sjsprWriting

You hear the sounds of the sirens;you run to the nearby shelter, shut your eyes, cover your ears and pray. Youhear a loud thunderous explosion and if you look around, you see your friends trembling,crying and/or screaming. After approximately 5 minutes, you look outside and seea yellow rocket in the middle of your school courtyard. This was the realitythat many students like you and I faced in S’derot, Israel.  S’derot, is a town located in southern Israelwithin 2 miles of the Gaza strip. Up until recently, S’derot was the target ofdaily shellings by the different terrorist factions who operate out of the Gazastrip.

This summer, I had the opportunityto visit the city of S’derot. All the stories I have heard since I was youngsuddenly became a reality. As I walked around the city I couldn’t help noticethe stark contrast between the empty streets, the damaged buildings, thenumerous rocket remains that are kept as a live memorial pilled up behind the town’spolice station and the numerous colorful playgrounds found all over the town.After seeing and hearing the town’s stories I thought to myself, why are thereso many colorful playgrounds in such a terrifying place to live? How can thechildren play outside without fear that a missile will land next to theirswing?

The answer is, the kids in S’derotrely on each other.

Through leadership, the city’sresidents have come up with a unique design for sheltered playgrounds where thechildren can run into a long, colorful caterpillar that will protect them frombeing injured. Through knowledge, the children have learned to be cautious oftheir surroundings, quick in their actions and flexible to new circumstances.Through character, the children have learned to trust and protect those aroundthem. The older kids take care of the younger kids so that everyone can feelsafe. Through service, the children have learned to help those whom aresuffering. Through scholarship, they have become heroes as they keep the joywithin their community with their laughter and willingness to go out and play.

These five pillars of the NHS are notonly embedded with Sderot’s community but also within ours.  While these pillars are at our disposalthe key is to use them and take action. There may be barriers or obstacles butonce you overcome them, these pillars will guide you as you embark on critical decisionsthat will shape your future.

            Wehope the ceremony today has inspired you to go further than what you alreadyhave, and achieve beyond your potential in both academics and leadership.  The NHS would like to thank all thosewho have helped us get here, especially our parents and teachers. We would liketo invite the parents and our guests to share in a reception in the back of theroom after the ceremony. Thank you.