{"id":2477,"date":"2024-06-03T19:24:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T23:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/palette.atljewishacademy.org\/?p=2477"},"modified":"2025-01-30T19:35:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T00:35:34","slug":"photographers-friends-and-filmmakers-oh-my","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/palette.atljewishacademy.org\/?p=2477","title":{"rendered":"Photographers, Friends, and Filmmakers, Oh My!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Who Was in the Stands at AJA\u2019s Spring Classic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Student athletes were not the only ones taking center field at AJA’s annual Spring Classic this year. Spectators ranging from student photographers to podcasters, parents to volunteers, and teachers to alumni filled the field during the tournament\u2019s games Friday and Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spring Classic, now a three-year tradition at AJA, brought in four flag football teams from Jewish day schools across the country: Katz Yeshiva High School, Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS), Yeshiva of Flatbush, and the Posnack School. The invitational occurred March 29 to 31, with rounds of pool play on Friday, championship games on Sunday, and a Shabbaton in Toco Hills in between. Katz took the championship in the final game against Posnack, and AJA rounded out the podium in third place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Friday, the entire AJA High School as well as many middle and lower school classes attended the Jaguar\u2019s first game against NYHS. Junior Danit Kunter noted that the event felt more \u201creal\u201d and professional this year with an abundance of home fans and guests. Announcements by parent Randy Gold accompanied by loud and upbeat music enhanced the spectator experience. The sun shone and a small breeze blew through the invitational\u2019s opening game.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among those out on the field were several student photographers. Freshman Isaiah Siegman dressed for the job with a baseball cap and two cameras strung around his shoulders. For him, sports photography is a means of creativity and reporting. \u201cIt’s a really cool way to express myself and give the school an idea of what it\u2019s really like in the intensity of the game,\u201d he said. Isaiah attended as a friend as well and enjoyed showing school spirit and supporting his peers while they \u201cplay the game they love.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marketing Manager Shaina Taft also watched the game through her lens. She said that the camera gives \u201ca different take, a different viewpoint of the game,\u201d one which helps her appreciate the ruach<\/em> (spirit) of the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other spectators took to new forms of media at the Spring Classic. Eliana Linsider and Ariella Shulman, two of AJA\u2019s resident redheads, brought miniature microphones and interviewed athletes from visiting schools on the spot, compiling their results in a podcast they called \u201cGinger Talks.\u201d Ariella said the experience was unique, a benefit of a sports invitational hosted at her own school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even for many spectators not creating content, the tournament proved enjoyable. Rabbi E called the experience \u201cunbelievable,\u201d saying it inspires him to see his students \u201cexcelling on the field both in play and in their middot<\/em> (character traits)\u201d too. \u201cIt [motivates me] to be enthusiastic with my students,\u201d he said. \u201cI become part of the game. I feel like I am there with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several teachers supported their students from the sidelines. Mrs. Brand, decked out in swag for the occasion, said during a game that even though she does not \u201cunderstand a lot of what\u2019s going on on the field\u2026 I\u2019ve got my jaguar T-shirt on, I\u2019ve got my parasol to keep the sun off my face, and I\u2019m here to cheer on the \u2018sports-ing.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also in the crowd were volunteers like Mr. Mark Sokol, a former parent who organized some tournament logistics. Mr. Sokol enjoys volunteering for an invitational that he knows both AJA and visiting students look forward to. He said he likes watching the athletes get to know one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs. Yael Katz, a parent of freshman football player Judah Katz, said that it excites her to \u201cwatch all of [the kids be] passionate about sports and about being Jewish and about being together.\u201d The connections forged between teams are unique to the Spring Classic, which includes a Shabbaton portion with a stronger feeling of community than the regular flag football season, added Mrs. Jessica Wilson, parent of freshman Johnny and senior Mikey Wilson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs. Wilson, also the parent of flag football alum Simmy Wilson (Class of \u201821), said the tournament sustains connection between former students and AJA. Simmy and his old teammates eagerly follow the tournament live stream. \u201cEven when you leave here, you can still watch your old school play,\u201d Mrs. Wilson said. For alumni, just one of many groups of spectators at this year\u2019s Spring Classic, the tournament helps them \u201cstay connected through the sports over the years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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