Just as the war with Iraq had begun, YAHS' Advanced Placement U.S. History class got a real-world glimpse into life in the armed forces. Two U.S. Marines, a Lieutenant Colonel and a Sergeant, visited Dr. Fred Coolick's class to speak about life in the Marine Corps and the current situation in Iraq. The students were an enthusiastic audience, asking questions about Jewish life in the military and educational opportunities offered through the G.I. Bill.

"The two Marines were very impressive in their full-dress uniforms and made a tremendous impression on the students," says Coolick. According to Coolick, students expressed interest in all facets of the military, including both active and reserve duty options of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps. There was even interest in starting a junior ROTC on campus. "We are a U.S. history class experiencing history in the making," he says, "and discussing the war on terrorism with our guests from the Marines was a real thrill."

In Other News...

Dr. Mark Fisher, Yeshiva Atlanta High School's (YAHS) College Counselor, has announced an exciting new addition to the school's College and Career Counseling program. YAHS has obtained the rights to use the Georgia Career Information Center (GCIC). This web-accessible program, customizable for each user, provides a central and user-friendly source of career and college information. Based on reliable and valid research and development results, GCIC offers a wealth of information to students who want to explore their strengths and skills, future academic opportunities, and long-term career goals. "We've expanded the opportunities available for students to explore the world of work and the college admissions process," says Fisher, "it's exciting to bring additional resources to our students and tie it in with their curriculum."

A record number of YAHS students, 37, have been inducted into the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society, a nationwide organization, recognizes high school students for academic excellence. All YAHS students inducted into NHS must first achieve a minimum 3.7 grade point average and are then selected for demonstrated excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, character, and service. The induction ceremony took place on March 11, 2003, just as students were receiving their college acceptance notifications.

Yeshiva Atlanta High School is one of Federation's local beneficiary agencies, and received an allocation of $155,939 in FY03.