SPOTLIGHT Co-Chairs Michelle and Steve Wions: Giving Back to Beth Tfiloh

“When she asked us to co-chair Spotlight, we were both surprised and honored,” said Steve. “It’s a tremendous Jewish value to give back to your community, and we immediately decided that if Dr. Schorr felt we were the right people for the job, we would give it 100 percent and make sure Spotlight 2019 is the most successful Spotlight.”

Plus… who can say “no” to Dr. Schorr?

Ties to KSDS and to BT
The Wions’ BT connection dates back to the spring of 2014 when their older daughter, Samantha ‘18, was accepted to attend BT High School. Their younger daughter, Emma ‘20, joined Sam at BT in 2016. Both Samantha and Emma attended Krieger Schechter Day School from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“We are thankful to Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School for providing our daughters with an outstanding education,” said Steve. “The High School’s college guidance program is truly phenomenal.  Both the General and Judaics programs teach skills that students will use forever.  From the science labs to the dissection of Jewish texts, Samantha and Emma have hands-on experience on how to think critically in today’s confusing world.” Emma agreed, noting that learning to discern fact from fiction and analyzing texts with a critical eye are some of the most valuable lessons she learned throughout her BT education — particularly when it comes to Israel.

Impacting “our family and our lives”
Beth Tfiloh has played a pivotal role in our family and our lives,” commented Michelle. “Whether it be through the Judaics or General Studies classes, the athletics department or through the variety of volunteer opportunities, our family has been thoroughly involved.” In 2016, Michelle joined the BT Parent Association (PA) Board as the treasurer and chaired the Mishloach Manot committee. She remains an active PA board member, where she represents the Upper School Committee.

Co-chairing Spotlight alongside Ellyn and Stephen Polakoff was a natural fit for Michelle and Steve. “Spotlight is vitally important to the health and well-being of BT,” said Michelle. “Our commitment to providing a Jewish education for our children shouldn’t stop with our own children, but must include the entire community. The scholarships provided, through funds raised at Spotlight, have enabled hundreds of area children the ability to attend BT.”  

Giving back to a cherished community
Samantha, a freshman at University of Maryland, College Park, expressed her pride in her parents’ BT involvement.  “My parents love BT and co-chairing Spotlight is an awesome way to give back to the community they cherish,” commented Samantha.

“All children should be able to receive an outstanding Jewish day school education at Beth Tfiloh, regardless of finances,” added Samantha. “I am grateful that I had such an incredible opportunity and hope one day my own children will attend a Jewish day school like BT.”