Melissa
Goldman
Baltimore Jewish Times Staff Reporter
DECEMBER 19, 2003
When the SAT and SAT II scores began rolling in at Yeshivat Rambam/ Maimonides Academy of Baltimore earlier this month, the school's faculty were in for a pleasant shock.
"We've
always had good [scores], but this is unbelievable," said
head of school Dr. Rita Shloush. "We've had very good grades, and
our students are really performing beautifully in the classroom and in
their SATs and SAT IIs. But perfect scores are unusual for anybody — and
to have four perfect scores in SAT IIs in different areas is extremely
special."
Last year, many Rambam students had multiple scores over 700, but this year's scores turned heads. In all, four students out of the approximately 20 who took the SAT II received perfect 800 scores — Yosef B. and Tomer H. on the Math IC, Reena M. on Writing and Margaret W. on the U.S. History SAT II.
In addition, about 45 students took the SAT I, and Yonah E., Tomer H. (also a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist) and Yonah H. received perfect scores on the math section; Gadi L., Reena M. and Brian N. were recognized as commended students by the National Merit Scholarship Program.
"I was certainly happy," said junior Yosef B., who hopes to pursue a degree in a math or science field. "I knew I did very well on it, but I wasn't sure how well."
Senior Yonah H. agreed. "I knew I did pretty well," said the 17-year-old, who says his top college choice is Columbia University's engineering program. "It's whether you make that careless mistake or not."
Most students credited their teachers for giving them excellent preparation, as well as their parents for a strong emphasis on education. "There's a sense of satisfaction for the educators here," said Dr. Shloush. "Our faculty is really devoted, and our students really appreciate that."
Said
Rabbi Howard Bald, middle school and high school principal: "All
these students received their 800s on these various tests, but the truth
is, they're '800 kids' — their overall personality. Ultimately,
that's what we're most proud of."