Outstanding Graduates 2016: Profiles on social action, perseverance and spirituality

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Jewish Journal

June 9, 2016

For our annual graduation issue each year, we invite you to nominate high school seniors who have made significant contributions to their communities, not only through scholarship, but also in their acts of tikkun olam — helping to heal the world. Each year, we are inundated with stories of extraordinary students, more than we can represent in these pages. Here is a small sampling from among these outstanding innovators, environmentalists, activists, philosophers and all-around good people.

Kelly Gould
From professional acting to social action

Alexandra Barr
The climate is a-changin’… so she did somethin’ about it

Eitan Wernick
Setting an example of what’s special at YULA High School

Austin Shalit & Miranda Milner
Engineering their future

Adam Yaron
Uniting people through a universal language

Claire Rawson-Dannenbaum
Her unique path provides life lessons

Elijah Spiegel
A different kind of answer

Sam Weiss
No more pain: A senior’s struggle for normalcy

Rebecca Kianmahd
Early friendship comes full circle

Jake Benyowitz
Getting spiritual in Israel is top priority

Micah Gill
Born leader draws inspiration from AIPAC conference

Ariella Etshalom
Not afraid to step outside of her comfort zone

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