36 | MAY 25 • 2023
faces&places
H
illel Day School’s Head of
School Dr. Darin Katz invited
donors to officially cut the
ribbon on the school’s new outdoor
athletic facilities, less than one year
after launching its “Open Space, Open
Minds” capital campaign to transform
the school’s outdoor amenities.
The campaign was led by Hillel’s
Director of Advancement Amy
Schlussel and the more than 275
contributors who made donations
toward the projects.
Lead funders included Sue and
Alan J. Kaufman, who funded the
Sue and Alan J. Kaufman Family
Field and the H.W. Kaufman
Entrance. The all-season field is 107
yards long and 72 yards wide, large
enough to accommodate Hillel’s
sports teams, yet flexible enough to
host youth sports teams. The field
can accommodate soccer, lacrosse,
football and field hockey, just to name
a few.
Lori and Maurice Pogoda were the
lead donors for the Pogoda Family
Sports Courts, two fenced-in courts
where students can play basketball,
volleyball, pickleball, floor hockey,
four-square and other gross-motor
sports.
The William Davidson Foundation
funded the William Davidson track,
a two-lane track surrounding the
athletic field, and the Jewish Fund
provided funds for the scoreboard,
which will keep track of the score for
the Hillel Hawks. Steven R. Weisberg
was the lead donor for the Steven R.
Weisberg Courtyard, with tables and
benches where people can relax.
Lead donors, community leaders,
parents and students gathered for the
festive event, which featured an ice
cream truck for those attending.
“The new athletic complex is an
extension of our classrooms,” Katz
said. “This is a game changer that
will improve the physical and mental
health of Hillel students so they can
be the best they can be.”
Katz said the school is not done yet.
“We’re not stopping. We have broken
ground to renovate the Little Red
Schoolhouse.”
The historical landmark, which
once housed Hillel kindergarten, will
be converted into a hub for athletic
support and activity.
FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Steven Weisberg, Jeff Schlussel,
Ethan Davidson, Alan and Sue Kaufman, Lori and Maurice
Pogoda; Steven Weisberg and Laura Clemens; Maurice and
Lori Pogoda.
JACKIE HEADAPOHL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Hillel Ribbon Cutting
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLEL DAY SCHOOL