Scheck Hillel Names Class of 2021 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Congratulations to Anna Freiman  and Leonardo Bentata, who have been named Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively, of Scheck Hillel Community School’s Class of 2021. Anna will attend Yeshiva University’s Stern Honors Program and Leonardo was accepted Early Decision to Northwestern University. Both seniors have attended Scheck Hillel since PK2.

Anna is a Finalist in the 2021 National Merit® Scholarship Program and a National Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar. She received the National Psychology Merit Award and was first-place winner in the Kaplun Foundation Essay Contest. On campus, she is president of the National Honor Society and was selected as a Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador. Anna is also co-editor in chief of the Roar Post, and captain of the varsity girls basketball and flag football teams. She belongs to the National Math and Science Honor Societies.  

 

Anna will attend a gap year in Israel at the Tomer Devorah Seminary before beginning her studies at Yeshiva University’s Stern Honors Program, where she will major in computer science and pursue an accelerated Master’s track in cybersecurity. Anna also was admitted to Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Florida Honors Program, the University of Miami, the University of Maryland Honors Program and Brandeis University. 

 

Leonardo was accepted Early Decision to Northwestern University and plans to major in industrial engineering. 

 

He is a Commended National Merit Scholar and an Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction. He is a committed musician, playing the trumpet at Scheck Hillel since Grade 6; his dedication was recognized in 2020 with the Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program Musicianship Certificate Award. Leonardo has been president of the Chessed Club and vice president of the Environmental Club. His commitment to Israel led to becoming a StandWithUs high school intern, advocating for Israel and fighting anti-semitism. Leonardo has played varsity tennis since Grade 8; he paired his skills and passion with his interest in making a difference as a volunteer coach for children with autism.  

 

Anna, Leonardo and their Class of 2021 peers will soon join generations of Scheck Hillel alumni who are empowered to become reflective global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values, ready and eager to write the next chapter through their own definitions of success, happiness and fulfillment. Mazal tov!