Teaching freshmen the ropes, honoring Scott Satran, onto intersession

The excitement of the new year has brought a flood of resolutions and goals — perfect for students determined to achieve high grades while wrapping up the first semester.

The initial week back was exciting as students began to explore their “new year, new me” mindset and apply it to their academics. Before jumping into the rigorous studying that comes with midterms, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School was busy with a plethora of fun activities for the students and faculty to enjoy.

As a part of HAFTR’s Senior Leadership program, the senior and freshman classes enjoyed a bowling trip at Woodmere Lanes on Dec. 20. Each underclassman was partnered with a senior who offers their assistance; leadership and friendship to help the freshmen become better adjusted to the workings of high school. The bowling outing was a great bonding experience, one in which both grades enjoyed participating.

The HAFTR Hawks soared at this year’s 31st annual Satran Tournament, a basketball competition for the varsity boys in memory of Scott Satran. HAFTR’s athletics director and close friend of Scott and the Satran family, coach Joey Hoenig, organizes the memorial tournament. Satran played basketball at HAFTR under Hoenig, where their close relationship began. Diagnosed with cancer when in high school, Scott died in 1987 at 20.

Hoenig took it upon himself to create and run this yearly competition tournament as Scott’s memory. The community helps in hosting teams from schools visiting for the tournament, including Shaare Torah, Davis Renov Stahler Yeshiva High School for Boys, the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, Abraham Joshua Heschel School, Yeshivat Darche Eres, Jewish Education High School, Rambam Mesivta High School, Manhattan Talmudica Academy, and Magen David.

During the tournament, the gym was filled with spirit and hope as HAFTR’s varsity team made it to the championship game, losing by only a few points to DRS. No matter the result, all of the participants enjoyed playing in a tournament for such a worthy cause.

The semester ended and students completed their midterm exams. From Jan. 18 to 28, classes will not be in session, as the faculty and student body enjoy a well deserved intersession — refueling for what’s sure to be an interesting and productive second half of the school year.