Robbins Hebrew Academy

Lainie Yallen, class of 2010 Lainie Yallen epitomizes the RHA graduate. She's smart, inventive, compassionate, and her interests are diverse. When she was at RHA, she ranked nationally in math, and, at the same time, she built a climbing wall for children in war-torn Sderot. In high school, Lainie became a competitive dancer, a stunning singer, and a school president (not to mention a fierce flag football player). During her years at CHAT, Lainie continued to win award after award for academic excellence. RHA had given Lainie the skills she needed to succeed: curiosity, perseverance, and independent thinking. But Lainie is more than academic success. She is a person of character. At CHAT, Lainie was elected president of the school. With empathy and collaboration, Lainie motivated others to get involved and she inspired them to take charge. Under Lainie's leadership, her peers became leaders. Together, they raised vital dollars for charities in need, they resolved pressing school issues and they led countless school initiatives that made memories for a lifetime. Lainie received the 2014 Student Leadership Award. Josh Sable, the school's co-director of student activities, called her "a true teenage renaissance woman." Today Lainie is in her second year of a business of commerce degree at McGill University. Not surprisingly, she's doing a lot more than academics. She's the mentor of the First Year Involvement team for management – and a past team member. She was named "Orientation Leader of the Year" for her faculty. She's the vice-president, external affairs for PennyDrops, a non-profit that teaches financial literacy in high schools. She's chair of the Bronfman Ball, the management school's graduation dance. She's also a talent co-ordinator for the faculty's charity dance fashion show. And yes, she's still dancing, now with the prestigious Mosaica Dance Company. RHA was Lainie's launch pad. There, she learned the values of Tzedekah, the importance of global citizenship and the skills of leadership. She gained self-confidence, empathy and emotional intelligence – qualities that have paved her way in what's been a very successful journey. Adam Eilath, class of 2001 Adam Eilath recently completed a world record-setting 308 mile (495km), open water swim relay to raise funds that will purchase an Exoskeloton Rewalk machine. It's a technology that allows paralyzed people to walk and it's for Arthur Renowitzky, a victim of gun violence. Adam lives in San Francisco and teaches Jewish Studies at a pluralistic Jewish high school. "At RHA, community service was deeply engrained in our daily lives. In middle school I remember visiting local seniors' homes and packing passover food boxes for those who otherwise wouldn't be able to have a Seder. From our youngest years, we were taught to give back without thinking twice about it, and because of that, community service is a big part of my life. Throughout high school, college and adulthood, I've actively looked for opportunities to give back. That's because of RHA." KEEP IN TOUCH: Tell us where you are and what you are up to. Connect with us at alumni@rhacademy.ca. We want to hear from you. n i n e n i n e t e e n

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