MTA is proud to provide opportunities for their talmidim to excel both inside and outside the classroom. They are excited to share the remarkable achievements of their students in two award-winning programs.
In English classes, MTA’s dedicated teachers work diligently to develop the writing and analytical skills of their talmidim. This commitment extends beyond the classroom through their literary and arts magazine, Lumière, guided by Dr. Beata Potocki. MTA is thrilled to announce that Lumière has received the Award of Excellence from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) program.
The NCTE’s REALM program recognizes outstanding student-produced literary magazines supported by their teachers. It encourages schools to celebrate the art and craft of writing through exceptional literary publications. This year, 422 student magazines were nominated from schools across 46 states and five countries, including middle schools, high schools, and higher education institutions.
MTA is incredibly proud of their talented and dedicated senior editors—Ari Unger, Rafi Unger, Elie Schwartz, Isaac Harrison, Eli Jacobson, and Akiva Fox—as well as their junior contributors, Yoni Tandhasetti and Jacob Weiner, whose creative work has earned national recognition.
Additionally, three senior editors received individual honors in the prestigious Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards. Lumière’s poetry editor, Elie Schwartz, won a Silver Key award for his poem “Vast as the Stars and Sand.” Editors-in-chief, Ari Unger and Rafi Unger, received Honorable Mentions for their Writing Portfolios: “The Human Condition”and “Just Wanted to Let You Know,” respectively.
More than 2,500 students in grades 7 through 12 submitted over 14,800 works to the New York City Region of the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, representing 250 schools across all five boroughs. Receiving recognition in one of the most competitive regions in the country is an incredible honor, as only exceptional works are awarded. MTA extends their heartfelt congratulations to this year’s winners and express gratitude to Dr. Potocki for her dedication to the success of the talmidim.
