Graduation is always a meaningful and emotional milestone at Strelitz International Academy. For the fifth-grade students, many of whom have been part of the SIA community since infancy, it is a time to reflect on their growth, celebrate their accomplishments, and prepare to spread their wings as they embark on their middle school journey.
On Wednesday, June 3, SIA hosted its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Head of School Heather Moore opened the program with reflections on the successes of the past year and shared future plans. The ceremony also marked leadership transition as Amy Weinstein presided over her final board of trustees meeting, welcomed new board members, and officially installed Steve Zuckerman as board president.
Ari Mulligan, Student Government Association president and Andrew Dodge, vice president, delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of their classmates. They spoke about their International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Exhibition, which focused on technology, and expressed gratitude to the teachers, both past and present, who guided and supported them throughout their SIA years.
“We have had so many amazing memories from this year,” Andrew said. “Our class loved our time with Mrs. Bruns, all our field trips, and all of our extracurriculars at this school. This class has become like siblings. We have had such a great time at SIA, and even though we are splitting up, I hope we will remain in touch. We will continue to use what we have learned here in the future.”
This year’s Commencement Speaker was Shayna Friedman, a member of SIA’s Class of 2019 and a recent graduate of Kempsville High School Class of 2026. Shayna offered heartfelt wisdom and encouragement to the graduates, drawing on her own experiences and cherished memories of SIA.
“When I think about my elementary school years,” said Shayna, “a lot of memories come to mind. One that stands out is singing Hatikvah every morning. At the time, it just felt like part of the routine. But looking back now, I realize it was something much bigger. Hatikvah means hope. To me, it represents the hope people carry through their lives, especially when things feel uncertain. That is something I hope you all carry with you as you move forward into this next chapter. I hope you keep the ability to stay hopeful no matter the challenges you face.”
The graduation ceremony was a reminder of the lasting impact of an SIA education—one grounded in community, compassion, Jewish values, and a love of lifelong learning. As the Class of 2026 turns the page to its next chapter, the entire SIA community celebrates their achievements and looks forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.
Ally St. Pierre is admissions and marketing manager at Strelitz International Academy.
Graduation Award Winners
- Abe and Anna Rudolph Award for Excellence in Mathematics – Lena Aftel
- Rabbi Charles J. Mantel Memorial Award for Excellence in Judaic Studies – Niv Rubin
- Harold and Jacqueline Spiro Goodman Award for Excellence in General Studies – Avi Weinstein
- Hyman J. Stromberg Memorial Award for Academic Excellence – Ari Mulligan
- I. James London Memorial Athlete of the Year Award – Levi Cohen
- Lorna Legum Rising Star Award – Hadley Karpielian
- Rabbi Philip Pincus Memorial Award for Excellence in Hebrew Studies – Harper Warranch
- Shirley Helfant and Ruth Josephberg Award for Visual Arts – Ella Gladstein
- SIA Inquirer IB Learner Profile Award – Lena Aftel
- SIA Inquirer IB Learner Profile Award – Levi Cohen
- SIA Reflective IB Learner Profile Award – Andrew Dodge
- SIA Balanced IB Learner Profile Award – Ella Gladstein
- SIA Caring IB Learner Profile Award – Avery Goldstein
- SIA Risk-Taker IB Learner Profile Award – Honzi Hodicky
- SIA Thinker IB Learner Profile Award – Hadley Kaprielian
- SIA Communicator IB Learner Profile Award – Quinn Margulies
- SIA Distinguished IB Scholar Award – Ari Mulligan
- SIA Performing Arts Award – Avery Goldstein
- SIA Risk-Taker IB Learner Profile Award – Mia Pinto
- SIA Principled IB Learner Profile Award – Niv Rubin
- SIA Open-Minded IB Learner Profile Award – Harper Warranch
- SIA Knowledgeable IB Learner Profile Award – Avi Weinstein