It's An Honor
by Samantha Taylor
This year’s honorees at the upcoming J Ball are the pillars of early-childhood Jewish education in Central Florida.
Each year at The Roth Family JCC’s annual fundraiser, the J Ball, the JCC takes the opportunity to celebrate a few special people. This year, the event will honor the Cohen/Presser family for their decades of service to the community, while Karen Duncan, longtime staff member of the JCC’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) and director of Shayna’s Village, will receive the Harriet Weiss Legacy Award.
Es Cohen has a long history of working at the JCC, and her children Matt and Justin Presser both grew up attending the ECLC and Summer Camp. Justin served on the JCC board for 10 years, while Matt is now in his fifth year.
“The Cohen/Presser family has been a huge part of the J for more than 30 years,” explains Keith Dvorchik, CEO of The Roth Family JCC. “After Es’s daughter, Shayna Cai Presser, tragically passed away as a baby, the family chose to create Shayna’s Village, an incredible legacy to her memory. That program has impacted thousands of families and children, teaching parenting skills and helping with childhood development.”
Justin and Sara’s son Caleb is following in his dad’s footsteps at the ECLC, and Matt and Justine’s daughter Sloane will be joining her cousin next year.
“It’s such an amazing honor to be recognized in this way,” says Es. “And my heart is so happy to see Caleb in the ECLC. L’Dor V’Dor!”
“Their family is what The Roth Family JCC is all about – family, legacy, commitment – a lifelong journey and not something you outgrow,” says Keith. “They inspire me.”
Speaking of inspiration, any family that has gone through the doors of the JCC in the past 28 years has been positively impacted by Karen Duncan. Karen started as a lead teacher in 1992 and became the director of Shayna’s Village in 2007.
“Her ability to make individual connections with every family and child is a gift that is beyond invaluable,” says Melissa Youngblood, director, Richard S. Adler ECLC. “Her smile, passion, and zest for life are contagious. The days when Karen is in the building, there is just a feeling that you can’t describe, but you are thankful to experience. She is truly a blessing, and we are lucky we get to share in her many talents.”
Karen discovered the ECLC in 1992 when she was looking for a preschool for her two sons. After taking a tour, she knew that it was the best preschool in town, and she wanted her children to attend. Karen also thought it was a good fit for her. She was hired by Bonnie Friedman, longtime ECLC director, and she’s been making a difference at the JCC ever since.
“My time as director of Shayna’s Village has definitely been the brightest spot of my career, and to be honored for it makes me happy,” says Karen. “But I share the honor with so many people: the Presser and Cohen family, who have always been so supportive; coworkers; tireless volunteers; family members; and supportive families. I hope I am remembered as someone who not only embraces our differences as human beings, but celebrates them. Whether a person is one year old or 100, we are all just trying to communicate, contribute, and connect in this world, and I hope my legacy honors that.”
The Pressers, Cohens, and Karen Duncan will be celebrated at the J Ball on Thursday, March 26, at the Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. Visit orlandojcc.org to learn more or buy tickets.