KYLE BERGER
It was a long weekend for 17-year-old Rachael Segal; one that also
signified the conclusion of a long, successful year as the president
of the Pacific Northwest Region of United Synagogue Youth (USY).
When she handed over her president's gavel to Spokane's Jody Zellman
at the regional convention, held May 27-30, she knew that she had
left a solid legacy for the organization to which she had dedicated
her teenage years.
"I can't believe it's over," Segal told the Bulletin
upon returning home to Vancouver. "I have learned so much this
year and I will never forget the friends that I made. They mean
the world to me."
The region found success under Segal's leadership. Membership increased
for both USY and Kadima - a similar program for youth in grades
6-8 - and, thanks to the hard work of her regional executive board
member, they broke records for social action fund-raising and programming.
This year also marked the beginning of two new chapters formed in
North Vancouver and Eugene, Ore.
Neal Chark, USY's regional director, said that he is excited about
the positive direction in which the organization is currently headed
and credits Segal with creating an atmosphere of passion among her
peers.
"Her enthusiasm was infectious and her peers have followed
her lead," he said. "She represented her region with pride
on a regional and international level."
More than 60 teens from the five Canadian chapters in Richmond,
Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton travelled across the border
for the convention, joining more than 100 of their American counterparts
at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bellevue, Wash.
The weekend included educational theme sessions on community leadership,
social action projects, religious services and sightseeing around
downtown Seattle.
Although the regional executive board for the 2005/2006 school year
does not have representation from any of the Canadian chapters,
Richmond's Shayna Halliwell has been chosen to co-chair this summer's
regional Leadership Encampment at Camp Solomon Schechter, Aug. 21-25.
As well, Calgary's Doni Saks currently holds the religious education
vice-president post on the USY international executive board.
Richmond's Jon Davis was also an executive board member with Segal
for the 2004/05 year. He served as the region's communications vice-president
and will spend his final year with USY as the Richmond chapter president.
More information about USY can be found online at www.uscj.com/pacnw/usy.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.