18 Under 18: Jewish Atlanta’s Young Leaders and Rising Stars
18 young leaders, all under the age of 18, are rising stars in the Atlanta Jewish community.
Literally born at the turn of the century or soon after, our 2018 Jewish Atlanta’s 18 under 18 are rising stars in the community. From their submissions you will see they share a love of their Jewish heritage, and, by extension, a commitment to improving the larger community. Some are members of Jewish youth groups, leaders in their school or social service activities. Ranging in age from 10 to 17, a few started businesses or nonprofits. Others went above and beyond to lead or initiate key movements or events, and many were high academic achievers with awards to prove it. Most were nominated by relatives – including two grandmothers – administrators, teachers, advisors or community leaders.
Without further ado, we introduce you to our 18 under 18:
Shiraz Agichtein
13, DeKalb School of the Arts
Shiraz has helped with fundraising for the CURE Foundation for pediatric cancer and Lauren’s Run every year since she was 3 and a friend was diagnosed with a terminal malignant brain tumor. Her science fair project addressed a personal issue she has faced with food safety for people with celiac disease, with which she was diagnosed two years ago. She performed as the lead in high school musicals and is a natural visual artist, winning multiple awards since she was young. The combination of her artistic talents, science mind, creativity and drive to help others is unique for her age.
Shiraz’s sample accomplishments:
- Tellus Future Science Stars Award, Georgia Science and Engineering Fair
- Founder/leader, Jaguar Jems, Atlanta Jewish Academy, 2017-18
- CURE Foundation fundraising 2007-18, donated artwork for auction
- Shofar blowing 2016-18
- Celebrating Art, published art, April, September and December, 2017
- High merit award, December 2015, 2016
- First place Georgia Educational Technology Fair for graphic art, regional, 2016-17
- First place, Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, regionals, Fulton County
- UGA Family & Consumer Sciences, Solutions Leading to Healthier Families award at Georgia Science and Engineering Fair
Zoe Alexander
17, Walton High School
Zoe is very involved in her community and prides herself on being Jewish, as well as giving back to those who are less fortunate. She was also involved with the March for Our Lives and was asked to speak to 200 people about school safety and first amendment rights. She developed her own pet-sitting business, which she calls Camp Bow Wow. Zoe got a certificate to become an official/referee for youth lacrosse in 2016. She has volunteered to be a youth lacrosse coaches’ assistant for the fall season, 2016 and 2017, and plans to be a volunteer assistant coach again this fall.
Zoe’s sample accomplishments:
- Student Government Association, class representative, 9-11th grade and upcoming year
- Student Ambassador, 10th, 11th and upcoming year, if accepted
- National Honor Society, May 2018
- National Science Honor Society, January 2018
- Camp Jenny staff, 9-11th grade with plans to continue 12th grade, senior counselor, 2018
- Lead teen liaison for Harris Jacobs Dream Run, 2017-2018
- Volunteer madrichim (teaching assistant) at her temple, 8-10th grade, paid madrichim, 11th grade and upcoming year
- Volunteer assistant coach, Youth Girl’s Lacrosse, fall 2016-2017 and upcoming year
- Maccabia/Color Wars team leader, 2016, awarded by summer camp staff, Camp Coleman.
- Honor camper, 2014, awarded by summer camp staff, Camp Highlander.
Julia Baumohl
16, The Cottage School
Julia is truly a very special person. She has overcome many obstacles in her life with a spirit and attitude that could rival most motivational speakers. She is a leader among her peers and passionate about her friends, family and Judaism. She uses her experiences to uplift others and contributes much to the conversations and circles she is a part of. She is also very bright as she will be graduating from high school a year early and will go on to further her academic studies.
Julia’s sample accomplishments:
- Middle school sports manager
- High school Student Council, vice president, president
- Student assistant director, drama program
- Student ambassador for prospective students and families
- Editor and writer for the yearbook, 2017-2018
- AJC Leaders for Tomorrow program
- Team captain for volleyball and basketball
- Volunteers each summer as a lead counselor for a special needs equestrian program, advocacy and programming for students with special needs
Leah Faupel
16, Milton High School
Leah spearheaded a book collection for children through the Children’s Restoration Network for homeless children. She has donated more than 1,000 books.
Leah was the only teen helping plan her synagogue’s first ever Tikkun Olam Fair, working with adult committee members. She serves on the committee for this year’s event in December.
Leah is an excellent vocalist and musician, playing both drums and piano. She is the lead singer in a local teen rock band, playing in the metro area.
Leah’s sample accomplishments:
- Top auditioned vocal ensemble, Milton High School, 2018-19
- Lead singer, Zenith Rock Bank, Music Matters, 2018-present
- Youth convention programming lead, NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah, 2018
- Synagogue Social Action Committee, Temple Beth Tikvah, 2016- present
- Youth Group (HOTTY) Religious Committee, Temple Beth Tikvah, 2016-18
- First grade religious school aide, Temple Beth Tikvah, 2016-present
- Cantor’s music assistant (Junior Choir), Temple Beth Tikvah, 2015-17
- Varsity softball team pitcher, Milton High School, 2016-18
- Travel softball team pitcher, Georgia Fire, 2016-18
- Team pitcher/team captain, Sharon Springs Spartans, 2014-15
- American Jewish Committee’s Leaders for Tomorrow program, Israel Advocacy and Leadership Training Program, 2017-18
- Top Titan Award, music performance, 2016, Elkins Pointe Middle School faculty
- Marian S. Perling Hadassah CHESED Student Award, 2015
- Elkins Point Shining Star Award recipient, French, 2015
Rayna Fladell
16, Riverwood High School
Rayna is one of the reasons we started AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program in Atlanta. She epitomizes strong leadership. Rayna experienced several instances of anti-Semitism as a freshman at Riverwood High School. She calmly and articulately confronted the student spewing hateful rhetoric by educating him about why his words were hurtful and inappropriate. This past spring, we asked Rayna to introduce AJC’s CEO, David Harris, in front of more than 400 members of the Jewish community, local and state politicians, and diplomats at AJC’s annual Selig dinner. Rayna also traveled with AJC to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of Israel and against anti-Semitism with members of Congress.
Rayna’s sample accomplishments:
- Riverwood High School Student Government, 2017-2019
- American Jewish Committee, Leaders for Tomorrow, 2017-2018
- American Jewish Committee, lobbied Congress for Israel-related topics, 2018
- Shilicha, B’yachad BBG, 2017-2018, in charge of religious programming, philanthropy and Israel advocacy; service trip to South Africa, summer 2018
- BBYO International Convention, 2018
- Greater Atlanta Region BBYO Speak Up, Stand Up Committee, 2017- 18
- Creating Connected Communities Leadership Development Program, 2016-18
- J-Serve’s Teen Jam Steering Committee, 2017
- Young Atlanta Leadership lessons, 2016-17
- BBYO Leadership Training Institute, 2017
- American Jewish Committee’s Global Forum, 2017
Lian Kleinman
17, Pope High School
Lian is clearly devoted to the Jewish community through her participation in her youth group and service at her religious school. She also felt it important to seek out and apply to AJC’s Leaders for Tomorrow program and was an excellent student. She is giving back to those organizations that have given so much to her. Lian is making great strides to elevate the conversation about Israel with her own peers throughout the Southeast region of USY.
She also helped coordinate and lead the Pope High School walk out in March in memory of, and in response to, the Parkland school shooting.
Lian’s sample accomplishments:
- Pope Globalization, 2015-19
- USY chapter, Israel affairs vice president, 2016-17
- USY chapter president, 2017-18
- USY Regional Affairs, vice president, 2018-19
- Hebrew School teacher, 2015-18
- Member of Hispanic organization promoting education (HOPE)
Syd Pargman
17, Riverwood High School
Syd is not only engaged in Jewish life with Jewish organizations, but he lives Jewish values and is constantly giving back to the greater Atlanta community. This past year, Syd organized Race Across the Lines Quiz Bowl for more than 70 students, bringing together diverse (race/age/gender/learning style) teams to answer quiz bowl style questions and experience positive effects of working on a diverse team. Syd also planned and organized a two-day sports camp for students from an ESOL program managed by Centro Catholico, a Catholic social service organization. Syd handled all logistics, staffing and transportation.
Syd’s sample accomplishments:
- President, Beta Club, 2018-19, secretary, 2017-18
- Science National Honors Society, for students with A- average or above in science classes
- Georgia Certificate of Merit, 2018, top 5 percent of class, Riverwood High School
- Rensselaer Medal, 2017-18, $25,000 four-year scholarship for outstanding academic achievement in the study of math and science by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Book Award in Honors Literature, 2016-17, recognized as top literature student
- VIP IB physics student, 2018, nominated for leadership and achievement
- Riverwood High School Principal’s List, recognizes students with all semesters of high school above 95.
- 2018 Princeton Prize for Race Relations, winner Atlanta region for Race Across the Lines initiative.
Nathan Posner
17, Atlanta Jewish Academy
Nathan has many passions, which include human rights, democracy and Israel. He volunteered more than 80 hours on John Ossoff’s campaign last summer. He has been working on the Stacey Abrams campaign since March as an intern in digital media and field work. He completed the American Jewish Committee Leaders for Tomorrow and has taken several trips to Washington, D.C., to lobby for Israel. Nathan has participated in summer programs at Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth last summer, Junior State of America program at Georgetown University, and this summer will be attending The New York Times summer program. He is an intern at Emory Law school under Rabbi Mark Goldfeder.
Nathan’s sample accomplishments:
- American Israel Public Affairs Committee
- Model UN
- American Jewish Committee, Leaders for Tomorrow program
- Intern, John Ossoff campaign
- Intern, Stacey Abrams campaign
- School newspaper writer
- National Honor Society, 2016-present
- Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
- John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, summer program
- Georgetown University Junior State of America, summer program
- The New York Times, summer program
- Emory Law school, intern
- Human Rights Campaign, volunteer photographer
Sydney Rein
17, The Weber School
Sydney gives swim lessons year-round, including teaching children with physical disabilities. During one winter break, she was part of a week-long service program in New Orleans and she was a Story Corps interviewer taking oral histories archived at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum.
Sydney’s sample accomplishments:
- Peer leadership, The Weber School, 2017-19, mentor
- National Honor Society, The Weber School, 2017-2019, vice president
- Weber Cross Country Team, 2015-2018, co-captain past two years
- Multisport Explosion Triathlon Team, 2016-2018
- Student Ambassador, The Weber School, 2015-2107
- Weber swim team, tennis team and track team
- JCC, 2017-2018, swim instructor and lifeguard
- Blaze Sports (an adaptive sports program), 2016-2018, volunteer swim instructor
- Teen Jam, JCC, 2016-2018, leadership committee planning Atlanta Teens’ Day of Service
- Creating Connected Communities, 2015-2017, leadership training program
- Wellesley College Book Award for high school achievement from The Weber School faculty, 2018
- Georgia Certificate of Merit, top 5 percent of junior class, 2018
- National Spanish Exam silver medal, 2018; bronze medal 2016, 2017
- Spanish Department Award, The Weber School 2017
- Ram Tough Award, The Weber School 2016, 2017, for three seasons of sports each year
- Cross Country Coach’s Award, The Weber School, 2015, 2016, 2017
- Swim Team Coach’s Award, The Weber School, 2016
- Most Valuable Player, tennis team, The Weber School, 2016
Jared Rakusin
17, North Springs Charter High School
Jared is extremely articulate and is a talented storyteller. Along with his many accomplishments and talents, he also has a sharp wit that will keep you laughing and on your toes. Jared was one of our most talented participants in this year’s American Jewish Committee’s Leaders for Tomorrow cohort. When meeting with the Consul General of Mexico, he asked thought-provoking questions and showcased his knowledge of complex international issues.
Jared’s sample accomplishments:
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), August 2015-present
- Jewish Culture Club, August 2015-present
- Model United Nations, August 2015-present
- Golf team, August 2015-present
- Computer Science Club, August 2015-present
- Spartans Mixers, Music Engineering Club, August 2016-present
- President and founder of NSCHS 3D Printing Program, August 2017- present
- President and founder of SparTech. NSCHS Technology Assistance Program, August 2015-present
- President of Open Heart Open Hand, August 2015-present
- Camper and Counselor-In-Training at Camp Ramah Darom, summers 2011-2017
- Ronald McDonald House, Atlanta chapter Teens Board, 2015-present
- Congregation Or Hadash, annual high holidays counselor, 2016- present
- Amy’s Holiday Party for the Disabled in Greater Atlanta, volunteer, 2013-present
- National Honors Society, August 2015-present
- Tech Fair annual winner and/or placer, August 2009-2016
- Spanish Honors Society, August 2016-present
- Science Honors Society, August 2017- present
- Math Honors Society, August 2017-present
- Varsity letter, NSCHS Golf, August 2015-present
Max A. Ripans
16, The Weber School
Max stays engaged in the community as a volunteer and advocate for worthwhile causes. He has visited Jewish communities around the United States and Europe. He has been trained as an advocate and lobbyist through BBYO and the American Jewish community. He has had business, marketing and technology experience through his internship and working in a family business.
Max’s sample accomplishments:
- Participated in AJC’s delegation to Washington, D.C., lobbying Congresswoman Karen Handel and Congressman Barry Loudermilk on Holocaust education and combating anti-Semitism, 2018
- Intern for Conexx preparing report on how much money Israeli companies contribute to local economy each year, 2018
- Summer 2018 community service trip to Thailand and Cambodia
- BBYO International Convention 2018, Orlando
- Director of sales for North Springs yearbook 2018
- Participated in Model UN delegation at North Springs Charter High School
- BBYO Passport trip to Europe 2017 (England, Scotland, Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia)
- North Springs Honor Roll, 2016-2018
- Elected to North Springs Homecoming Court, October 2016
- Science Fair award winner, December 2016, North Springs Science Committee
- American Jewish Committee Leaders for Tomorrow program
- 9th and 10th grade class treasurer at North Springs
Elye Robinovitz
17, The Weber School
Elye created the Community Outreach position within The Weber School’s Student Council. He also created the Weber Vols, a student organization dedicated to community service. He is president of CTeen Atlanta, a Chabad youth group, and was named the fourth best CTeen leader in the world. He also has an internship with Stand With Us, an Israel advocacy and education organization.
Elye’s sample accomplishments:
- Vice president and creator of the position, Community Outreach, The Weber School Student Council
- President/founder Weber Vols, community service student organization
- Volunteered summer preschool camp co-counselor, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta
- Congregation B’nai Torah, assistant teacher, summer preschool counselor
- Aurora Day Camp, counselor, summer camp for children with cancer
- President, CTeen Atlanta, Chabad youth group, international CTeen board, two leadership conferences
- Named fourth best CTeen leader in the world
- Teen leader of the year, male, Congregation Beth Tefillah, 2018-19
- Yale Book Award, The Weber School, outstanding academics and character
- Chosen for summer accounting program, UGA’s Terry College of Business
- Internship, Stand With Us, Israel advocacy
Jordyn Rosenberg
16, North Springs Charter High School
After studying competitive gymnastics for seven years, Jordyn mentors younger gymnasts at JumpStart Gym. Jordyn also owns and operates a jewelry business, creating necklaces and bracelets to sell online via BeadsByJo. Jordyn gives back a portion of all sales to Water.org.
Jordyn’s sample accomplishments:
- Second Helpings Community Assistance Center, 2015- 2018
- BBYO board member, secretary, 2016-2018
- Youth Leadership Sandy Springs, graduate, 2018
- Temple Sinai confirmation class, 2018
- Spanish Honor Society, 2018
- Principals Honor Roll, all four semesters of high school to date
- Accepted to study abroad in Spain for language enrichment and community service program for four weeks, summer 2018
- Varsity tennis team, cross country team, North Springs High School
- North Springs High School Student Government representative
- Jewish Culture Club, North Springs High School, officer
Katie Stone
16, DeKalb School of the Arts
Katie is very active in Temple Emanu-El’s Diamond Family Religious School as a madricha for the past two years, including working with special needs children. She received the Shirley Schiffer volunteerism award from the synagogue and was a Hadassah Chesed Award winner. Katie also is active in Girl Scouts and completed her Silver Award project last year by installing a butterfly garden at Temple Emanu-El’s Garden Isaiah. The volunteer-run garden provides hundreds of pounds of produce every year to the Sandy Springs Community Assistance Center. At the March for Our Lives, Katie also spoke at a pre-walk prayer session for Atlanta Reform synagogues.
Katie’s sample accomplishments:
- Diamond Family Religious School, Temple Emanu-El, madricha, including special needs
- High Holy Days Kids Club, Temple Emanu-El, helped with coordination of children’s activities, 2013-present
- Shirley Schiffer Volunteerism award, Temple Emanu-El
- Confirmand, Temple Emanu-El, traveled with rabbis and confirmation class to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress through Religious Action Center
- Camp Barney Medintz, camper for eight years and counselor-in- training
- Hadassah Chesed Award winner
- March for Our Lives, spoke at a pre-walk prayer session for Atlanta Reform synagogues.
- Hunger Walk
- AIDS Walk
- Girl Scouts, Silver Award
- Provided meals to residents of Mary Hall Freedom House
Alisa Umanskiy
10, Haynes Bridge Middle School
Alisa deeply cares about those around her. She is constantly seeking ways in which she can serve the community from simply picking up trash along the road to feeding the hungry or donating her birthday gifts to shelters. She’s also planning to donate proceeds from an upcoming bake sale – she bakes on her own – to several charities. Although she’s young, she refuses to accept that a young person can’t make a difference in the world. She’s constantly asking herself: “what can I do to make the world better?”
Alisa’s sample accomplishments:
- Presidential Scholar Award, May 2018
- Honor Roll, May 2018, December 2017
- Junior Beta Club, cleaning local streets three times in past year
- Atlanta Food Bank, volunteered in Dec 2017, March 2018, April 2018
- Feeding the homeless in downtown Atlanta, four times in past year
- The Packaged Good, packing bags for women’s shelters, four times in the past year
- Donates toys and books to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Drama Club
- Science Club
- Student Council
Abigail Ventimiglia
15, North Gwinnett High School
Abigail has a passion for science and technology. She has spearheaded several initiatives in the STEM field and is a rising leader in incorporating women into this traditionally male-dominated field. Abigail is not only a leader academically, but in the Jewish community. Her participation in American Jewish Committee’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) Israel advocacy and leadership training program inspired her to help create the Junior Jewish Committee at her school to educate students about Jewish advocacy and leadership.
Abigail’s sample accomplishments:
- Science National Honor, president-elect, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy
- Science Olympiad competitor, Suwanee Youth Leaders 2018
- Students Exploring Engineering, Georgia Tech, January 2018
- North Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, varsity cross country athlete
- Varsity diver, varsity pole vaulter
- Tin Man in Wizard of Oz School musical
- Radford University Summer Bridge Program (won scholarship for July 2017 and July 2018)
- Cisco’s Girls Power Tech, August 2016-May 2017
- Freshman Science Student of the Year, May 2017
- North Gwinnett Middle School graduation inspirational speaker
- AP biology speaker for rising ninth graders, April 2017
- Georgia Tech’s Fluid Power Challenge, August 2015-May 2016
Jereme Weiner
17, North Atlanta High School
Jereme is not only dedicated to the Jewish community and her volunteer work, but is a well-spoken and thoughtful leader. Her peers look to her for guidance and think very highly of her, and she does an impressive job of using her experiences to influence her community. She is not only a future leader of the Jewish community, but an effective and dedicated teen leader.
Jereme’s sample accomplishments:
- Creating Connected Communities, Teen Leadership Development program member, 9th and 10th grade; board member, communications chair, 11th and 12th grade
- American Jewish Committee, Leaders for Tomorrow, Israel Advocacy and Leadership Development Program, 11th grade
- BBYO, chapter member, 9th-12th grade, board member, finance chair and Jewish identity chair, 10th grade
- Soccer, travel team, fall 9th-11th grades
- North Atlanta High School Junior Varsity Soccer Team, 9th-11th grade
- NAHS Beta Club, 10th, 11th, participated in state conference in 11th grade, incoming media/communications chair for 12th grade
- NAHS National Honor Society, 11th grade
- NAHS Hiking Club, co-founder, 11th grade and upcoming year
- NAHS Politics Club, 11th grade and upcoming year
- NAHS International Baccalaureate Student Mentor, chosen in 11th grade to serve in 12th grade
Gabriel F. Weiss
16, Atlanta Jewish Academy
Gabriel takes a college level course at Duke University and takes honors and Advanced Placement courses at AJA, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 4.16. Gabe has gone from volunteering time to starting his own non-profit corporation providing legal services to low-and middle-income people without affordable access to legal services, Legal Aid for All, Inc.
Gabriel’s sample accomplishments:
- Atlanta Jewish Academy Student Council, sophomore class representative
- Atlanta Jewish Academy, 2018-2019 Nerd Club, co-president
- Atlanta Jewish Academy 2018 High School Award for Creativity and Passion in Fine Arts
- Atlanta Jewish Academy High School representative for The King Center’s Students, interactive program, social justice and diversity
- Atlanta Jewish Academy Student Council, freshman class representative
- Spirit Wear Club, co-president
- Winner of 2017 Ephraim Frankel Award, highest honor AJA 8th grader for academics, social action, leadership, humility.
- Selected “Most Likely to Succeed” among AJA graduating middle school class Atlanta Jewish Academy Middle School Leadership Council treasurer
- B’nai B’rith of Metro Atlanta’s “Enlighten America Essay Contest,” first prize
- Jewish Academy 2017 Science Fair, third place
- Atlanta Jewish Academy middle school boys’ tennis team
- Duke University Talent Identification Program, highest grade in college level Abnormal Psychology, summer 2016
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Program, online
- Atlanta Jewish Academy 2016 Science Fair, first place
comments