June 12, 2011
On June 12, American Friends of Ariel and the Department of Education in Ariel hosted a celebratory evening honoring this year’s educational achievements.
Three hundred guests were invited to this exciting event. It was held in the presence of Mayor Ron Nachman, members of the city council, representatives of American Friends of Ariel, representatives of the Ariel Development Fund, supervisors from the Ministry of Education, school principals, Chairmen of the parent’s councils, kindergarten teachers and assistants, caretakers, division heads and municipality employees.
Mayor Ron Nachman said it was a blessed initiative to hold such an event, and made it clear that he would continue his work in every possible way in favor of those who work in the education system, in the interest of rewarding them according to their efforts. In addition, he requested that everyone invest in their pupils and do their utmost to make Ariel’s youth achieve and excel.
Yair Stern, a leading figure in Israel’s journalism and entertainment industries – whose father founded the freedom fighting Lehi organization in 1940- attended as the official representative for the Menachem Begin and Yitzchak Shamir Awards. He addressed Ariel’s Department of Education with words of encouragement.
Avi Zimmerman, Executive Director of American Friends of Ariel, announced that this year’s Excellent Educator’s gift is a yearly family membership to Israel’s national parks and a season membership to the Ariel Regional Center for the Performing Arts. After the opening remarks the winners were called up to the stage.
This year’s Excellent Educator Awards went to:
The evening was enhanced with a spectacular performance by our friends from abroad: Faith Bible Chapel’s International Dancers and Singers. Their exciting repertoire had the crowd on their feet. It was a wonderful opportunity to have our dedicated friends share this important and meaningful evening with us.
American Friends of Ariel thanks the Milken Family Foundation for their consistent support of this project, which continues to enrich Ariel’s education system year after year.