S

ports at the Frankel Jewish Academy are 
more than just wins and losses.
They’re also a major part of the school’s 
culture and identity, a source of pride, and 
for the student-athletes, another layer of their 
preparation for what’s ahead for them in the 
world after high school.
Participation in sports has always been high 
at Frankel, and this past school year was no 
exception.
There were 143 students enrolled at Frankel 
during the 2023-24 school year and an amaz-
ing 100, or 70% of them, played at least one 
sport. Of those 100, two played four sports, 10 
played three sports and 35 played two sports.
By comparison, the most recent state-by-
state high school sports participation rates, 
compiled by the National Federation of State 

High School Associations for the 2022-23 
school year, showed Maine had the highest rate 
of any state at 62.1%. At the bottom of the list 
was Nevada at 19.4%.

LET’S HEAR FROM RABBI COHEN
Rabbi Azaryah Cohen, Frankel’s head of 
school, said sports are a critical 
component of Frankel’s education 
program.
 “Not just because of the many 
physical and mental health bene-
fits, but also the myriad of oppor-
tunities for students to learn and 
grow,” he said.
“Our student-athletes develop 
new skills, learn how to work as a team, gain 
confidence and give confidence, overcome 

Frankel Jewish Academy sports teams thrive 
Frankel Jewish Academy sports teams thrive 
in an atmosphere of participation and pride 
in an atmosphere of participation and pride 
— and a commitment to honoring Shabbat.
and a commitment to honoring Shabbat.

Rabbi 
Azaryah 
Cohen

STEVE STEIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OUR COMMUNITY
ON THE COVER

