Playing, studying and then relaxing
Every January for the past 29 years, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) hosts an intra-school basketball tournament. Seven schools participated this year: HAFTR, Davis Renov Stahler (DRS) High School for Boys in Woodmere, Waterbury, Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, NJ, YDE in Brooklyn, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, and Rambam. It was established in memory of HAFTR alumni, Scott Satran.
The tournament took place from Jan. 7 to 10. All of the out of town players and coaches spent Shabbat at various local families whose hospitality was greatly appreciated.
At the game between HAFTR and DRS, HAFTR coach, Joey Hoenig, announced that a new gymnasium complex at the high school will be built and dedicated by the Satran family in honor of Scott. The gym is expected to be completed by January of next year.
Each game that occurred in the Hawks Nest (the main gym) was broadcasted via live stream by the HAFTR High School Audio Visual Club (I am a proud member). Even though DRS won the tournament this, HAFTR fully expects another shot in the Metropolitan Yeshiva High School League playoffs.
Following the tournament, students were hit with a reality check — midterms. All were stressing out, cramming everything possible into their brains until the last second. We were bombarded with tests one day after another, biology, chemistry, physics, history courses, social studies and more. There was a small reprieve as no regular classes were scheduled during midterms, and review classes were available to those who wanted extra help. The last midterm brought good news — vacation!
My family and I journeyed to Florida to visit my grandparents, narrowly escaping the wrath of this past weekend’s snowstorm. I am so depressed that I am missing out on the opportunity to spend a whole day shoveling the estimated two and half feet of snow that fell in the Five Towns!
Sitting by the pool, watching the news, I felt very badly for all those who were stuck in their houses due to the travel ban. I am sure that all my friends who were lucky enough to go away felt the same way. The seniors collaborated and went to Miami to spend vacation as a grade, which seems to be the theme for the past couple of years.
Whether staying home or going away, the break from class is welcomed. You would think it would be a break from homework too, but alas no such luck. The brain must be kept occupied for the week and a half that we are off.
