The administration of TABC is proud to announce that graduating senior Ezra Baron has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2021. In addition, Noam Barenholtz and Yair Levie have each been named salutatorians.

“Ezra, Noam and Yair have performed exceedingly well in their academic pursuits, but more importantly, they have been exemplary citizens of our yeshiva throughout their four years,” said Rabbi Shlomo Adelman, head of school at TABC. “We are proud to recognize their accomplishments, and the diverse and talented Class of 2021 as a whole.”

Baron, the son of Yale and Annie Baron of Teaneck, followed his older brother Joe Baron ‘19 in attending TABC after graduating from Yeshivat Noam. As he grew into his high school experience, he became steadily more involved outside the classroom. In addition to earning top grades in a rigorous dual curricular program, Baron played forward on the JV and varsity basketball teams, was captain of the Robotics Team and was a key contributor to the Math League team. He also served as editor-in-chief of TABC’s newspaper, Eye of the Storm, and as a peer tutor.

“I began as a timid underclassman and am graduating in a very different place,” Baron said. “I always knew that studying hard and contributing to the school community would be personally gratifying, but this honor and recognition has served as great confirmation.”

Baron plans to attend Aish Gesher next year and is still deciding on his post-Israel plans. “Even though I’m excited for what lies ahead, I am sad to leave behind the warmth of TABC and the amazing camaraderie. It’s a cliche, but it really is unlike anywhere else.”

Baron’s classmates Yair Levie and Noam Barenholtz were named salutatorians. In addition to their academic accomplishments, both have been active members of student life at TABC. Barenholtz was the captain of TABC’s Model UN delegation, co-editor-in-chief of its widely distributed Kol Torah publication, a member of its winning college bowl team and treasurer of the Student Council. He is the son of Yael Bloom and Daniel Barenholtz. Next year, he will attend Yeshivat Har Etzion (Gush) and then Yale.

Barenholtz echoed Baron’s sentiments about the unique school community he leaves behind.

“The vibe of TABC is so warm and student-centered,” he said. “I am so grateful to the teachers and administrators and, of course, my friends who helped me get here.”

Levie was a member of the JV and varsity hockey teams, participated in chesed initiatives including Pink Day and Yachad, and clubs ranging from pre-med to finance to Israel advocacy. As the youngest child of Dena and Mark Levie (and grandson of Toby and Rabbi Avi Weiss) with three older sisters, he is the first and only member of his family to attend TABC. He plans to attend Yeshivat Hakotel next year and then YU Honors.

“I was actually really surprised when I found out about this honor,” Levie said. “Rabbi Adelman said he wanted to see me and I was wondering what I possibly could have done! I was relieved and incredibly excited when I found out the news.”

TABC’s annual commencement will take place on Monday, June 14. The graduating class of 85 seniors will join a proud community of thousands of esteemed alumni.