Written by Uriel Vahdey

As finals week approached, most students studied their hardest to get good grades. Stress started to build up in the following days until Valley Torah announced its ALIVE lunch. For the last time of the school year, all members of the ALIVE program got together and enjoyed a barbecue set up by the students and teachers. The end of the year also came with many sad goodbyes from some teachers and the graduating class. Mr. Rogers, a math teacher loved by his students, announced that 2025 would be his last year in Valley Torah. All of his students made a goodbye card and even surprised him with balloons and a cake to enjoy. Another surprise leave was from Rabbi Koshki, who planned to move to Lakewood next year. His time in Valley Torah was marked by creating enthusiasm in all his students to go down the path of Judaism. On the other hand, Mr. Kreuzberger, our science teacher, excited everyone with a parting gift on the last day, even though he planned on returning the following year. After class ended, he gave every student a one-hour free play card to Dave and Busters! His gift marked the transition from school to summer break for everyone. During finals, students owning businesses started to pack up their machines to bring them back the next year. Rabbi Semmel’s famous coffees were also flying off the shelves because students said they needed the caffeine for passing finals. Although the formal school year was ending, the Rabbis set up summer learning programs to keep students enthusiastic about increasing their spiritual level.