The Irv Pinsker Award for Distinguished Service

Ashley Eckstat & Alyssa Samet, 2023-2024 Parent Association Co-Chairs

Over the years, the Irv Pinsker Award for Distinguished Service has been awarded to volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to B’nai Shalom. Irv Pinsker was instrumental in helping  B’nai Shalom Day School become a reality. Irv would work during the day and then come to school in the evening to volunteer. Though he did not have an official title, Irv volunteered to do the tasks that a Business Director would typically do and in doing so, set the standard for others to follow.

Because of Irv's inspirational and tireless efforts, the Board of Directors established the Irv Pinsker Award for Distinguished Service. It is a very special award named in honor of a very special person. Last night at the Annual Parent Meeting & Student Art Showcase, we were excited to honor two people with this important award.

One of the most significant disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic was its impact on our school community. Previously, parents regularly volunteered, met with each other, and chatted in the halls after morning drop-off. However, this changed abruptly when parents were no longer allowed in the building, leaving our halls feeling empty.

As COVID restrictions began to ease, two parents took on the task of revitalizing parent involvement and fostering a sense of community. Rather than going back to what had always been done in the past, they envisioned a new approach to parent engagement. Thus the B’nai Shalom Parent Association was formed. Much of their work was quiet and hidden from view. The countless emails sent to other parents asking them to volunteer their time, the endless revisions and tweaks to sign up sheets so that volunteers would be secured to support our teachers for big school events, countless calls to restaurants to organize meals for teacher appreciation week. All the while, thinking of new ways parents could connect and build relationships with one another, strengthening the B'nai Shalom community.

It is because of these reasons that we are pleased to announce our 2023-2024 award recipients: Ashley Eckstat & Alyssa Samet, our Parent Association Co-Chairs.

We are happy to share that next year Alyssa will continue as Parent Association Co-Chair alongside Courtney Matherly, and Ashley will continue her service on our Board of Trustees.

Congratulations Ashley & Alyssa!