k‘.

Show

Regional Convention

gives AZA and BBG

members a chance to

show off in friendly

competition.

The 1998 Talent Show masters of ceremony: Marni Zack, Lauren
Franklin, Adam McDonald and JR. Manho

LISA BARSON

Special to the Jewish News

A

rea teens are gearing up
for some pretty intense
competition. Practice
runs well into the
evening as they prepare to compete
in such events as swimming, table
tennis, volleyball, basketball and
funky Lincoln Log building.
"That [latter] event is for specta-
tors who haven't signed up for the
main competitions, or for people
who have already dropped out of
competition but still want to get
involved," laughs Shay Goldenberg,
one of two chairs for the 1999
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization
(BBYO) Regional Convention.
Each year, Regional Convention
is BBYO's largest event, and orga-
nizers are anticipating a record
crowd of 350 participants Dec. 23-
28, with most events at the Jewish
Community Center in West
Bloomfield.

Goldenberg, 17, is a senior at
Berkley High School. He has been
working tirelessly for the last four
months with his co-chair, 17-year-old
Jillian Gold, a senior at North
Farmington High School. Elected as
Regional Convention chairs in May,
the two began the process of organiz-
ing the event over the summer.
First they developed the theme —
"The Incredible Journey" — and
then restructured the rule book. But
they got into full swing during the
past few months. The chairs oversee
every aspect of this six-day event.
Other venues include Congregation
Shaarey Zedek, Beth Abraham Hillel
Moses, Plum Hollow Lanes and
Whirlyball of West Bloomfield.
Regional Convention is open to
any teen who is a registered member
of BBYO. It's not just for the athleti-
cally inclined. 'Fhere are events for all
interests, including photography, tal-
ent show, song, cheer, quiz bowl, ora-
tory and storytelling. Judges for the
contests are selected by a committee

made up of members of BBYO, and
include parents, BBYO alumni, and
board members of BBYO and B'nai
B'rith.
The convention also hosts non-
competitive activities, such as a com-
munity Friday night Shabbat service
and oneg, Havdala service, and the
traditional "dressy dance."
"This event is a wonderful way to
build sisterhood and fraternity in the
chapters," explains Gold. "It gets
people who are not really active in
their chapters excited about the orga-
nization, and they. often get more
involved for the rest of the year."
"Some people do take the com-
petition very seriously,u adds
Goldenberg. "But the majority
know it's really just a friendly com-
petition. There are enough diverse
events so that there is literally
something for everyone."
Teens often forgo family vaca-
tions to stay in town for Regional
Convention. "Many high school
freshman go out of town," says

Goldenberg, "but when they come
back and see the pictures and hear
about what they missed, they don't
want to miss out the next year."
Many participants will stay with
friends while their families are
away, so as not to miss the fun.
Both Gold and Goldenberg have
been active BBYO members since
they were freshmen. Gold has
always loved Regional Convention,
and wanted to chair it so she could
add her own creative touches. She
wants to make it the most exciting
and fun event possible.
Adds Goldenberg, "Convention
is not only a great time, but you
learn more about Judaism, fraterni-
ty and working together as a group
toward a common goal." 1-1

For information about partici-
pating in Regional Convention,
call the BBYO office, (248)
788-0700.

- 12/17
1999

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