By Shira Borzak ('07)

Last Wednesday evening, the sanctuary was packed with WYHS faculty, students, family, and of course, the graduates of the WYHS class of 2007. Beginning with mincha, the ceremony was both touching and bitter sweet.

As the students walked down the aisle decked out in their caps and gowns, the excitement, pride and joy was obvious on each face.

The tone for the evening was set with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah, led by Executive Director Shimmie Kaminetsky, and opening remarks honoring both the graduates and the school by President, and proud parent, Dr. Sam Lasko. Principal Rabbi Tirschwell then spoke of "The Journey Taken" by the class of 2007. He stated that the attribute displayed by the class of '07 was leadership, and described and praised the indispensable and inspiring leadership shown by all of the graduates, in both formal and informal roles.

Following Rabbi Tirschwell's touching speech, the Senior video was shown. Produced by Mrs. Carla Greer, and written by and starring all of the graduates, the Senior video was a hilarious spoof of James Bond 007 that reflected on the funnier moments of the four years at WYHS. The video, which had the audience roaring with laughter, was a testament to all the hard work put into it, and each graduate will receive a copy to treasure.

Mrs. Ora Lee Kanner, Associate Principal, spoke movingly of "The Road Ahead" and bid farewell to a beloved class who, as she put, "got it and got into it."

After her emotionally charged speech, each senior came up to accept his or her diploma. As the graduates took the stage, a short clip was shown of each graduate reflecting on a favorite WYHS memory followed by touching words of praise specific for each senior by Mrs. Carla Greer and Director of College Preparatory Studies Mr. Adam Dobrick.

After accepting the diplomas, and beautiful, personalized siddurim, and the traditional throwing of the caps, friends and family gathered in the ballroom for pictures, congratulations and a dessert reception. The newest alumni were then whisked off for a delicious Senior Banquet with the staff and faculty, where they celebrated their graduation and had a chance to personally thank their teachers and mentors for the past four years with a framed picture of the graduating class. After dinner, the graduates boarded the bus for an unbelievable 5 day senior trip.

By Jordana Kaminetsky ('07)

Our Senior Class did not miss a beat as they boarded the buses for their exciting senior trip.

We arrived in D.C, and though a tad tired, we appropriately started our trip at the Holocaust museum. Following a delicious deli lunch, the class took a "Duck Tour": a land and sea tour of the D.C area. It really gave us a feel for the city and some behind the scenes facts not everyone knows. Our first day culminated in an exciting National's baseball game where the class sat together, bonding under the stars and watching the game.

Bright and early the next morning, our class boarded the bus for an amazing Dunkin Donuts breakfast and horseback riding. Though some girls horses didn't exactly follow the trail, everyone had a great time as we trotted through the forest and pond on our horses.

The spirit of Shabbat was really captured as we all sat together for one last Shabbat meal and sang zemirot. Shabbat afternoon, everyone could sense the culmination of the entire four years at the girls and boys respective kumzitzes. As Shabbat and our experience at WYHS came to a close, everyone was a able to share how they felt and allow the sense of unity to envelope the room.

Sunday's day of white water rafting was second- to none. As we rafted our way down the river and encountered some "obstacles" everyone stuck together and helped each other overcome. It really proved to the entire class just how well we work together.

Out trip culminated in a day at King's Dominion amusement park. Everyone rode the rides and saw the shows, but the highlight of the day was definitely the matching Crazy Seniors '07 hats we all purchased!

All in all, the trip was amazing. It really was the perfect way to end four years together and can be added to the long list of memories we all share together!