16 | MAY 16 • 2024
J
N

D

etroit’s Jewish community
can rest assured that the next
generation of leaders is waiting
in the wings. This year, the Jewish
News is once again recognizing
remarkable teens in our community
who excel in academics, sports,
activism and tikkun olam — among
many other areas.
They all have one thing in common
— they are making a difference in their
communities.
Enjoy reading the following snapshots
of this year’s crop of Rising Stars,
presented in alphabetical order.

WONARE BURDE

Wonare Burde,
17, lives in
Pleasant Ridge
and is a junior at
Ferndale High
School. She is a
rising star at
Temple Emanu-el
in Oak Park.
Wonare is
active in the
Ferndale High

School Student Council, working
to help others in her school. She is
dedicated to her studies and enjoys
learning.
In the fall football season, Wonare
is active in the Marching Band Color
Guard using her athletic, artistic and
dance skills in every routine.
She is an exceptionally talented
musician, playing the oboe. Outside
of the school band, she is a member of
the Civic Youth Ensemble Orchestra,
organized by the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra youth division, and was
honored to be chosen to participate
in the Senza program, an accelerated
music education program for high
school musicians also supported by the
DSO.
Wonare is a role model for the
students at Yachad Religious School,
serving as a madrichah in the second-
grade classroom. The teacher and
kids in the classroom appreciate her
kindness and caring presence.
Wonare continues to rise in her
gentle, quiet and powerful way as she
touches those around her.

SYDNEY BUTLER

Sydney Butler,
18, lives in
Bloomfield Hills
where she will
soon graduate
from Bloomfield
Hills High
School. She is a
rising star at
Temple Israel in
West Bloomfield.
Sydney’s two-
year tenure as president of Temple
Israel’s youth group, YFTI, has been
marked by her unwavering dedication
and exceptional leadership. Under her
guidance, a vibrant sense of community
has flourished, embracing newcomers
and seniors alike. Sydney’s remarkable
ability to connect with every teen she
encounters ensures that no one feels
overlooked, rather, they are warmly
welcomed into the fold. Her mission
to elevate every “YFTI Event” to new
heights is nothing short of inspiring.
Whether it be fundraisers, social
action endeavors or weekend trips,
Sydney consistently assumes a pivotal

RISING STARS