Graduations are a time to recognize achievements, formally bid farewell to a valued educational institution, prepare for the next steps along life’s journey, and of course, to celebrate!
In the June 2 issue of Jewish News, nearly 40 area graduates were featured. Here more are celebrated with notable awards, impressive degrees, and outstanding plans.
Jewish News wishes all these graduates and their families the heartiest of Mazel Tovs!

Max Benjamin Pollio
Kenyon College
BA, Political Science; National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society member
Next: Public service/policy work in Washington, D.C.
Max is the son of Heidi and David Pollio.

Blake Aaron Brown
Duke University
Magna Cum Laude
Next: Gap year working on his start-up company and then applying to
medical school.
Blake is the son of
Beryl and Steven Brown
and the grandson of Gloria Brown.

Gracie Sybil Eilberg
The Hill School
The JT Moore Jr. ’41 Special Recognition Award for outstanding leadership in enhancing the morale, spirit, and character of the class. Major H Blanket Award for nine varsity letters
Next: Haverford College
Gracie is the daughter of
Donna and Seth Eilberg and the granddaughter of Susan and Jim Eilberg.

Eitan Haas
Frank W. Cox High School
Master’s in clinical social work
Next: Old Dominion University
Eitan is the son of
Nachama Haas and David Haas
and the grandson of
Ruth and Ludwig Sternlicht.

Amelia Fox
Loyola Marymount
University Sociology and Women’s and
Gender Studies
Delta Zeta Sorority (VP Finance), Belles Service Organization (focused on domestic violence awareness and prevention in the
Los Angeles area)
Next: Community director at The Washington Center in Washington DC where she will provide housing supervision, programming, emergency assistance, and community facilitation services for undergraduate students attending internships and seminars in D.C.
Amelia is the daughter of
Colleen and Andy Fox.

Mallory Rose Gerstein
Virginia Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice
December 2024
Member of VWU Camerata traveling choir which performed at Carnegie Hall
Honor Societies, Iota Alpha Tau: Choir Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma: Criminal Justice Honor Society
Next: Mortuary Science program at Tidewater Community College.
Mallory is the daughter of
Beth Gerstein and William Gerstein
and the granddaughter of
Dorothy and Edwin Salomonsky.