Press Release:
On Tuesday, June 2, Gratz College held the 51st annual Mordechai Anielewicz Holocaust Creative Arts Competition Awards Ceremony. Seventeen schools in the Philadelphia area participated with 156 submissions across visual arts, performances, and written entries! The Teletorium at Saint Joseph’s University was filled with raucous applause by the proud families and friends of these talented, thoughtful students receiving their awards.
Gratz appreciates Dr. Maureen Pelta for her guidance and support as the Chair of the Competition every year. Great gratitude and appreciation go to Kaitlyn Arms, the Education Initiatives Manager at Gratz. She seamlessly pulled together the entire competition, from beginning to end—an organizational masterpiece.
The judges consistently remarked that they were amazed by the level of skill and thought that went into each of the submissions. Thanks go to all of the judges: Josey Fisher, Diana Myers, Paulette Jellinek, Dr. Laura Fattal, Violet Zeitlin, Alyssa Davidson-Arms, Lou Walinsky, Beth Klemow Razin, Jessica Kahn, Laura Kuhn, Terry Leban, Sophie Don, David Copestakes, Paula Dvorak, Marlene Adler, Tammy Forstater, Robin Nourie, Jacob Dupré, and Elaine Culbertson.
Gratz appreciates each of the participating students, their teachers and schools:
Abington Senior High School, Penncrest High School, Solebury School, Bala Cynwyd Middle School, Lenape Middle School, Unami Middle School, Cecelia Snyder Middle School, Holicong Middle School, Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School, G. A. Stetson Middle School, Central Bucks High School East, Harriton High School, Lower Merion Middle Schools, Benchmark School, Caskey Torah Academy, Padua Academy, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
If you would like to include your school or student in next year’s Arts Competition, please contact Kaitlyn Arms at karms@gratz.edu.
About Gratz College
Founded in 1895, Gratz College is the oldest independent college for Jewish studies in North America. Today, Gratz enrolls a diverse population of students from around the world with many programs that reflect its historic focus on Jewish studies and education. An early adopter of online education, Gratz offers blended and fully online degrees in a broad range of studies, including the world’s only Doctorate in Antisemitism Studies, the world’s only online Doctorate in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, a Doctorate in Education Leadership, and a Doctorate in Jewish Studies. Gratz also offers ten master’s degree programs, including a Master’s in Education, a Master’s in Antisemitism Studies, and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management; various graduate certificates; and a robust continuing education program.
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Photo captions: Prize-winner Sarai Graham of Abington High School and her sister Elliana-Marie Graham view the exhibit; Dylan Rayfield of Penncrest High School reads her prize-winning poetry | Courtesy: Jonathan Gilbert Media