Congratulations to seniors Jason Schwarz and Zev Beeber whose PSAT scores qualified them to enter the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program and receive recognition as Semifinalists! These academically talented seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state.

Sophomore Allie Vandegrift was recognized for her excellent performance on and off the volleyball court as The Northside Neighbor Female Athlete of The Week. Head Coach Michael Webster has only praise for Allie. “I like coaching her because of her work ethic and her desire to improve as a volleyball player,” he said. “She is confident in her approach to the game and lets her actions speak volumes about her.”

During the month of September, representatives from Bradley University, Clark University , Dickinson College, Farleigh Dickinson University , George Washington University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Goucher College, Hampshire College, Lynn University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Tufts University, Tulane University, University of Alabama, University of Chicago, University of Colorado, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of St. Andrews, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Washington University and Yale University, will meet with interested juniors and seniors to give an overview and introduction.

Our Student Ambassadors are one of the many ways we connect with prospective families as they explore The Weber School. Our ambassadors are articulate, exude warmth, and serve as excellent role models for visiting students and families. This year's ambassadors are: Josh Blum, Alex Estroff, David Feldman, Allie Fixelle, Allison Fuhrman, Melissa Fuhrman, Danielle Grinzaid, Ben Grinzaid, Josh Kalish, Sara Kalish, Caroline Lee, Sarah Leff, Hannah Paull, Gabriel Popowski, Alex Rubin, Marisa Schiff, Jason Schwarz, Max Shafron, Rebecca Shafron, Noy Spiegelman, Jamee Wasilewsky, Dayna Weinberg, Jacob Weissman, Michelle Winer and Eliot Zerden.

Titled Back to Basics, the collection was inspired by her teaching of design and composition. These contemporary works on paper explore the foundational elements of line and color to create movement, rhythm and pattern.

Peer Leadership at Weber is an orientation and transition program that welcomes new students and makes them feel comfortable throughout their first year at Weber. Built upon the belief that students can help other students succeed, our Peer leaders are motivators, leaders and mentors who guide new students and help them discover what it takes to be successful at Weber.

The first week of school has been amazing! Students are reuniting with old friends, making new friends and becoming acclimated to their classes. Students attended their first Hakhel -- all-school gatherings unique to Weber -- and next week students begin Tefillah (prayer) groups, with a variety of options available, including both liturgical and theme-based services.

The Weber School congratulates Dana Huff, who was selected by the Georgia Council of Teachers of English as Teacher of the Year. In addition to a monetary award, Ms. Huff will be recognized at the GCTE Annual Conference at Calloway Gardens. After an extensive application process, Ms. Huff has been singled out for her innovation, creativity and dedication in the field of English. In a beautifully written and heartfelt letter of recommendation from senior Jake Stein, he writes, “Her interactive teaching style, deep knowledge of the material presented, and ability to challenge her students to think outside of the box have kept me captivated during class.”