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Meet HANC High School’s Valedictorian, Salutatorians

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The Hebrew Academy of Nassau County High School has announced its Class of 2018 Valedictorian and Salutatorians who, in the words of the menahel, Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, “embody the core values of our yeshiva.”

Valedictorian Joshua Weinstein is a pillar of the HANC community, a multi-faceted young man and outstanding academic performer. In addition to being at the top of his class and enrolled in HANC’s most challenging coursework, Josh was selected by the faculty to receive the Natan Sharansky Community and School Spirit Award, presented to the student who best exemplifies “a strong commitment to the HANC community and works selflessly in order to foster inclusiveness and strengthen school spirit.”

Josh exhibits strong leadership qualities through his heading of the Peer Tutoring Society, being an editor of the yearbook, running the news section of the HANC Herald, and leading the HANC Public Affairs Committee. Traveling each year to Washington to participate in the AIPAC program, he has represented the school in the offices of senators and members of Congress. He even served as coordinator of the HANC contingent of the Shalva Team for the Jerusalem Marathon that included an astounding 47 students last March. 

Following a year of learning at Hakotel in Israel, Josh plans to attend the Macaulay Honors Program at Queens College to study history and psychology.

Salutatorian Batsheva Moskowitz is compassionate and passionate, an incredible young lady with a maturity well beyond her years.

From day one at HANC HS, Batsheva made her presence known. She challenged herself with many honors and Advanced Placement classes and has been rewarded for her efforts by being named to the General and Judaic Studies Honor Roll in every quarter. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and served as co-vice president as a junior and now as co-president.

Last year, she received the Golda Meir School Spirit award, given to the student who best demonstrates a commitment to the HANC community and works selflessly to foster inclusiveness and strengthen school spirit. She was further recognized with the Brandeis Book Award, given to a junior who is committed to social action or civic engagement. 

In the artistic arena, Batsheva is a force to be reckoned with, achieving greatness behind the camera. She has photographed nearly every school event, and helped create a photography club which this year attracted a record number of participants. She has starred in every school production, even drawing the “Playbill” cover and poster. She dances, writes, plays the piano, has taken gymnastics since she was three years old.She has even made art out of trash that she found on the side of the road.

Next Year, Batsheva plans to attend Brandeis University to study English and Theater. 

Salutatorian Zackary Plutzer always has a thoughtful word for his peers and school faculty; his smile goes from ear to ear and brightens up even the darkest day. He leads by an example of diligence and thoughtfulness that makes those around him feel heard and valued.

Academically, Zack is nothing short of a superstar. He is enrolled in some of HANC’s most difficult coursework both in general and Judaic studies. Ask any teacher at HANC and they will surely tell you that Zack is intelligent, but also that he is one of the hardest working students that they have ever encountered. He has been a member of the National Honor Society since the 10th grade, becoming co-vice president in 11th grade and co-president in the 12th grade. He is also an AP Scholar with Honor, a University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award Recipient, and a recipient of HANC’s Keter Shem Tov Award for excellent character and moral fiber. 

Renaissance man that Zack is, he contributes just as much to the HANC community as he does in the classroom. He has flexed his leadership muscles as captain of the college bowl team, chairperson of the blood drive, gabbai of morning prayers, and as a speaker at the AIPAC Policy Conference. He gives back through his four year commitment to both the Yachad Committee and the Jewish Elderly Committee. Zack has also represented HANC on both the basketball and hockey teams.

Next year, Zack plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Sport Management.