It All Started at the Charlotte Jewish Preschool

There they stood again, the five girls arm-in-arm for a photo. They have been striking that pose for more than 15 years; this time the celebration was high school graduation. And it all started at the Charlotte Jewish Preschool.

Shayna Bernstein, Rebecca Davis, Katy Dumas, Suzanne Fleishman and Hannah Hindel first met when they were two years old at preschool. Their shared experience was the foundation for life-long friendships and a launching pad for future success. They live their lives with passion, curiosity, and open hearts -- values modeled and fostered at CJP.

The group includes scholars, athletes, musicians, leaders, advocates for social and environmental change, but most importantly, mensches. Today, all five are freshman in college; Hannah at Williams College, Rebecca at NC State and Shayna, Suzanne and Katy at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Among their collective accomplishments: debate champion (Hannah), cello players (Hannah, Rebecca), star poll vaulter (Katy), Temple youth group board members (Suzanne and Rebecca), regional youth group president (Shayna), lacrosse players (Suzanne, Rebecca), french horn player (Katy), accomplished vocalist (Hannah), tennis player (Shayna) , human rights and environmental activist (Suzanne), cross country runner (Katy) and community volunteers (all).

Their interests are diverse, but each understands the commitment it takes to accomplish goals and do a good job.

Love of Judaism took on meaning for these girls in preschool and inspired them to continue their lives as active Jews through b’not mitzvah, confirmation, high school and now college. Their involvement in the Jewish community has included b’nei mitzvah tutoring, singing with the youth choir, madrichot in the religious school, Jewish youth group leadership and Hebrew High School. Each has visited Israel.

The Charlotte Jewish Preschool staff offered a place that fostered friendship, self confidence, pride in all things Jewish and a desire to learn and be an active part of the larger world. The teachers’ creativity and sensitivity allowed each of these girls, along with other students, to learn and grow. And the flexibility and openness of the staff encouraged parental involvement. Teacher insights helped parents manage the challenges of preschoolers, and guide them in making choices for next steps in education. Several of the teacher/family connections continued well beyond the preschool years.

Over the years, these five young women have supported each other through the ups and downs of life. And like so many others who have had children at CJP, their families have become very close as a result, sharing life cycle and milestone events and forming friendships independent of their children.

While each of these extraordinary young women has taken her own path, the positive experience they shared at CJP keeps them and their families connected.