Theatre
A New Highest Honor Debuts at Upper School Theatre Awards
Scheck Hillel’s Upper School Theatre Awards & Season Celebration marked the close of the theatre season with student recognitions, International Thespian Society inductions, senior tributes, and a look ahead to next year. A major highlight was the debut of the Jordan Alexander Ressler Theatre Award, a new highest honor recognizing a graduating senior whose dedication, leadership, personal achievement, and lasting impact reflect the very best of the theatre program. The inaugural award was presented to Nathan S.
The event also welcomed six new members into the International Thespian Society and honored students for achievement in acting, singing, dance, technical theatre, leadership, and service to the program. Hosted by student leaders from Thespian Troupe 4856, the celebration recognized both individual accomplishment and the collaborative spirit of Upper School theatre.
Another major announcement came during the season preview, when students learned that next year’s Upper School theatre season will include a production of Shrek the Musical and the launch of The Actors’ Studio, a new actor training intensive focused on performance skills, confidence, and craft.
2026 Upper School Theatre Awards & Season Celebration — Award Recipients
International Thespian Society Inductees: Enrique C., Haylee D., Michaella D., Ella M., Adi R., Ariella S.Big Splash Award: Elijah G.
Commitment Award: Adi R.
Chesed Award: Naomi F.
Ruach Award: Danielle E.
True Grit Award: Michaella D.
Total Pro Award: Maayan L.
Ambassador Award: Michaella D.
Excellence in Program Leadership: Ella M.
On & Offstage Award: Aviv Z.
Achievement in Technical Theatre: Mia F., Avichai M., Bina S.
Excellence in Production Leadership: Jaime F., Tamar G.
Achievement in Ensemble Performance: Libby G.
Spotlight Award: Samy G.
Triple Threat Award: Itai M.
Momentum Award: Hadar Z.
Choreographer’s Special Award: Gabriela A.
Achievement in Dance Performance: Itai M., Adi R.
Music Director’s Special Award: Safa C.
Achievement in Vocal Performance: Kassie L., Nathan S.
Stage Director’s Special Award: Salo H.
Achievement in Acting: Nathan S.
Legacy Award: Safa C., Kassie L., Avichai M., Nathan S., Aviv Z.
Jordan Alexander Ressler Theatre Award: Nathan S.
The Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program
Jordan Alexander Ressler, z”l, chased his dreams and made them come true. Guided by his passion for life and love for the arts, he launched a successful career in film and theatre after graduating from Cornell University. Credits included original productions of “Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays” and “Jersey Boys,” both of which moved to Broadway. Sadly, Jordan passed away in a tragic accident in 2004 when he was only 23 years old. Jordan’s family created the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program at Scheck Hillel Community School to seed a legacy of children inspired to discover their own talents, ignite their own passions and chase their own dreams. May his memory be for a blessing.
Arts
Arts education is a core component of Scheck Hillel’s curriculum from early childhood through high school. Instruction is offered through a framework of educational standards in a variety of disciplines, including music, theater, and the visual arts. Scheck Hillel arts educators are highly-trained instructors who spark a lasting appreciation for artistic expression. As students make personal choices for their creative outlets, they are able to deepen and continually improve their practice. Frequently, it is in art classes where students are heard saying, “Wow. I didn’t know I could do that!”
Research has shown that an arts education enhances academic achievement and school engagement, and enriches campus life. Students make personal choices for their creative outlets while gaining respect and understanding for all fine and performing art forms.
Music
Scheck Hillel's music curriculum begins in Early Childhood and continues through Grade 12. Early Childhood students in PKT-PK4 explore music through movement, listening and beginning vocal performance, as they are exposed to a vast array of world music repertoire and exciting dances. Students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 participate in ear training and music theory, exploration and continued knowledge of music and performance. Music is presented in a cultural and historical context so as to promote the development of the whole child based on Jewish core values.
Upper School students have the opportunity to continue exploring their study of music during the school day in orchestra, band or music production. In Upper School Orchestra, students can learn the violin, viola, cello or bass. Upper School students interested in learning flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone or tuba have the option to take either Upper School Beginner Band or Upper School Advanced Band. Upper School students who excel in both their academic and musical achievements, are inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Orchestra and band students are often invited to perform at local venues, such as theme parks, professional athletic games and retirement homes. Click on the video to the right and watch our Scheck Hillel Band open Miami Marlins' Jewish Heritage Day!
From Early Childhood through Grade 12, Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 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 service learning. Our 14 acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with additional academic expansion plans. Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. We are more than your child’s school; we are your family’s community.
