R.I. teens elected to BBYO regional, local chapters

PROVIDENCE – More than 35 area teens participated in the first virtual elections for the BBYO New England Region recently, electing two members from Rhode Island to the Regional Board and 11 R.I. teens to lead the two local chapters, Judy Ann Leven BBG and Dave Hochman AZA, through the 2020-2021 programming year.

The newly elected Regional Board members are Reese Sock, 17, AZA regional president and a Classical High School student, and Jack Elice, 15, AZA regional vice president of Judaism and community service and a Moses Brown student.

The newly elected board members for Dave Hochman AZA are Cooper Sock, 15, president (Classical High); Jonathan Kabessa, 15, vice president of programming (The Met School); Eric Ryvicker, 16, vice president of membership (Providence Country Day School); Ephram Cola-Jacquin, 17, vice president of Judaism and community service (Classical High); and Jared Weissman, 15, vice president of communication and fundraising (Classical High).

The newly elected board members for Judy Ann Leven BBG are Milly Asherov, 16, president (Classical High); Esme Ginsburg, 16, vice president of programming (East Greenwich High School); Sasha Keizler, 17, vice president of membership (Barrington High School); Baya Ginsburg, 16, vice president of Judaism and community service (East Greenwich High); Samantha Shorr, 16, vice president of communication (East Greenwich); and Ella Johnsen, 15, vice president of fundraising (Cranston High School).

Milly Asherov, president of Judy Ann Leven BBG, said, “BBYO has provided me with experiences and memories that have not only taught me about myself, but also connected me to working toward a better world.  In my new position, I hope to inspire more teens to make a change in their community.”

The 2020-2021 boards of both R.I. chapters were installed in a virtual ceremony in June. Board members will spend the year leading their chapters, mentoring their chapter members, and planning educational, spiritual and fun programming. With COVID-19 still active in the U.S., both boards are looking to schedule exciting online programs. 

“I’m incredibly excited to begin working with this talented group of incoming teen leaders and to seeing the impact they’ll have in our community,” said Samantha Walsh, regional director of BBYO New England. “Their energy and dedication inspires me, and I look forward to a successful year ahead filled with fun, unique and meaningful programs.”

To learn more about BBYO in New England, including upcoming events and activities, contact Samantha Walsh at swalsh@bbyo.org.

Submitted by
BBYO New England.