“There are some moments you don’t realize are shaping you until much later, and for me, many of those moments happened on Fridays at Davis.

At Davis, I was taught how to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and approach problems with discipline and integrity. At the time, those skills were part of my everyday learning. Now, I can see how deeply that foundation continues to shape how I study, analyze issues, and make decisions.

But what I remember most clearly isn’t just what I learned. It’s how it felt. One of my favorite Davis memories is my dad coming to Kabbalat Shabbat every Friday. I remember feeling so proud when he walked in. It wasn’t just about him being there. It was about getting to show him what I had learned, the projects I had worked on, the prayers I could now lead or sing, and the growth I felt week to week. Those Fridays made school feel bigger than just academics. They connected home and school in a really meaningful way. I always felt proud of the work I had done and grateful to share it with him, and those moments made the Davis community feel like family.

That sense of connection stayed with me, and so did the values. Equally important were the Jewish values woven into daily life: responsibility to community, respect for others, commitment to justice, and the idea that learning is lifelong. Concepts like tikkun olam and being accountable not just for myself but for those around me still guide how I treat people and how I show up in my academic and professional environments. Davis didn’t just teach content. It instilled habits, values, and a sense of purpose that continue to influence my personal and career path.

After graduating from Davis in 2017, I continued my journey at The Weber School, graduating in 2021. I then earned a degree in Criminology from the University of Florida in 2025, and I am currently pursuing my Juris Doctor at Emory University School of Law, with an expected graduation in 2028. Along the way, I’ve also stayed connected to my values through community involvement with GiGi’s Playhouse.

As I moved into high school and now law school, I began to recognize just how lasting that preparation was. Davis gives students a foundation that truly lasts. The academic skills I developed there, critical thinking, clear writing, strong reading comprehension, and the confidence to speak thoughtfully, are the same skills I rely on every day. Davis taught me how to analyze complex material, ask meaningful questions, and engage in respectful dialogue, which are essential in a rigorous academic environment.

I also credit Davis for preparing me to confidently advocate for the Jewish people using the knowledge and facts I gained there. Going into high school, I felt ahead in both written and spoken grammar, my ability to engage in group discussions, and, most importantly, my ability to advocate for myself.

Looking back, I see that Davis didn’t just prepare me for the next step. It prepared me for how to think, lead, and navigate challenges. Just as important, it instilled discipline, curiosity, and a strong moral framework rooted in Jewish values. That combination of intellectual preparation and character development has stayed with me long after middle school and continues to guide me in everything I do.”

—Jordyn Starr, Class of 2017