Graduation is always a meaningful and emotional milestone at Strelitz International Academy. For the fifth-grade students, some of whom have been part of the SIA community since infancy, it marks a moment to reflect on their growth and prepare to spread their wings as they head to middle school.

On Wednesday, June 5, SIA hosted its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. Head of School Heather Moore opened the program with reflections on the past year’s successes and shared some future plans, including the launch of a special Endowment Campaign.

Emma Belman, president of the Student Government Association, delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of her classmates. She reflected on their International Baccalaureate Final Exhibition Project (which focused on health and wellness) and expressed gratitude to all the teachers, past and present, who guided them throughout their journey.

“As we move on to middle school,” Emma said, “we take with us the lessons we’ve learned, the friendships we’ve made, and the memories we’ll always treasure. We’ve grown, not just in height, but in our minds and hearts. Over the years, we’ve become more like a family, sharing laughter, challenges, and so many exciting moments together.”

This year’s Commencement Speaker was Tamir Zach, an SIA Class of 2018 alum and a recent graduate of Norfolk Academy’s Class of 2025.

Offering heartfelt wisdom and encouragement to the graduates, drawing on his own experiences and fond memories of SIA, he said, “I always have a place here, a home and a family. Every time I walk through the doors of the school, I’m welcomed by smiling faces and warm hugs from the teachers I know and love, followed by meaningful conversations with Mrs. Rodriguez and Ms. Moe. It’s a feeling I can’t describe in words. SIA is not only a place of learning, but a place of connection.”

The graduation ceremony was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of an SIA education—grounded in community, compassion, and a love of lifelong learning.

Strelitz International Academy alumni return for Annual Senior Sendoff

When the SIA Class of 2018 received their invite to attend a Senior Year Reunion in May, they were hesitant to respond. Many had not recently seen each other. As they arrived, welcomed by their fifth-grade graduation picture, they immediately reconnected and reminisced about their fond memories during their time at SIA, which was then Hebrew Academy of Tidewater.

The students were thrilled to reconnect with each other over pizza and an Edible Arrangement generously donated by the Rivera Family. While many of the grads had visited the Sandler Family Campus since graduation, most had not seen each other or teachers in some time. The excitement was palpable as they observed the changes in the school, shared memories, and enthusiastically greeted former teachers while exploring their old classrooms.

Current SIA students enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the visiting alumni, asking questions about their experiences in middle and high school. The alumni, now recent graduates from Cape Henry Collegiate, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, Tidewater Collegiate Academy, and First Colonial High School, were quizzed by students to see if they remembered their Hebrew and math facts.

The once young students have grown into accomplished and well-spoken adults with bright futures ahead. SIA is immensely proud to have provided these students with a strong Jewish and academic foundation.