10th Grade Students Begin Transformative Names, Not Numbers Program with Inspiring Opening Session

The 10th grade students officially began their journey in the Names, Not Numbers program with a meaningful and engaging Opening Session. The event marked the start of a powerful educational experience that combines Holocaust education, journalism, and filmmaking, guiding students in preserving the stories of survivors through firsthand interviews.

The session opened with remarks from Head of School Carrie Z. Siegel ‘92 who welcomed students and emphasized the importance of listening to and honoring the voices of Holocaust survivors. “Today, you begin a journey — one that is different from any school project you’ve done before,” said Siegel. “This is not just a class assignment. This is an act of remembrance. An act of responsibility. And, in many ways, it’s a mitzvah.”

Students were then addressed by Tova Rosenberg, founder of Names, Not Numbers. She shared the program’s mission to transform statistics into stories and challenged students to take their role seriously, reminding them that their work will become part of a lasting archive of memory and truth.

To prepare for their upcoming interviews, students participated in a session on interview techniques led by Allan Chernoff, a veteran journalist, author and parent of two GOA alumni. Chernoff shared his expertise on how to create respectful, insightful questions, listen actively, and build trust with interview subjects. His guidance provided students with practical tools to help them conduct sensitive conversations with survivors.

“Names, Not Numbers’ Opening Session sets a meaningful and purposeful tone for the important work ahead as 10th grade students begin researching, preparing and eventually documenting the stories of Holocaust survivors,” said Holocaust Education Coordinator Erin Sternthal. “The program itself not only honors the memories of those who lived through the Holocaust but also empowers students to become thoughtful storytellers and guardians of history.”

Golda Och Academy will premiere the final documentary film on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. For more information on this project, visit www.goldaochacademy.org/nnn.