On May 22, 2025, the Beit Midrash filled with anticipation as sophomores and juniors gathered alongside faculty members to witness the College Book Award Ceremony. The event, held during Community Time, was a moment of pride not only for the students being honored but also for the faculty and family members who offered them guidance and stood behind them every step of the way. Parents of the award recipients had been informed ahead of time that their child would be receiving a prestigious College Book Award, though they were asked to keep the news a surprise in order to allow student awardees to experience the full impact of being recognized in real time.
The ceremony honored juniors who have shown outstanding commitment to academics, leadership, and service. Sponsored by renowned universities and their alumni, many of whom are also proud alumni of Scheck Hillel, the College Book Awards serve to recognize students who reflect the core values of these colleges. Colleges represented this year included MIT, Yale, Dartmouth, UPENN, Tulane, Yeshiva University, Princeton, Brown, Bowdoin, and many others.
Each student was introduced by a faculty member who spoke about how the recipient embodied the mission and values of the university they were “matched” to. The ceremony highlighted not just academic excellence, but an excellence of character and a deep commitment to one’s community. Among the recipients were Brianna Ackerman, who received the Dartmouth Book Award, Maia Weitzman, who was honored with the UPENN Book Award, and Jaia Herdan, recipient of the Yale Book Award.
For Ackerman, being awarded the Dartmouth Book Award recognized her meaningful involvement in programs such as the Maccabi Tzair initiative and her dedication to leading community service trips. “To me, this award shows that my work in shaping the next generation of Jewish leaders is meaningful and lasting,” she said. Ackerman further expressed that the recognition gives her confidence to pursue more leadership opportunities in college and beyond, especially those tied to her Jewish identity.
Weitzman, whose award from UPENN recognized her dual commitment to her academics and community, spoke about the pride she felt. “This book award means that who I am as a student and person is valued. It’s not just about grades, but about how we contribute to the world around us,” said Weitzman. “It reinforces my desire to continue pushing myself academically and socially. I want to be someone who uplifts others and drives change.” Weitzman further added that “It [the award] made me feel deeply appreciated. Sometimes we don’t realize how much we’re actually doing until someone takes the time to recognize it. I feel honored.”
For Herdan, the message of the Yale Book Award impacted her deeply as someone who led multiple initiatives aimed at improving youth literacy in the community. “Receiving this award is an incredible honor. It shows me that my hard work and passion for inspiring others has a real purpose,” Herdan said. “It’s not just any award. It’s from Yale—an institution whose values I truly admire. That makes it even more meaningful.” Herdan also reflected on how the award has affected her views on her future. “This inspires me to keep growing, not just academically but as a person. Before this, I sometimes doubted myself. But now I feel like I can go beyond what I thought was possible.”
After the ceremony, students and their families gathered for refreshments and congratulations. The event was not only a celebration of achievement but also a powerful reminder of the kind of community Scheck Hillel is. It is a community where excellence is recognized, community service is valued, and each student is encouraged to lead. Through the College Book Awards, Scheck Hillel and its partners do more than hand out awards. They spark hope for the future and pass the torch to students who are already on the path to leadership.
