Westchester Day School eighth graders began their participation in the “Names, Not Numbers®” program with an impactful opening session on September 20. Under the guidance of Jill Rivel, the “Names Not Numbers®” faculty advisor, this program offers students a unique, multidisciplinary learning experience, which integrates traditional classroom learning, historical research, video production and personal interviews with Holocaust survivors to create an original documentary film. Through this project, students have the rare and significant opportunity to work alongside professional journalists and Holocaust scholars, meet with filmmakers, visit The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, and perhaps most significantly, to learn directly from survivors of the Holocaust and bear witness through their testimony. There is a unique and vital connection to history that forms throughout this program and effectively transforms students into eager guardians of the future of the Jewish people.

During this year’s opening session at Westchester Day School, Jeffrey Salgo, a retired associate director and producer at CBS Network TV News, provided students with instruction on effective interviewing techniques. Drawing on his extensive experience, including his work on CBS Evening News, 60 Minutes, CBS News Special Reports, and The Sunday Morning Program, Mr. Salgo shared his expertise on conducting interviews with professionalism and respect. His guidance on documenting oral histories responsibly will be invaluable to the students as they embark on this meaningful project.