34 | APRIL 14 • 2022 T he Detroit Public Schools Foundation has launched the Pernick Prize, an annual merit-based award of $15,000 each year for two Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students in mathematics and medicine. Endowed by former DPS Foundation board member and pathologist Dr. Nat Pernick, M.D., the hope is to motivate and inspire DPSCD students to excel and raise the stature of DPSCD in these important fields while recognizing excep- tional performances. Pernick, an ardent supporter and believer in the power of mathematics and science edu- cation, said students of Detroit’s schools deserve financial sup- port for both their educational goals and career pursuits. Pernick previously set up a scholarship program for DPSCD students which is still ongoing, Detroit College Promise, and hopes the Pernick Prize can complement it. “I think it’s important to inspire and motivate students to be the best they can be, ” Pernick said. “I’m hoping this is just another grain of sand on the pile of improving education in Detroit. ” The Pernick Prize Selection Committee includes experts in mathematics and medicine along with DPSCD and DPS Foundation staff. Awards will be presented during the inaugural annual ceremony on April 29. “Dr. Pernick’s generosity and this unique opportunity for students speak to his commit- ment by contributing to a rich educational experience and leveling the playing field, ” said Pamela J. Moore, president and CEO of the DPS Foundation via press release. “We’re excited to showcase the phenomenal achievements of our students and to reward them as they pursue their dreams. ” Pernick said the award helps the winning students directly in paying for college and other educational expenses. “I’m hoping other students will spend more time and focus in these areas, as well as education in general, ” he said. “ And another motivating fac- tor, maybe some schools will improve their programs, maybe we’ll have a math club, science OUR COMMUNITY Awards will be presented during the inaugural annual ceremony on April 29. Dr. Nat Pernick Endows Award for Detroit Students DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER T he Frankel Jewish Academy team for this year’s Maimonides Moot Court Competition earned first place among the seven teams competing on April 3 in the Cardozo Division of the MMCC Virtual Competition. This year, participating students were tasked with answering the question: Is online shaming permissible for a greater cause? The students prepared both written and oral presentations by meeting weekly, since the beginning of the school year, and did additional preparation outside of school. Their response to the question was based on their study and analysis of traditional Jewish texts, including the Bible and Talmud, and commentaries spanning 2,000 years. The FJA team participated in the Cardozo Division, in which teams are provided the Jewish sources, from which they choose which ones to include in their presentations. Some schools/ teams participated in an in-person competition, held near Baltimore on March 27. The FJA competed against six other teams — two from Israel, and four separate teams from a Jewish school in San Diego. Team members included Evan Weitzman ’23 (captain), Samantha Caminker ’24, Eliyah Fradkin ’24, and Esti Klein ’24 with Rabbi Elliot Pachter as the team advisor. All team members participated last year, and Evan Weitzman is now a three-year MMCC veteran. They have learned a lot from their past experiences, and their hard work paid off this year. FJA Teams from Frankel Jewish Academy won awards in two competitions. Mazel Tov, FJA Students The team who delivered the third- place presentation at the Technion Robotraffic competition.