North Miami Beach, Fla. – Five outstanding Scheck Hillel Community School students received merit-based scholarships as the 10th generation of the school’s Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors.

Gabriela Bentolila (Grade 12), Gabrielle Kurzer (Grade 11), Michael Rafalskyy (Grade 10), Joshua Schmutter (Grade 11) and Albert Wolak (Grade 12) were honored at the 2018-19 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program recognition ceremony and student assembly on November 15. They celebrated with their families and peers, as well as alumni who were named Ambassadors in previous years. The morning was a beautiful representation of 10 generations within this prestigious program.

“Congratulations to all of our Ambassadors and to their families” said Vanessa Donaher, Head of Scheck Hillel Community School. “Today these students join generations of Ambassadors making an impact around the world: attending graduate school in far corners of the United States, volunteering with rural communities in Africa, serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, nurturing our local South Florida community, and pursuing their dreams as young entrepreneurs, engineers and educators. They carry the lifelong title of Gilinski Hillel Ambassador, representing the prestigious Program and Scheck Hillel as Jewish leaders and global citizens.”

The rigorous annual application requires students to write short essays, produce a video and formulate a resume; finalists advance to a panel interview.

The Program, created by Jaime and Raquel Gilinski, recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and Scheck Hillel, encouraging the lifelong learning and leadership that continuity requires. Ambassadors showcase the Scheck Hillel mission through accomplishment and talent - in the classroom, on the field, on stage or through community service.

Over the years, Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors have graduated to Ivy League and top tier schools such as the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, University of Miami, University of Florida, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, University of Michigan, among others. The 2019-2020 application will open in spring 2019. For information, please contact Scheck Hillel’s Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

About Scheck Hillel
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by STEM and design, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with additional expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected] .