Niwot High School Clubs Spotlight on Jewish Together Club

Niwot High School senior Samantha Zacky is not only a major player on the Niwot girls tennis team but she is also the founder of the Jewish Together Club which was established during her junior year. The mission of Jewish Together remains rooted in two primary values: creating a safe, welcoming environment for Jewish students and increasing education across the student body.

Zacky said she started the club because she "felt there was really a need in the community, seeing as there was not a Jewish club though a lot of other schools do have them." Recognizing a gap in student resources, she took it upon herself to create a welcoming, safe space for Jewish students. Zacky opened the club as a place focused on education, understanding, and community building.

Initially, Jewish Together had only one consistent member. Despite its quiet beginning, the club has expanded into a diverse group of participants. Zacky emphasized that Jewish Together Club is "a place for everybody," reflecting the club's inclusivity and openness to all students. Many who attend meetings are not Jewish but are interested in learning and supporting the community.

Leadership of Jewish Together transitioned this year to Sarah Galdieri, a senior who Zacky selected to succeed her based on her dedication, creativity, and commitment to community outreach. Zacky described her as "the obvious choice," citing her strong ideas, personal dedication to Jewish culture, and positive leadership qualities.

Galdieri's arrival at Niwot followed a unique path. She attended Boulder High School for her first two years before transferring to a school in Israel. Due to the escalated conflict in Israel, her semester abroad was cut short. She completed a semester online before officially transferring to Niwot High School. Upon arrival, she quickly became involved with Jewish Together Club, initially supporting meetings and offering ideas. She then assumed an official leadership role when Zacky shifted her focus to the tennis team.

Jewish Together offers a range of activities to support its mission of education and community engagement. Recently, the club hosted Todd Shotz, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker who addresses antisemitism in everyday life and media. The event drew considerable participation from students and encouraged a wide-ranging discussion.

Galdieri also organized a "Jeopardy"-style educational night, blending learning with interactive engagement. Additionally, the club is preparing to host a challah baking event in recognition of Jewish cultural traditions.

Jewish Together also focuses on outreach initiatives. Earlier this year, members organized a bake sale to raise funds for a community food share. Galdieri hopes to expand community outreach efforts in the future. Discussions are underway to pass leadership to a new group of committed students who can continue the club's growth.

Zacky will attend Indiana University in the fall where she plans to major in business at the Kelley School of Business. She expressed confidence in Jewish Together's future, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts toward creating educational events, holiday celebrations, and service initiatives both within the school and the broader community.

Zacky and Galdieri both stressed that non-Jewish students are encouraged to participate, learn, and engage. Galdieri added that, "Spreading education, even if students learn just one new thing, carries forward and helps create broader change."