Renee M.
Class of 2013  One of the many great opportunities that JCHS offers is the chance to be part of the amazing drama department. This year’s fall musical was Little Shop of Horrors where I was backstage on the technical crew. This experience opened my eyes to the hard work putting on a play entails. Fellow tech folks and I worked for an uncountable amount of hours hanging lights, painting the set, helping with costumes, being on-book and making sure that the actors would be and could be their very best. Those jobs may not seem fun, but they are and there are also many upsides. Not only do you get a very fashionable tech shirt or feel super hi-tech and wear a headset that allows you to talk to people who are all the way across the theater, but you also get to be part of something bigger and put on a show that hundreds of people enjoy.
 Enough about the past, let’s talk about now. This winter we are putting on the play The Government Inspector – a comedy for those who don't know. This play is absolutely hilarious! I have the honor of portraying a postmaster who isn't too clear on the concept of privacy. Through this experience, I have learned much more than just how to walk like a boy. I have also learned how to step outside myself and be committed to being a different person, do things that may feel uncomfortable, and open myself up for new opportunities. But all of this couldn't have happened without the help of a lot of different people. All of my fellow actors, most who have way more experience than I do, help to create an environment that is fun and safe, which leads to a place that is comfortable to grow in. They also are just fun people to be around, which helps once late rehearsals start and you find yourself getting home at 8:30 p.m. and later. It helps when the people you are with are people with the same interests and who help you become a better actor.
 Not only my peers, but Ms. Russell, the director (and chair of the visual and performing arts department), is there for me, and everyone, one hundred percent of the time. She helps to make you stronger in places you aren't so familiar with and highlights the good in everyone. She also puts her faith in us, and there really isn't a better feeling than when someone you look up to and respect shows you that you matter and are trusted.
When I walked into this experience, I thought it was just going to be fun, and like other school plays I had done in the past. Looking at it now, I have a very different opinion of what I want from this experience. Not only do I want to keep the friendships that I have made, but also continue on my path to becoming a better actress with the support of fellows actors and, of course, Ms. Russell. Posted February 11, 2010
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Grant F.
Class of 2012  Coming into this year's basketball season, I was unsure how our team would perform. Three great players graduated last year, so we lost three great leaders. I knew the team would be filled with talent, and we’ve received outstanding coaching from Coach Kjar and Coach Stu, but still I wasn't sure how we would gel as a squad. After a disappointing loss in our first game, the team came to realize that pregame hype and individual stats did not matter if we did not win. This new inspiration led to a better work ethic, on and off the court. Players work hard to get better and everyone pushes each other to do their best. Halfway through the season, we are 6-2 and won 6 of our last 7 games! We have a long way to go, but it looks as if we have a good chance to meet our expectations and finish off a great season.
 Personally, being on the team is not just about winning or losing games. The team’s record is just what can be seen in the standings, but what can’t be seen is the hard work the team puts in during practice. One aspect of this year’s team that has been really special to me is our team chemistry. Guys are making jokes, having a good time, creating positive energy, but most importantly we know how the other guys on the team play, which really helps the overall team environment.
As a member of this year’s team, I see a great opportunity for me to grow as a player and as a person by taking on leaderships roles, helping set and hopefully reach our goals. As the season continues, I understand it will be difficult at times, but now I know I have a team of friends to rely on. Posted January 13, 2010
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David E.
Class of 2012  As I stepped off the plane at Dulles International Airport for the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) conference in Washington DC, I did not realize how my life would change. Our group got into the shiny black Cadillac escalade waiting for us on the curve, and started our adventure. We checked into the Grand Hyatt hotel on the corner of H and 11 in the heart of the city. Because we took a “red-eye” flight from Oakland, we had plenty of time before the conference officially beganand decided to go to the National Mall to see the sights. We walked to the Washington Monument and saw the flags flying half-mast in memory of those who fell at Fort Hood.
 We toured the National Mall and went back to the hotel for registration. We changed into our “business casual” clothes and went to the orientation led by the wonderful AIPAC staff. We woke up the next morning at 7:00 am, which was much too early for our “jet-lagged” delegation. We sluggishly dragged ourselves out of our comfortable rooms and down the stairs. Yawning, I thought to myself how I should really be in bed right now, not off listening to lectures. How very wrong I was! The classes, taught by members of the AIPAC staff were interesting and inspiring. They were approachable and their love for the cause radiated. They taught about the history of the American-Israel alliance and why it was so important, but most importantly they taught me how to step up in my community.
The day I got home, I e-mailed Barbara Lee, my local congressional representative, thanking her for her continued support of Israel. AIPAC taught me how to be a better leader and person, how to stand up for what I believe in and to get people active in the community. Posted November 30, 2009
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Zoe F. and Maddy Z.
Class of 2011  Maddy: Hey Zo’. What’s up?
Zoe: Hey Maddy. Not too much. I’ve been pretty busy working on my Shabbaton spread for yearbook. Maddy: I’ve also had a lot of work for yearbook as the Head of Photography. It’s been a great managing all the yearbook photographers and making sure that our events are covered. We have some great photos from the all-school Shabbaton this year. Zoe: Yeah. The photographers this year have a great eye. What are you up to today? Maddy: I’m off to the Delancey Street Foundation to work in the café for a few hours. After we saw the Delancey Street resident speak at community block, I was feeling inspired to help out. I heard we are the first teen group to ever regularly volunteer there! Anything else interesting going on?  Zoe: Just working hard in all my classes to prepare for the end of the quarter. I can’t believe we are going to Israel in just a couple months.
Maddy: I am so excited! The grade journeys are always amazing. Camping freshman year, and then going to Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and meeting the Hualapai Native American tribe sophomore year were both incredible class journeys. Zoe: Those trips were awesome. Hey, are you pumped for girl’s soccer in the spring? Maddy: Yeah! Mr. Carter is a great coach; he lets the team enjoy the game and have fun, and works to improve our skills. Zoe: Well I’m off to Village Project club meeting! Tutoring the elementary and middle-school students living in the neighborhood around JCHS has been a cool experience. Meeting with them every Monday and Wednesday really gives us a chance to get to know the kids. Maddy: Cool! I’ll see you tomorrow morning in math class. Posted November 4, 2009
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Emily U.
Class of 2010
 JCHS: Emily, as a student leader, what are some of the JCHS activities that are keeping you on your toes?
Emily: At JCHS, I’ve been involved in starting the girls soccer club with a close friend, R.A.I.S.E. which is “Raising Awareness in Schools Everywhere” about peer pressure and anti-drug awareness, teaching swim lessons outside of school, any many academic programs: my senior Keystone project, AP Biology, AP Environmental Studies, and more. I also recently began my first year on Knesset (student government) as the student activities executive. JCHS: Tell us about your roles and jobs as the student activities exec, sounds fun. Emily: I manage and oversee the student clubs at JCHS, and I act as a liaison between the club members and their faculty advisors. I concern myself with making sure that old clubs maintain their momentum and continue to be strong clubs, and I also support the creation of new clubs. I’m the head of the Social Club, which helps to plan school dances and events at the All-School Shabbaton. JCHS: It seems like you put a lot of work into your role as a leader. What are you most proud of, and what are some of your accomplishments so far this year? Emily: Spirit week is planned now and will be really exciting. I helped to plan it from scratch, like events such as the specific spirit days, the lunch events each day, games, and “Color Games”, which is the color competitions between grades. Another project that I got to see from conception to completion is the Club Fair, which allowed 18 clubs and 9 va’ads (service-focused clubs) to exist this year. JCHS: You’ve done so much at JCHS in a few short years. You were a transfer to JCHS your sophomore year. How was the transition to JCHS? Emily: Before JCHS, I was never involved in school leadership or even any Jewish learning. The chance to get involved and ask questions at JCHS was so easy to do. I became very comfortable, and enjoyed the academic challenge. Right away, I got engaged in the classroom and asking lots of questions was encouraged. I feel that my growth as a student here at JCHS has prepared me well for college. JCHS: What are you looking forward to during the rest of the year? Emily: I’m really looking forward to seeing how my Senior Keystone project turns out. My Keystone’s working title is “Coming of age: Rituals between religions.” Part of my family comes from a Mormon background, and part of my family is Jewish. My Keystone is a comparison of the coming-of-age rituals of different religions and the impact they have on in the individual. JCHS: What are you interested in doing after high school? Emily: I’m deep in the application process for college. I’m applying to five or six universities, ones that have excellent international relations and study abroad programs. I have a deep interest in studying abroad; maybe in Latin America for a semester or summer, and DEFINITELY in Greece or Italy for a semester. Posted October 14, 2009
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Noah G.
Class of 2011  I came to JCHS as a freshman having no idea what to expect. During my class’ freshman retreat (the first of many bonding experiences) I saw an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper hanging in the student commons. It read, “Want to be on tech crew? See Mr. Duarte.”
During the first week of school, I decided to join the theater tech crew. This decision would have a greater effect on my high school career than any other decisions I have made. For me, JCHS would become a place of learning both inside and outside of the conventional classroom setting. As part of the team responsible for all technical/special effects for the three amazing drama productions per year, I started out as a backstage hand. Coming in knowing absolutely nothing about the technical side of theater, I would have to learn how to do everything from hanging Source 4 Junior lights, to operating the 16-channel sound mixer. But there was one truly remarkable thing about this experience besides opening up potential careers--I was taught not only by the faculty member in charge of the tech crew, but also by my peers on the crew. After a mere two years, I have risen to the role of stage manager for many of our plays. As stage manager, I am responsible for everything from coordinating the timing of technical effects to sorting out crises in the middle of the shows. My duties are not limited to the plays. I now, along with one other student, am the “tech guru” of our weekly assemblies. The two of us do everything from hooking up the A/V systems to a full repertoire of lighting techniques for our two all-school gatherings per week. Joining the theater tech crew completely changed my high school experience. I have been able to explore my passion for technology in ways I never had even hoped. In addition to satisfying my craving for technology, I also have made many friends through being on the crew. I am extremely thankful for the amazing opportunities that JCHS has provided me, and the wide variety of skills I have learned. Posted October 1, 2009
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Jacob C.
Class of 2011  Summer... a time of relaxation, taking it easy and counting down the days to get back into soccer season at the beginning of the school year. This summer, however, was different. I had a full schedule of camping in northern California, watching Shakespearean plays in Ashland, taking a math course at a local college, heading out to the east coast to see family, and much much more.
My full schedule was not a surprise though. Near the end of the last school year, while staying committed to other activities I undergo year-round, I immersed myself in a collection of new and exciting activities. For instance, I became a member of BBYO (the B’nai Brith Youth Organization), which connects me with other Jewish teens in my area, as well as around the world; I joined the Diller Teen Fellowship: a year long program for juniors focused on leadership, community service and our personal connection to Israel; and thirdly, I signed up for the JCC Maccabi games, where I played soccer with and socialized with Jewish teens from all around the country. To say the least, I was not bored. I’d wake up no later than I do during the school year, go to ‘college’ for math, head over to Temple Beth Abraham for a BBYO board meeting, and then head out to San Francisco for soccer practice.
Surprisingly, and not so surprisingly, I enjoyed this summer just as much, if not more, than previous summers. In addition to the significance of keeping busy and staying in touch with friends, this summer was a perfect segue to the school year ahead of me. I have just begun my junior year, and, to no surprise, I am not bored. I have my AP and Honors classes, combined with soccer as well as being a proud JCHS Student Ambassador. To say the least, I’m lovin’ it.
It is quite clear to me that this summer was the perfect transition from my underclassman years of “following the leaders”, to becoming a junior, where I start making decisions and paving my own path. Whether it be in sports, academics, or hobbies I am pleased to say that those around me such as parents, teachers, coaches and mentors have given me a sturdy path for which I can begin to lead my own way. As one can see, this route of mine is busy and full of surprises... and with senior year just around the corner, this path looks more exciting every day. This is just the beginning!
From a proud JCHS wolf. Posted September 8, 2009
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Elijah J.
Class of 2012  La Habana. We arrived there early in the morning and hit the bed. All odds aside I pushed myself out of bed at 8:00 am and took a jog to La Maletone, which is the walkway to runs for kilometers along the ocean. I was greeted with humidity and the stench of sweat when I stepped out of our Casa Particulare. I explored by jogging around for a while and when my water bottle ran dry and I began feeling light headed I quickly ran back to the Casa, where I was greeted with a breakfast of exotic fruit, eggs and toast.
My mom had arranged a meeting with a woman named Ana and her son David. They were a Jewish family whose father and husband had died when David was very young. At first it was a little awkward just sitting there and trying to find a common interest to talk about in our limited Spanish and their very limited English but as time went on we were able to communicate better and actually have an interesting conversation. It was implied that they were very poor, Ana only had limited internet access at her work and David’s eyes grew big as I showed him my iPod Touch. David had a bar mitzvah in the main synagogue in Habana. We also learned that David is trying extremely hard to learn enough English for the opportunity he could receive to go to Israel through Birth Right when he is 18. Overall it was a fascinating experience meeting these Cuban Jews and I hope to keep in touch with them. Another major experience I had was bringing used sports equipment to Cuba. We would periodically hand out an old baseball mitt or hat to a child on the street who was always thrilled to receive it. Baseball is very popular in Cuba! One may be wondering where this equipment came from? Many friends and family as well as members of the JCHS community (including coach Kjar who generously gave the old soccer and volleyball uniforms to me) contributed used sports equipment to the cause. This made me feel like I had a strong and caring community back at home as well as at JCHS. Posted September 2, 2009
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Michal E.
Class of 2010  This past summer was filled with new experiences for me. It was the first summer that I did not spend at a Jewish camp or program, and naturally I approached it with some nervous trepidation. My plan was to spend three weeks at a summer program at Yale University, in New Haven Connecticut, and then spend the final month of summer interning at a Communications Firm in Oakland, California. Thus, as the final day of school came and went I was consumed by a combination of nerves and excitement. I flew out to New Haven not really knowing what to expect, would the classes be interesting, the kids fun, the counselors nice? And most pressing of all- would I be the only Jew expected to retain my religious practices by myself, far from home?
I arrived at Yale University on the first day and registered along with the other 700 kids in the program. Very quickly (judging based on the many different languages I heard just in passing) I realized that the program was not just for Americans. This was reaffirmed when I found out that almost half of the program was International kids from all corners of the Earth. My first three questions were answered within hours on that first day- from the moment I walked into my classes I knew they would be interesting and exciting. We met with our dorm living group (those on the floors around us in the dorm building) along with our Resident Advisors, and it was obvious that I was sitting among a great group of people; each person had something different to bring to the group.
I was surprised when I realize how prepared I was for this moment. The moment when I explain to everyone that I’m “super Jewish” and that’s why I won’t be going on Saturday trips or eating some of the same food as them. I realized that JCHS had prepared me for this. Yes it was a year earlier than expected; I don’t go to college until next year. But I knew that because of the sense of diversity within the JCHS community and the safe place it creates to talk about our differences, I was able to preserve my Judaism and everything that came along with it, even when surrounded by non-Jews. And as I took a deep breath and explained my Judaism, at least 5 or 6 other people said, “Hey I’m Jewish too” and we all knew that we had established an unbreakable bond between us. Because as Jews we shared a connection that no one else could feel, but that we knew was stronger than anything else. Because of my name (Michal- hard to get more Jewish!), just introducing myself helped me meet fellow Jews who recognized that it came from Hebrew. I met Gabbi from Mexico, Elissa and Julie from France, Alyssa and Talya from New York, and many others. But I didn’t just meet Jews, I met lots of people from all different religions, different countries, different states. I know that without the sense of community we have in JCHS, without the excellent teachers, and incredible students, I would not have been able to explain my Judaism in front of a group of people that I didn’t know with such confidence.
Now, as summer comes to a close, I grow more excited with the day to return to school as a senior (not the homework part of course)! I now know that JCHS has given me the skills that I will need when I head out into the real world. Whether it’s the ability to be proud of my Judaism and to practice it far away from home, or the ability to keep up in a fast-paced communications firm, I know that I am set for college and beyond. I am excited to meet all the new freshman at the Community Kick-off, and to see many of my friends and teachers that I haven’t seen all summer. I am excited to be a senior at JCHS! Go 2010!
Posted September 1, 2009
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Ben R.
Class of 2011  I came to JCHS at the beginning of sophomore year after not feeling challenged enough at a public school. At first I didn’t know what to expect, but as the year progressed I was mentored and taught by the great faculty at the school and gained some important life skills. Turning things in on time, organization, hard work, and so many more skills were sketched into my brain after just one year at JCHS.
For the first three weeks of the summer of 2009, I served as a Congressional Page in Washington DC. Every morning I would get suited up for work and make my way over to the Library of Congress for a morning lecture. Afterwards, I would walk to the Capital where I would spend the day running errands, raising flags, and ringing bells. The job took a large amount of determination and mental strength. After a few days of very hard work I was selected to be one of four Documentarians (the most sought-after Page job available.) This was such a great honor because every other morning I would raise and lower the American flag on top of the capital itself.
I later wondered what drove me to work so hard in the first place. I later realized that JCHS had prepared me so well for meeting deadlines and fulfilling responsibilities that I never learned in public school. I am glad that I made the choice to transfer to the Jewish Community High School of the Bay.
Posted September 1, 2009
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