Even a blizzard can't get in the way of a WYHS alumni reunion! Although it was difficult to recognize our fellow Floridians bundled up for the blizzard as we trekked to Congregation Rinat Yisrael in Teaneck, New Jersey, WYHS alumni soon became quickly reacquainted. After Kabbalat Shabbat, 46 alumni, ranging from the class of 2008 to the class of 2011, were joined by Mrs. Kanner, Rabbi Schochet, Mrs. Schochet, Rabbi Horowitz, Mrs. Horowitz, and Shimmie Kaminetsky for a beautiful Friday night dinner. It was a perfect opportunity for friends and teachers to reminisce about great times in high school and what's going on in our lives now. We were even joined by former WYHS teacher Mrs. Jacob! After eating, singing, and some confusion in the coatroom, this group of Floridians tried to figure out how to gear up for a snowstorm. We braved the weather and headed back to our respective host homes. The next morning after Shacharit, the alumni and teachers enjoyed a great lunch. We then spent the afternoon relaxing and just spending time with each other. Everywhere you looked around the shul, you saw various groups of alumni of various graduating years catching up, reconnecting, and having a good time. We ended Shabbat with seudah shlishit where we ate, sang, and got to hear from students and teachers about WYHS reflections.

The WYHS alumni shabbaton was a great Shabbat and a perfect way for all of us to maintain our beloved WYHS connection.

Thanks so much to Rabbi and Mrs. Schochet for expertly organizing the Shabbaton and to Shimmie, Mrs. Kanner, Rabbi Horowitz, and Mrs. Horowitz for traveling from sunny Boca to snowy New Jersey!

Shara Saketkhou: What was the goal of Tuesday night's program?

Mrs. Roberts: To kick off the college exploration process for juniors and to bring students and their parents together to talk about the steps students need to take now, so that they may successfully apply to college next year.

SS: What were some of the main points you wished to convey to juniors and their parents?

MR: The most important thing colleges consider is the four-year academic record. Junior grades are pivotal in many admissions decisions. Finish junior year as strong as possible! Also, there is no "best college;" there is the best college for you.

SS: Tell us a little bit about Tuesday night's program. What exactly happened?

MR: Students received the next section of the guidance handbook -- everything they need to know but might be afraid to ask. It also included interesting and informative articles about trends from admissions experts. Students and parents also won prizes for good answers.

SS: What do you feel is the most stressful part of the college application process, and how can starting early change that for these juniors?

MR: Working with me, because I'm scary [she replied with a smile]. But in all seriousness, there is no big stress; it is different for everyone. For some, it is the SATs or ACTs. For others, it's the college essay, choosing the right place, or figuring out how to pay for college. We help you every step of the process.

SS: What is your number one tip for the juniors at this point in the year?

MR: Stay positive and keep your grades up!

SS: Are there any interesting facts about the college application process you can share with us?

MR: WYHS students are applying to more colleges than ever before and are being admitted to a wide range of colleges from Florida to California.

SS: We know that you've been doing this for over 15 years. How do you stay abreast of trends in college admissions?

MR: I attend many local and national college admissions conferences. As a matter of fact, I just got back from a three-day program at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I was one of thirty guidance professionals, hand selected from around the country. Other attendees included college guidance directors from prestigious and elite high schools around the country, such as Horace Mann in New York (usually ranked as the number one or two high school in the nation), the high schools where Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, tycoons of Wall Street, and the power brokers of Washington, D.C. send their children. The only two schools from Florida were Weinbaum Yeshiva High School and Pinecrest. Programs such as these and having extensive interactions with my colleagues from other elite high schools provide opportunities to learn about university trends and admissions.