Needham Youth Services presents....

Left to right: NBA Representative, Bill Dermody from Century 21 Commonwealth, November RAY of Hope Zach Blankstein, Liz Loveless, Clinician at Youth Services.

Zach Blankstein is a senior at Needham High School. He was nominated by Katie Eschle, for his participation with Spanish Club and his involvement with music in his temple’s youth group. He has been playing guitar for 14 years and has a passion for music. “I do as much as can to incorporate this passion into the work that I do, says Zach. He is the head of music for education programs at Temple Beth Elohim. His responsibilities include leading all music and ceremonies for over two hundred teens throughout the region at various events. He also serves as the elected head of the senior leadership team that oversees all youth group activities at Temple Beth Elohim. This year, the board is planning five social justice events, six retreats and a trip to New York, as well as weekly educational and recreational programs.

In addition, he has organized a rally to prevent gun violence for local teens in the community. Over two hundred people attended and participated in various workshops to spread awareness and contact local politicians. All money raised was donated to help on both the local and national level.

Zach serves as the President for the Needham High School Politics Club and Spanish Club. He is in the National Honor Society and Co-Founder and President of Needham High School Politics Club and Co-President of Needham High School Spanish Club.

“I love serving my community, and have truly found meaning in the work I’ve done by choosing fields that I find to be very fulfilling,” states Zach.

Watch the ceremony honoring Zach at: https://youtu.be/QssqltpW1pg

For more information please visit www.needhamma.gov/youth/ray