Ian Goldwasser

Silver Academy graduate '97

3301 N Front Street, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is not just another street address or another building you pass along the Susquehanna River. To me it is much more. This building, which I once considered my second home, holds endless memories of my childhood. It is where I received an invaluable education thanks to The Silver Academy. From kindergarten through 9th grade, this is where the foundation of my education was built and where the building blocks were created.

At The Silver Academy, the curriculum was tough and challenging at times, but I knew that it was only to prepare me for the real world. I was coached and trained by top-notch educators, to whom I am still grateful. Every instructor, in his or her own way, played a part in molding me into the man I am today. I was taught that hard work and discipline can pay huge dividends. In addition to working hard, another theme that constantly ran through the halls was the importance of Tikkun Olmam. This Jewish concept of performing kindness seemed small and easy as a young child, but today I see that it is so much more. The school taught me values that I cherish and embrace in my life today. As one example, you can often find me at the Jewish Relief Agency in Philadelphia, helping to feed needy Jewish individuals.

None of these wonderful memories would have been possible if it were not for my parents, who chose to send me to The Silver Academy in the first place. As a new parent myself, I realize that education is one of the most important decisions parents make. When it is my time to choose for my daughter, I hope to be fortunate enough to find a school that stands up to my Silver Academy experience. As I tell my own parents so often, their decision to send me to this wonderful school every single year from kindergarten to 9th grade has certainly paid off. I am grateful and honor them (another lesson learned at the Silver Academy) for making that decision. It provided me the single best education I could receive to lead to success in all aspects of life.

Today, my biggest form of success can be seen in my family, as I am happily married to a nice Jewish (and beautiful) girl named Leigh. In addition, seven months ago, we were blessed with a daughter, Belle. She has made our lives absolutely complete. In addition to living in Center City Philadelphia with my family, I work just a few blocks away in the Old City section where I am a financial consultant at Chubb, a Fortune 200 insurance company. In my free time, which is not so much these days, I continue to play ice hockey, host monthly Shabbat dinners, mentor, and work on my golf swing. I still keep in touch with many of my Silver Academy classmates, as we often reminisce about the glory days under the roof of 3301 N Front Street located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Thank you Silver Academy, Ian Goldwasser