. the Grossman School of Business. University of Wisconsin
Jacob is an Alumni Ambassador University of Vermont
Ariana Dinberg is a student at for the Alzar School in Cascade, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
North Springs Charter High Idaho and an active member and State University
School, where she plays on the of National Honor Society at
girls’ soccer team. 11 Dunwoody High School. *As of 5/6/2019

Ben Finkelstein, a Weber school Leah Tuck graduated fourth in Music for a Great Cause
senior, will attend Northwestern her class from North Springs High
University as a member of the School and will be attending Georgia Abby Goldberg (2014), Zach Negin (2014),
Class of 2023. Tech in the fall. This past summer, Justin Footer (2015), Tristan Hulsebos (2015),
Leah and fellow Davis graduate, Jake Rubin (2015), and Tyler Sherman (2015)
Abbi Goldberg, a senior at The Ariana Dinberg, travelled to Thailand form the teen rock band, Ian’s Friends Band,
Lovett School, played on the Lovett through a community service performing at events throughout Atlanta to
varsity basketball team and was organization called Rustic Pathways. fundraise and raise awareness for pediatric
named to an All-Region team. In addition to teaching English brain tumors.
skills at a local school, they visited
Sarah Kaufman was named a an elephant sanctuary where they 11 12
National Merit Finalist at The learned about elephant conservation 13
Galloway School. She is a senior and and proper care. 12 the university’s basketball program.
will attend Georgia Tech in the fall. Following the Pace Academy
Sloane Warner is a senior at The 2018-2019 basketball season,
Audrey Kaye starred as Weber School. Throughout her senior Joelle was named to the Georgia
Jackie in the musical Disaster! year, Sloane worked as an Extended Athletic Coaches Association AAA
at The Walker School. Day Program Assistant at The All-State team. 13
Davis Academy. Sloane will attend
Andrew Ladden, a Pace Academy Northwestern University (Class of Class of 2015 members: Jack Kaye,
senior, will attend The University 2023). She was accepted to the Medill Jason Marcus, JoJo Rinzler,
of Texas at Austin in the fall as a School of Journalism, Media, and Joshua Glass, Sarah Landy,
Liberal Arts Honors major. Outside Integrated Marketing Communications Shayna Fraley, and Spencer
of school, Andrew was a Merlin as a Journalism major. Schiff were inducted to The Weber
Wealth Management intern in School’s National Honor Society.
summer 2018 and sits on the Board Hannah York was awarded third
of The Friendship Circle. Additionally, place in the “Beginning Feature
Andrew captains a team for the Writing—Newspaper” category by
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the North Carolina Scholastic Media
which he started for his bar mitzvah Association as a part of their 2018
project, while he was a student at Institute Awards.
The Davis Academy.
Joelle Zelony graduates from
Charlotte Morrison, a current Pace Academy in May 2019. She
senior at Mount Vernon will attend Tufts University in the
Presbyterian School, interns for the fall, where she has committed to
Atlanta Jewish Times. In December,
she published an article highlighting
the interfaith programming in
which Davis Academy and Mount
Vernon Presbyterian School
students participated.

The Journey Magazine | Spring 2019 | 25

2016 Atlanta Jewish community. Jordyn’s Dunwoody United AAU basketball where he helps organize events,
accomplishments include working program. He plans to play on the meetings, and conferences focused
Mya Artzi, a current junior at North with Second Helpings Community Atlanta Macabbi basketball team, upon diversity awareness.
Springs Charter High School, is a Assistance Center, serving as a BBYO is in the Creating Connected
member of the JumpSpark’s Strong Board member, graduating from Communities leadership program Grace Ross spent the summer
Women Fellowship, an educational Youth Leadership Sandy Springs and co-founded an annual 3x3 of 2018 interning with a women’s
cohort providing female Jewish program, participating in Temple basketball tournament that raises foundation in Hong Kong, China.
teens with learning focused on what Sinai’s confirmation class, and being money for the Save A Child’s Heart
it means to be a woman in 2018, inducted to Spanish Honor Society. Foundation, which he supports in Seth Shapiro is a student at
preparing them to be leaders today In addition, Jordyn mentors young honor of his cousin Sydney who was The Weber School, where he holds
and in the future. gymnasts at JumpStart Gym and born with a heart defect. both shot put (36’7”) and discus
started her own jewelry business: (110’8”) records.
Abbie Barkan is a student at The BeadsByJo, where she gives back a Elena Dollinger, a sophomore at
Weber School. Outside of school, portion of her sales to Water.org. North Springs Charter High School Emma Tessler is a sophomore
she attends the AIPAC policy was a cast member of the spring at Dunwoody High School, where
Conference in Washington D.C. Arie Voloschin won first place in the play: The Addams Family. Elena also she runs varsity cross country
each year. She also volunteers with boy’s 100 yard freestyle category at performed in the Shuler Ensemble and track. Additionally, Emma is
Creating Connected Communities the Metro Finals Swim Meet. at the Shuler Georgia High School involved in student government,
and Girl Talk at The Davis Academy. Musical Theatre Awards last spring. beta club, key club, and is the
Adam Weintraub was named treasurer of her BBYO chapter.
Audra Buffington was recognized Grand Aleph S’gan of BBYO’s AZA Jacob Frank is a sophomore at The
by Women in Technology as one of International Board, where he will Lovett School. Outside of school, Evan Tessler is a sophomore at
the “Girls of the Year”. Additionally, lead programming for all regions, Jacob volunteers with Children’s Dunwoody High School, where he
Audra attends North Springs Charter supporting each chapter in planning Healthcare of Atlanta. Additionally, plays varsity lacrosse. Outside of
High School and was inducted to the memorable experiences for their in the coming months, Jacob will school, Evan volunteers at Atlanta
Science National Honors Society. members. Additionally, in this attend the “Summer@Brown” pre- Youth Lacrosse.
role, Adam will help plan the 2020 college program at Brown University.
Max Ripans was named to Atlanta BBYO International Convention, the Nick West, a current sophomore
Jewish Times’s “18 under 18” for his largest gathering of Jewish teen Will Hopkins is a sophomore at North at Riverwood International Charter
accomplishments that distinguished leaders world-wide. Springs High School. He is an active High School qualified for the
him as a rising star in the Atlanta member of the Jewish Culture Club, 2018 USA Track & Field National
Jewish community. Max participated Class of 2016 members: Habitat for Humanity and the Golf Junior Olympic Championships.
in Atlanta Jewish Committee’s Abbie Barkan, Austin Margol, Team. He will also be participating Nick placed first in his age group,
delegation to Washington Caroline Goldman, Chloe Lipton, this summer in the Maccabi games competing against athletes from
D.C., where he lobbied both Darcy Denneen, Isaac Goldman, in golf here in Atlanta. South Carolina and Florida. Nick
Congresswoman Karen Handel and Noa Grace Pollinger, and Sarah holds the Riverwood High School
Congressman Barry Loudermilk on Rosenberg were inducted to Alana Kramer attends Dunwoody Pole Vaulting record (14’6”) and
Holocaust education and combatting Weber’s National Honor Society. High School. Outside of school, holds the record for the second
antisemitism. Additionally, Max Alana coaches gymnastics at the highest jump in Fulton County for
interned for Conexx and went on a 2017 Marcus Jewish Community Center the 2019 year. 14 (right)
community service trip to Cambodia and is on the leadership team of
and Thailand last summer. Andrew Altmann is a sophomore at Creating Connected Communities, an Athletes and 2017 Davis Academy
the Weber School. This past season organization providing programs for Alumni, Jordan Starr, Hailey Rubin,
Jordyn Rosenberg was named to he played both varsity basketball underprivileged kids around Atlanta. and Jake Powers attended the
Atlanta Jewish Times’ “18 under and varsity tennis. Andrew is also in Maccabi Games opening ceremony,
18” for her accomplishments that his second season playing for the Darren Rosing is Co-President of where they carried a banner
distinguish her as a rising star in the Pace Academy’s Board of Diversity, highlighting Atlanta as the 2019 host.

Mock Trial Victories 2018

Max Ripins (2016), Nicole Cobb (2017), Lucas Jannett (2017), Brandon Bohrer is currently a
and Gaby Lefkovits (2017) are members of the Mock Trial team freshman at North Springs High
at The Weber School, where they made it to the District Round. School. He is looking forward to
getting his driver’s permit at the
Alum in Theatre end of the month.

Elena Dollinger (2017), Annalise Hardy (2018), Annalise Hardy has the distinction
Rachel Hertz (2018), and Matthew Szabo of being the only freshman to
(2018) were cast as members of the North star in three shows at North
Springs High School Play, The Addams Family. Springs Charter High School. She
appeared in supporting speaking
26 | The Davis Academy | davisacademy.org roles as Lord Montague in Romeo
and Juliet, Sister Margaret in Bee
Luther Hatchee, and as Grandma in
The Addams Family.

Amalia Haviv is a student at Pace
Academy. Outside of school, she is
a part of the Creating Connected
Communities leadership program.
This summer, Amalia will participate
in a culture and language
immersion course in Paris, France.

Class Notes alumni gallery

14

15

Rachel Hertz is a freshman at
North Springs Charter High School,
where she is an Officer for the
Youth for Change Club and involved
with the theatre department.
Rachel was also a cast member of
the North Springs plays: Romeo
and Juliet and The Addams Family.
Alex Newberg starred as Pugsley
Addams in The Addams Family for
which he has received as Shuler
nomination for Best Featured
performer, appeared in City
Springs Theatre production of Elf,
and starred in his first professional
leading role as Jason in Actors’
Express Falsettos. Alex is a freshman
at Holy Innocent’s Episcopal School,
where he made the Dean’s List and is
involved with Model UN. In fact, Alex
traveled to Toronto for a Model UN
conference this winter. 15
Alon Rogow is a freshman at
Dunwoody High School. He made
the varsity track and field team,
where he placed first in the
Dekalb County Track and Field
Championship Meet for the pole
vault. Outside of school, Alon is
an active member of Creating
Connected Communities and Pole
Vault Atlanta (PVATL). 14 (left)
Matthew Szabo, a freshman at
North Springs Charter High School
was a cast member of the school
productions of Romeo and Juliet
and The Addams Family.

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Academy Alumni Association
on Facebook and to share
your news and updates at
[email protected].

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please notify The Davis
Academy Alumni Office at
[email protected]
of the new mailing address.
Because college addresses
change so frequently, we
are unable to use them

for general mailing.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF
THE DAVIS ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

The Davis Academy Class of 2019

Jack Anderson Samuel Effron Katie Janko Maya Mekyten Mick Shrubstok
Reese Baker Avery Friedman Seth Kaminsky Ava Moradi Megan Sparks
Gavin Friedman Isaac Kaufman Leah Moradi
Miriam Barkan Zachary Friedman Justin Kornblum Jake Sucan
Kelli Berenthal Jackson Nozick Madeline Swartz
Matan Gal Eran Krug Caleb Ouanounou Connor Swislow
Ella Berman Ori Gal Jonathan Kuttner
Mollie Binderman Caitlyn Pinsker Kiera Swislow
Emily George Jamie Leaf Jenna Prass Carly Tauber
Hannah Brown Jack Godwin Benjamin Lefkovits Josh Retter Sarah Terapane
Jamie Cohen Reid Goldstein Lia Toporek
Leah Cohen Aiden Golub Asher Leish Noah Rosenberg
Jackson Crim Rian Gordon Maya Lewis Jacob Rubin Gavin Ulin
Jack Janko Caleb Mahle Elli Russotto Carson Wolff
Maggie Deutsch Emily Mand Eva Serotta Justin Wolfson
Megan Dollinger Jaclyn Marx
Dawson Sherman