Thinking back and looking ahead

What a year it’s been! After months of learning, hard work, and dedication, the end of the school year has arrived. So many remarkable things have happened over this past year, so let’s take a stroll down memory lane and recap those unforgettable moments.

Starting off strong in sports, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School’s girls’ varsity basketball team, the Lady Hawks, took home the big trophy and won the championship game. Students from all grades came to cheer the team on and enjoyed watching them triumph.

The Lady Hawks had a nearly flawless record, only losing one game their entire season. Many other sports teams excelled this year, and we are so proud of every one of them. Great job to all of our star athletes, and hoping for more victories in HAFTR’s future.

Students at HAFTR High not only shine on the court, but have advanced in many academic teams as well, such as the school’s Model UN team. The team boasted a phenomenal performance at this year’s Yeshiva University Model United Nations Conference.
Students from yeshiva high schools across North America, from Texas to Toronto and Florida to California, came to compete.

After long sessions trying to solve current issues such as world hunger, terrorism on social media, and many other relevant topics, HAFTR team members learned valuable lessons. Participating students learned about issues we face today and learned how to collaborate with others and compromise through debate and discourse.

Three delegates from the HAFTR Model UN team received honorable mentions, more awards than HAFTR has ever received. Great job to the Model UN team; we can’t wait to see what next year’s conferences have in store.

More recently, HAFTR students took part in fun trips to celebrate their successful year of learning.

While the 9th- and 10th-graders headed on trips earlier in the year, the 11th and 12th graders enjoyed unique outings designed just for them prior to final exams.

The juniors went on an exciting trip to Six Flags Great Adventure. They enjoyed an action-packed day filled with roller coasters, games, and special time with friends.

The seniors had a special end of high school multi-day trip as they traveled to Camp Seneca for some outdoor bonding time. The trip was extremely memorable as they went whitewater rafting, paintballing, sang around the campfire while having barbecues, and tasted all the sweets at Hershey Park. They had an amazing time and created fond memories they will cherish forever.

With the seniors’ beautiful graduation ceremony, and finals soon coming to an end, we can look back on the past year and appreciate all that has happened, while also looking forward to the future.

HAFTR High School wishes students success on their end-of-year projects, Regents and finals, and hopes everyone enjoys the summer break. It has been a remarkable year, and we look forward to creating new memories this fall.