A Celebration of Growth: JOS Level 8 Graduation 2026
 

Growth was the theme of the evening, and for anyone who attended the JOS Level 8 Girls Graduation, it was clear that growth had been the story of the year.

Students, families, teachers, alumni, and friends gathered together to celebrate a remarkable group of young women as they marked the end of their middle school journey and prepared for the exciting road ahead.

Mrs. Hertzel opened the evening by welcoming everyone to this special milestone and reflecting on the values that guide everything we do at JOS: Torah, Tefillah, and Tzedakah. Drawing from Parshas Shelach, a parshah the girls first learned at the beginning of their eighth-grade year, she beautifully connected the start of their journey to this meaningful moment of celebration.

The evening continued with an inspiring letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, read by Morah Malka, reminding graduates that commencement is not an ending, but the beginning of a lifetime of learning and growth. Morah Sarah then led the gathering in Tehillim before everyone paused to give tzedakah, bringing the pillars of JOS to life in a powerful and tangible way.

When Morah Aviana introduced the evening's theme of growth, she shared a story that perfectly captured the spirit of this year's class.

The school year began with just two eighth-grade students.

"We'll grow," everyone said.

And by the end of the year, our class had grown to seven.

Over the course of the year, those two students became a class of seven remarkable young women, each bringing her own strengths, talents, personality, and passion to the JOS community.

The graduates then shared presentations inspired by their Jewish History projects and the personal growth they experienced throughout their years at JOS.

Adira spoke about dedication, the commitment it takes to show up, learn, and grow in an online environment, as well as the dedication she felt from the teachers who invested so deeply in her success.

Leorah reflected on challenge, recognizing that meaningful learning is not always easy and that some of her greatest growth came through pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.

Esther highlighted the creativity that flourished through her Jewish History projects, sharing artistic work that allowed her talents and individuality to shine.

Adina connected her presentation directly to the evening's theme, speaking about the ways she has grown and blossomed throughout her time at JOS.

Avigail shared her appreciation for a school that makes Jewish education accessible no matter where a student lives, a powerful reminder of JOS's mission and impact around the world.

Maggie reflected on her long journey through JOS, from Hebrew School to After School to Day School, sharing how the school has shaped both her own life and her family's Jewish experience.

Sophia, a longtime JOS student who will continue into our high school program next year, looked back on her years at JOS, reflecting on the teachers, lessons, friendships, and memories she has collected along the way.

The celebration continued as teachers shared words of pride, encouragement, and blessing for their graduates. Then came one of the most meaningful moments of the evening, the presentation of diplomas. Families joined in with heartfelt brachot, warm wishes, and enthusiastic cries of "Mazal Tov!" as each graduate was recognized for her accomplishments.

As the evening drew to a close, friends, family members, alumni, and members of the JOS community filled the virtual room with blessings and encouragement for the graduates as they prepare for high school and beyond.

Looking around the screen, it was impossible not to feel proud. Each girl brought something unique to this year's class, and each girl grew in her own way. From a class that began with just two students to a graduating group of seven remarkable young women, this year was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive.

We are so proud of our graduates and grateful to have been part of their journey. Mazal Tov, Class of 2026. We can't wait to see all that comes next.