Tidewater Jewish Foundation is often a convener, bringing together organizations, ideas, and opportunities to strengthen the community. Sometimes, projects such as the Maria A. Mansbach Memorial Student Motivation Program and the Elie Wiesel Writing Competition intersect, ensuring the meaning of tikkun olam, repairing the world, comes into focus. Through educational opportunities supported by TJF, students both within and beyond the Jewish community are empowered to think critically, find their voice, and shape a better future.
For Janae Loudon, that impact is personal.
The rising ninth grader recently earned top honors in United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission’s Elie Wiesel Writing Competition. Loudon is also one of the newest participants in the Maria A. Mansbach Memorial Student Motivation Program, a mentorship and enrichment initiative facilitated through An Achievable Dream and funded by a supporting organization of Tidewater Jewish Foundation.
Loudon, who enjoys reading, creative writing, crafts, and spending time in nature, says entering the writing competition allowed her to challenge herself and express ideas.
“My essay was about learning from history and understanding others,” she says. “I chose it because I think people should learn from the past.”
Loudon says she felt both surprised and proud when she heard she had won.
The Mansbach Scholars program supports fifth through 12th grade students in Title 1 schools in Norfolk through mentorship, academic support, life-skills development, enrichment activities, and college preparation experiences. Students participate in workshops, field trips, collaborative projects, and exposure to college campuses and career pathways designed to help them envision a successful future.
“My favorite part has been hearing advice from mentors and learning about college,” Loudon says. “The program helped me feel more confident in myself and my writing.”
The Mansbach program recently expanded through a partnership between TJF and An Achievable Dream, a nationally recognized educational organization focused on helping students succeed regardless of socioeconomic background. Together, the partnership aims to equip students with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed for college, career, and life.
Elka Mednick, director of the Holocaust Commission, says, “For nearly three decades, the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competition has encouraged students to engage not only with the history of the Holocaust, but with its relevance today. Inspired by Elie Wiesel’s legacy of remembrance and moral responsibility, the competition invites young people to reflect on how lessons from the past can shape the choices they make in the present.”
Naomi Limor Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation president and CEO, says Loudon’s achievement reflects the shared mission behind both programs.
“When organizations and programs come together around education, mentorship, and opportunity, we begin to see real community impact,” Sedek says. “The Mansbach Scholars program and the Elie Wiesel Competition both help students develop confidence, compassion, and critical thinking skills; qualities that shape individual futures in addition to strengthening our broader community.”