Jake Wetchler
Midrasha Graduation Speech
As a student in Cherry Hill, I’ve had my share of experiences with educational institutions. Yet after 10 years at Kellman Academy, and an even longer 4 years at Cherry Hill High School East, Midrasha is by far my favorite academic endeavor. Now, anyone who hasn’t actually been to Midrasha might be wondering, “how can 2 little classes a week be so significant, compared to all those years of traditional schooling?” The answer: these are not your average classes.
The teachers are first to deviate from the norm. Not only know their stuff and care about it, they’re also real characters. They have energy and passion about what they teach, and it rubs off on the students. It’s all about the atmosphere that the teachers create; one with a give and take between the teachers and students, and the students with themselves; and most importantly, one that encourages questions.
Most educators get annoyed when a student inquires about what’s being taught. In fact, if you ask too many good questions in public school, they give you a detention. But Midrasha realizes how important questioning is. When it comes to belief, many people go through their whole lives just believing what those around them believe, simply because it’s easiest. But at Midrasha, belief is taken to the next level. Midrasha gives students the ultimate opportunity to create firm, strong beliefs by allowing them to question what they’re taught, and by exposing them to alternate perspectives. The best way to form strong, long lasting beliefs is to make them pass the test of skepticism.
But sometimes the best questions, believe it or not, are asked by the teachers. A good question posed to a group of students can have a powerful effect. The best kind of classroom question makes each student think about things he or she has never considered before, and gives students who think they have the right idea, a chance to voice their opinions. Debate starts, voices raise, and ideas spark. In short, a good question is one that creates a lot of noise.
Teachers aside, it’s safe to say that most students also deviate from the norm. I mean think about it, how many teenagers do you know who want to go to more school? The people who’re here are here because they want to be. They appreciate the environment, and know how to put it to good use. But most of all, they’re interesting people! Each person I’ve met in my 4 years of Midrasha knows something that I don’t, and no two people have the same set of beliefs.
So that’s how it works. Put together uncommon teachers, place them in a room of atypical students, and you get Midrasha; a school unlike any other. So thanks for an incredible 4 years. It’s been more than enlightening.
Midrasha Graduation Speech
As a student in Cherry Hill, I’ve had my share of experiences with educational institutions. Yet after 10 years at Kellman Academy, and an even longer 4 years at Cherry Hill High School East, Midrasha is by far my favorite academic endeavor. Now, anyone who hasn’t actually been to Midrasha might be wondering, “how can 2 little classes a week be so significant, compared to all those years of traditional schooling?” The answer: these are not your average classes.
The teachers are first to deviate from the norm. Not only know their stuff and care about it, they’re also real characters. They have energy and passion about what they teach, and it rubs off on the students. It’s all about the atmosphere that the teachers create; one with a give and take between the teachers and students, and the students with themselves; and most importantly, one that encourages questions.
Most educators get annoyed when a student inquires about what’s being taught. In fact, if you ask too many good questions in public school, they give you a detention. But Midrasha realizes how important questioning is. When it comes to belief, many people go through their whole lives just believing what those around them believe, simply because it’s easiest. But at Midrasha, belief is taken to the next level. Midrasha gives students the ultimate opportunity to create firm, strong beliefs by allowing them to question what they’re taught, and by exposing them to alternate perspectives. The best way to form strong, long lasting beliefs is to make them pass the test of skepticism.
But sometimes the best questions, believe it or not, are asked by the teachers. A good question posed to a group of students can have a powerful effect. The best kind of classroom question makes each student think about things he or she has never considered before, and gives students who think they have the right idea, a chance to voice their opinions. Debate starts, voices raise, and ideas spark. In short, a good question is one that creates a lot of noise.
Teachers aside, it’s safe to say that most students also deviate from the norm. I mean think about it, how many teenagers do you know who want to go to more school? The people who’re here are here because they want to be. They appreciate the environment, and know how to put it to good use. But most of all, they’re interesting people! Each person I’ve met in my 4 years of Midrasha knows something that I don’t, and no two people have the same set of beliefs.
So that’s how it works. Put together uncommon teachers, place them in a room of atypical students, and you get Midrasha; a school unlike any other. So thanks for an incredible 4 years. It’s been more than enlightening.