Staten Island Tech student named to international executive board
Zachary MonteLeon
(Third-Party-Submitted)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In today's world, where negative connotations are sometimes attached to youth, it's refreshing to hear about a young adult who is bright, focused and recognized for his outstanding achievements.
Let's hear it for Zachary MonteLeon, a senior at Staten Island Technical High School, who was among six outstanding teens elected as the 2017 International Executive Board for United Synagogue Youth (USY), the North American youth group of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) -- and the highest teen held positions in the organization.
Chosen by hundreds of their peers at USY's 66th International Convention in Dallas, Texas, the largest event of the programming year that convenes Jewish teens from across the US and Canada. In this capacity, he will help lead and serve as a role model for Jewish teens across North America over the coming year.
he six will help impart meaningful Jewish experiences and values to thousands of North American teens over the coming year.
USY, a program of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), is the largest Conservative Jewish youth group in North America.
Zachary is a senior at Staten Island Technical High School and a member of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, West Brighton.
In addition to his work in the youth group, Zachary is an AP/Honors student and plays in the marching, jazz and concert band at his school. Previously he was named "Youth of the Year" by Congregation B'nai Jeshurun.
The board includes the President, who represents USY at several Jewish events around the world; an Israel Affairs VP, who helps foster a love of and leads advocacy efforts for Israel; a Religious Education VP, who crafts engaging educational programming; a Social Action Tikun Olam VP, who directs thousands of USYers' social action and tzedekah (charity) efforts; a Membership/Kadima vice president, who helps grow membership of teens ages 13-18; and a communications vice president who spreads the organization's message both internally and externally.
In order to run for international board, candidates must submit a letter of intention as well as a petition signed by at least 100 members representing five or more USY chapters or 20 percent of the teens in their respective region. All of the teens elected to this year's board have previously severed in numerous leadership positions both regionally and in their home synagogues.
Additionally they are all actively involved in Conservative Jewish life, having attended AIPAC conferences, Ramah camps, and winning different awards for excellence in their communities.
"USY has shaped who I am, as a person, as a Jew [and] a leader," said 2017 International President Noah Lee. "I hope to be a role model for everyone and help provide experiences that will make people realize [USY's] profound impact on creating friendship, community, deeper experiences, and [facilitating] real discussions about Judaism."
"Each of the individuals that ran this year showed great passion and impressive leadership potential. We are excited to work with a board that is dedicated to inclusion and engaging their peers in a thriving, dynamic Jewish future," said Rabbi David Levy, Sr. director, Teen Learning for USCJ.
For more than 50 years USY has helped shape young leaders on the international, regional, and local level who go on to become leaders in both the Conservative movement and their larger communities.
About USY
United Synagogue Youth (USY) is Conservative Judaism's premiere youth group, run by its parent organization, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. With more than 350 local chapters, USY boasts a membership of thousands of teens throughout the United States and Canada. About USCJ
The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism is a community of North American kehillot (congregations) committed to a dynamic Judaism that is learned and passionate, authentic and joyful.