Student Achievement: Shafqat ’16, Lefton ’19, Hamilton ’22

Mehreen Shafqat ’16 was one of 108 students (0.07% of all 2016 AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam takers) in the world to earn every point possible on the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam.

Jacob Lefton ’19 has been selected to represent the United States at the 20th World Maccabiah Games, which will take place in Israel during the summer of 2017. Jacob will be participating as a member of the Team USA Junior Ice Hockey Team. The team consist of 22 players selected from over 100 potential players. The Maccabiah Games is an amazing cultural and athletic experience, with 9000 athletes from 72 countries participating in a variety of different sports. All athletes, including Jacob, will also participate in a seven-day Israel Connect Program that begins one week prior to the actual two weeks of competition. Jacob will also spend time training and practicing with his teammates from all over the United States the before departing for Israel. He is currently the only USA hockey team player from St. Louis and one of two St. Louis athletes selected to represent the USA in the 20th World Maccabiah Games.

“To have the opportunity to play the sport I love while representing the USA on the Junior Ice Hockey Team this summer in Israel is truly an honor,” Jacob said. “I am looking forward to not only experiencing and learning more about Israel but also having the chance to connect with other Jewish teens not only from across the USA but from so many other countries. I know this will be the most amazing life changing month long experience.”

Bogdan Hamilton ’22 won the Silver Medal in Y12 Men’s Foil (competitors aged 12 and under) at the U.S.A. Fencing National Championships held in Milwaukee, WI on November 14, 2016. Bogdan is currently ranked number 1 in the U.S. in Y12 Men’s foil.