HOLOCAUST REFLECTION CONTEST WINNERS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND FOUNDERS
WASHINGTON TRIP - 2015
What an amazing experience this was for all. Here are just a few comments from our students and parents :
From Nina : My mother and I got back yesterday at around 11:30, but I must tell you I didn't sleep until probably around one o'clock in the morning. There was no possible way on earth I could've slept after experiencing and witnessing so many different memories that I would remember throughout my whole life. The trip to Washington D.C. was extraordinary! We students learned so much more about the Holocaust than our history textbooks could tell us. By hearing the thoughts and opinions of several dignitaries, we were able to, as you had said, not only learn about the Holocaust, but from the Holocaust. The private tour of the Holocaust Museum was extremely moving--- something that could not have been experienced at home in the classroom. Thank you so much for that great opportunity. Thank you immensely for giving us the opportunity to travel to D.C. where we learned so much. I learned that it is imperative as the next generation of our country to acknowledge the horrors of the Holocaust and learn from it that it is vital that the people of the world, no matter their race, religion, or gender, are respected.
From Dominique : This contest has been the most prominent and important "up" for me. Mr. Weiner, I have become incredibly blessed with a full four year scholarship to Academy of the Holy Names. Through my help with my school's arts, my academics, and being selected as a winner of the Holocaust Reflection Contest, I have been granted this opportunity to spend 4 great years at The Academy. I am extremely grateful for everything this contest has helped me gain as an individual. I really hope the future winners of this contest really understand how much winning means. I want you to know how much of an eye-opener this entire experience has been. Thank you so much.
From Elijah : I want to start by saying "THANK YOU!" The trip was more than I could have ever imagined. Last night, when mom and I were in the hotel, we looked through the pictures and it seemed as though I had a story about each and every one of them. The people that we met and the things that we had done are not what most individuals would have the opportunity to do. I was really inspired by Mrs. Margit Meissner (Holocaust Survivor) and the incredible story she told. The visits to FOX and CNN were so much fun and I have so much respect for Mr. James Rosen and Mr. John King. I have even seen clips of them on Fox News and CNN since our meeting. It was fun to say, "I met him!" They were both such positive people and it seems that they all became successful through their hard work. If I didn't know better, I would have thought my mom told them to say that to us!
Mr. Haas had a great personality and he shared so much time with us. I did a Google search and read some of his "Areas of Expertise" on his American Foreign Policy page. I'll bet he has many stories to tell. Oh, I can't leave this out....Mr. Rosen had a GREAT tie!!! I really appreciated the opportunity to visit the Israeli, Canadian, British and German embassies. It was clear that there is a great deal of work going on throughout the world toward Holocaust education and understanding, as well as, work to stop hate and injustice toward all. I could go on and on about Senator Cotton, Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz and Ros-Lehtinen, the visits to the Holocaust Museum, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Capitol Hill, State Department, Hard Rock and the monuments that we had the opportunity to see. Mr. Weiner, I am not sure if you can really understand the impact that the trip has had on me. The educational part was incredible. The fact that I had the opportunity to meet students from other parts of the state and become friends with intelligent people who don't judge me and accept me was AWESOME! We were a group of kids from all over Florida, different age groups and backgrounds, but WE BECAME SUCH GREAT FRIENDS. I was sad to leave them. I guess you could say that the message of Faith, Hope and Love reached all of us. We really get your point...."We cannot be intolerant of anyone no matter who they are, what they wear, or what they believe!" What a blessing this experience was.
From Susan : Thank you for an incredible and incomparable experience you gave to Garrett and me. On the way home from the airport last night, Garrett said to me, "I still can't believe I got to go on this trip and I still can't believe I got to meet so many important people." We are enjoying the experience again as we share it all with our family. Who would have ever thought that an extra credit Language Arts assignment would turn into a such a memorable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ! It was lovely to meet and spend time with you both. I deeply commend and appreciate your efforts to help eliminate the culture of hatred, intolerance and bigotry. I would love to be added to the HLEF email list to keep in touch with you and to keep up-to-date on your organization's future accomplishments.
From Miguel : I'm Dominique's dad and just wanted to really thank you for all you did for her . She came home super happy and full of amazing stories about the trip. She said that the trip changed her view of life and she is even considering a Career in politics now. It makes me happy to see her so full of energy and enthusiasm for life and I really have no words to describe my gratitude to you and all your wonderful team that made this possible. Thank you so much . I'll be forever grateful for this opportunity. May God bless you all.
From Ariel : Thank you so much for this amazing experience. This has been a once in a lifetime experience.
From Angela : Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and experience you have provided these young people. May God continue to bless you to continue this endeavor.
From Helen : Thank you so much for this learning experience. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to be on this Washington trip and to meet all these incredible people.
From Elaine : Nina and I really appreciate all your incredible efforts and generosity you bestowed upon us., It has been an enormously memorable experience for all.
From Garrett : Thank you for this amazing experience. This trip was wonderful.
WASHINGTON TRIP - 2015
What an amazing experience this was for all. Here are just a few comments from our students and parents :
From Nina : My mother and I got back yesterday at around 11:30, but I must tell you I didn't sleep until probably around one o'clock in the morning. There was no possible way on earth I could've slept after experiencing and witnessing so many different memories that I would remember throughout my whole life. The trip to Washington D.C. was extraordinary! We students learned so much more about the Holocaust than our history textbooks could tell us. By hearing the thoughts and opinions of several dignitaries, we were able to, as you had said, not only learn about the Holocaust, but from the Holocaust. The private tour of the Holocaust Museum was extremely moving--- something that could not have been experienced at home in the classroom. Thank you so much for that great opportunity. Thank you immensely for giving us the opportunity to travel to D.C. where we learned so much. I learned that it is imperative as the next generation of our country to acknowledge the horrors of the Holocaust and learn from it that it is vital that the people of the world, no matter their race, religion, or gender, are respected.
From Dominique : This contest has been the most prominent and important "up" for me. Mr. Weiner, I have become incredibly blessed with a full four year scholarship to Academy of the Holy Names. Through my help with my school's arts, my academics, and being selected as a winner of the Holocaust Reflection Contest, I have been granted this opportunity to spend 4 great years at The Academy. I am extremely grateful for everything this contest has helped me gain as an individual. I really hope the future winners of this contest really understand how much winning means. I want you to know how much of an eye-opener this entire experience has been. Thank you so much.
From Elijah : I want to start by saying "THANK YOU!" The trip was more than I could have ever imagined. Last night, when mom and I were in the hotel, we looked through the pictures and it seemed as though I had a story about each and every one of them. The people that we met and the things that we had done are not what most individuals would have the opportunity to do. I was really inspired by Mrs. Margit Meissner (Holocaust Survivor) and the incredible story she told. The visits to FOX and CNN were so much fun and I have so much respect for Mr. James Rosen and Mr. John King. I have even seen clips of them on Fox News and CNN since our meeting. It was fun to say, "I met him!" They were both such positive people and it seems that they all became successful through their hard work. If I didn't know better, I would have thought my mom told them to say that to us!
Mr. Haas had a great personality and he shared so much time with us. I did a Google search and read some of his "Areas of Expertise" on his American Foreign Policy page. I'll bet he has many stories to tell. Oh, I can't leave this out....Mr. Rosen had a GREAT tie!!! I really appreciated the opportunity to visit the Israeli, Canadian, British and German embassies. It was clear that there is a great deal of work going on throughout the world toward Holocaust education and understanding, as well as, work to stop hate and injustice toward all. I could go on and on about Senator Cotton, Congresswomen Wasserman Schultz and Ros-Lehtinen, the visits to the Holocaust Museum, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Capitol Hill, State Department, Hard Rock and the monuments that we had the opportunity to see. Mr. Weiner, I am not sure if you can really understand the impact that the trip has had on me. The educational part was incredible. The fact that I had the opportunity to meet students from other parts of the state and become friends with intelligent people who don't judge me and accept me was AWESOME! We were a group of kids from all over Florida, different age groups and backgrounds, but WE BECAME SUCH GREAT FRIENDS. I was sad to leave them. I guess you could say that the message of Faith, Hope and Love reached all of us. We really get your point...."We cannot be intolerant of anyone no matter who they are, what they wear, or what they believe!" What a blessing this experience was.
From Susan : Thank you for an incredible and incomparable experience you gave to Garrett and me. On the way home from the airport last night, Garrett said to me, "I still can't believe I got to go on this trip and I still can't believe I got to meet so many important people." We are enjoying the experience again as we share it all with our family. Who would have ever thought that an extra credit Language Arts assignment would turn into a such a memorable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity ! It was lovely to meet and spend time with you both. I deeply commend and appreciate your efforts to help eliminate the culture of hatred, intolerance and bigotry. I would love to be added to the HLEF email list to keep in touch with you and to keep up-to-date on your organization's future accomplishments.
From Miguel : I'm Dominique's dad and just wanted to really thank you for all you did for her . She came home super happy and full of amazing stories about the trip. She said that the trip changed her view of life and she is even considering a Career in politics now. It makes me happy to see her so full of energy and enthusiasm for life and I really have no words to describe my gratitude to you and all your wonderful team that made this possible. Thank you so much . I'll be forever grateful for this opportunity. May God bless you all.
From Ariel : Thank you so much for this amazing experience. This has been a once in a lifetime experience.
From Angela : Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and experience you have provided these young people. May God continue to bless you to continue this endeavor.
From Helen : Thank you so much for this learning experience. I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity to be on this Washington trip and to meet all these incredible people.
From Elaine : Nina and I really appreciate all your incredible efforts and generosity you bestowed upon us., It has been an enormously memorable experience for all.
From Garrett : Thank you for this amazing experience. This trip was wonderful.
At the Hilton Hotel Each Morning
Margit Meissner- Holocaust Survivor- Age 93
Students with LAWRENCE J. HAAS - Former Communications Director for Vice President Al Gore
Elijah with JOHN KING at CNN
Ariel at the FOX NEWS Anchor Desk w/ JAMES ROSEN
AT THE HARD ROCK - WASHINGTON - DC
Our winners with ILAN SZTULMAN Minister of Public Diplomacy at the Israeli Embassy
A private meeting with IRA FORMAN - Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism - US STATE DEPARTMENT
At the UNITED STATES STATE DEPARTMENT
We're at the LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
WITH SENATOR TOM COTTON
Angie, Elaine and Ariel heading back to Florida
Audra, Garrett and Susan heading home
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A personally autographed book for Elijah Bishop
Students with Museum Dignitary ARTHUR BERGER
With JOHN KING at the CNN Washington Bureau
JOHN KING - CNN
JAMES ROSEN - FOX NEWS- WASHINGTON
Elijah anchoring the new desk
At the HARD ROCK D.C.
At the Canadian Embassy
At the Israeli Embassy
With PETER DAVIES - Deputy Ambassador- British Embassy
CAPITOL HILL
At the US SUPREME COURT
Private meeting with SENATOR TOM COTTON OF ARKANSAS
Just hangin' out at dinner
Elijah, Nina and Helen coming home
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Private Guided Tour of the Museum
CONTROL ROOM - CNN
With JAMES ROSEN at FOX NEWS Washington
Nina on TV at FOX NEWS
At the Embassy for the Federal Republic of Germany
Our winners with German Ambassador PETER WITTIG
With Special Envoy IRA FORMAN - US STATE DEPARTMENT
Student discussion with Deputy Ambassador PETER DAVIES and AMY ENGLISH - Congressional Liason - British Embassy
Meeting with Congresswoman ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN
With Congresswoman and DNC Chair DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ
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