By Yitzi Diskind (’08)

Over 35 DRS students spent over 6 hours on a bus on Tuesday to travel to and from the State Capitol in Albany to rally for tuition relief for New York students. The trip, developed in coordination with DRS HPAC, brought the students to a rally of over 5000 adults and children from across the cultural spectrum of New York State. The gathering was convened to show support for lawmakers that have advanced several different mechanisms for helping parents struggling with high Yeshiva tuition.

A highlight of the rally was an appearance by Governor Pataki, who spoke about the $500 tax credit towards tuition costs that he has inserted into the 2006-2007 state budget. Several state senators spoke enthusiastically about another proposal which would give up to a $3,500 tax credit for parents who pay tuition.

The DRS students were very enthusiastic, showing their support and proudly displaying the DRS banner for all to see. Rafi Lipschitz (’07) said that “The attendees were very energetic, and with all of our support I am hopeful that the bill will pass.” Dov Winston (’09) enthusiastically stated “It was very cool to meet George Pataki, and it was great to have fun and feel like you are helping the Jewish community at the same time.”

By Zeke Miller (’07), DRS Address Student Editor In Chief

DRS sent its first ever team to the Yeshiva University Model United Nations this past week. After being delayed one day because of the “Blizzard of ’06,” the DRS Model UN team journeyed to Parsippany, New Jersey on Monday morning. The team represented the countries of Congo and Costa Rica in the program. Students took part in approximately ten hours of committee sessions between Monday morning and Tuesday at noon. The event hosted over 600 students from yeshivot from the entire United States and Canada.

Working long hours on behalf of their assigned countries, the DRS members learned the ins and outs of diplomacy and compromise as well as appreciating the importance of leadership and teamwork in international politics. It was an impressive first effort for the DRS squad, and while they did not come back with any awards, Sammy Steiner (’06) was mentioned during the awards ceremony as having performed particularly well.

Special thanks go to the chaperones Mr. Abramowitz and Rabbi Brazil for going along with the team and helping them prepare for the event. Also, the Model UN team is very appreciative to DRS principal Mr. Feldman, who worked tirelessly to integrate the Model UN program into the DRS curriculum, and to Eitan Schrier (’07) and Jeremy Bari (’07) for their help in planning the teams participation in the event. We look forward for next year’s squad to build on the success of this inaugural DRS team.

By Jason Strauss (’07)

While the world was focused on the Olympics in Italy this week, history was being made right here in Woodmere, as the DRS athletic program continued to enjoy unprecedented success this year. Tuesday night was hockey night at the Greenhouse, with the JV and Varsity squads hosting cross-town rival HAFTR . In the JV game, HAFTR scored first in the first period, followed by an unassisted goal by Gavriel Blum to tie it up. In the next two periods, Mordy Bennet scored a hat trick to make it 4-1 DRS. This historic win was significant, not only because the defending champion JV squad went 10-0, but also because it is the first athletic squad in DRS history to go undefeated in the regular season.

The Varsity game was one of the most exciting games every played in the Greenhouse. With the stands packed with enthusiastic fans, Eli Margulies scored the first goal of the game for DRS six minutes into the game. However, HAFTR answered with two goals of their own to take the lead 2-1. It was not until seven minutes into the third period that team captain Steven Genachowski tied the game up at two, leading into overtime. Twenty-seven seconds into overtime, Yoni Fein knocked in the winning goal inviting a celebration by the fans that included the mandatory pile-on.

Finally, the Wildcats have done it: All four major sports teams, including JV and Varsity hockey and basketball, have made the playoffs. Not only that, but the brand new wrestling team is going to a tournament this weekend. Don’t miss the action, and get ready, because every game will count.

By Pinny Kantowitz ('07)

The much heralded DRS Mock Trial team made history last week with a perfect score in its first match this year against Sewanhaka High School. Dominant performances from assistant captain Elliot Schrier (’07) and captain witness Chaim Chovev (’06) were crucial to the team’s success in this riveting trial match.

The team entered its match this week cautiously optimistic against a strong Massapequa team. In a marathon trial lasting over three hours, team captain Baruch Abbitan (’06) put forth a stellar effort, but it was not enough for a victory. Team coach Mr. Mallin was “pleased with the overall effort put forth, despite the tough loss.”

Despite the setback, the team will be advancing to the next round on March 6 due to the margin of their first match victory. Assistant captain Schrier was aware of the tough road ahead, but he remained confident: “the team is preparing as much as we can in order to put up the best team possible. Hopefully we will be making DRS history this year by advancing to even more rounds.”

The DRS G.O. and Student Activities Office is gearing up for its annual fund raiser for Od Yosef Chai. If you would like to donate funds or volunteer to help collect funds, please call Rabbi Brazil at 516-295- 7700, x111.