Friday, May 8th, 2026, marked the end of HBHA’s class of 2026 high school careers. First up on this busy day was the senior send-off, a longtime HBHA tradition in which freshmen and siblings give speeches to the seniors.
Freshman Rhys Pabst said, “Senior send-off speeches are a good combination of you and your seniors’ memories and relationship, while also having fun with it and making jokes about them.”
Each of the five freshmen, one sophomore, and one eighth grader gave a speech to our six seniors in front of teachers, administrators, parents, and grandparents. There were many younger siblings giving speeches to their older siblings, which got laughs and tears from the audience in the Beit Midrash.
Uriel Noorollah, a sophomore, said, “Senior send-off speeches were funny, emotional, and they were a little bit of both for some people. It is always fun to hear the relationships between the freshmen and seniors, and it is always nice to hear and a little bit sad.”
Next up was the senior run-through. The lower school hall was filled with students, awaiting every senior to sprint down the hall and give them each a big high five. Each senior ran down in their college attire after amusing introductions from Ms. Renée and Mr. Margolies.
To conclude the day filled with excitement, HBHA’s Honors Assembly took place. The assembly recognized academic and athletic achievements, community service, and various miscellaneous awards.
The Quill and Scroll awards are handed out for high achievements in RampageWired, Chronicles, and the SNO Award. The National Honor Society (NHS) induction ceremony took place, and athletic and academic letters were handed out as well.
HBHA’s new athletic award, the Head of the Herd Award, was given to senior David Wasserman. This award recognizes “One Upper School student who best personifies the mission, vision, and core values of the Athletic Department.”
The Todd Clauer Leadership Award, recognizing leadership and academic qualities, was awarded to junior Ruby Sokol. The HBHA Science Innovation Award was given to junior Eric Fine for his innovation and commitment to the science department. Eliezer Rich, a junior, took home the Jewish Life Award for his commitment to Judaism at the school.
As the 2025-26 school year comes to an end, HBHA honored and celebrated the high achievements, athletically and academically, of the Upper School, and sent off our seniors as a community.
