ALEX TANGORRA

My name is Alexander Tangorra and I live at home with my parents and younger sister. In
school, my favorite subjects are economics, math, and band. In my free time, I enjoy activities
such as band, varsity track, and volunteering at my synagogue. My most significant achievement
is being chosen as drum major for my high school’s marching band. I had wanted this position
since my sophomore year when my friend Ethan, a previous drum major, inspired me to aim
high. During my junior year, I was a participant in the Solomon Leadership Program where I
attended in-person sessions to learn from guest speakers and mentors about effective and ethical
leadership in business. Over the past summer, I was a delegate and a city council member at the
American Legion Jersey Boys State, a member of Drum Major Academy, and a student at
Columbia University Pre-College Summer Immersion Program enrolled in a course called
“Introduction to Business, Finance, and Economics.” I have many interests which allow me to
cultivate a multifaceted personality.

I work for all my achievements and give it my all. I come to school with a positive attitude and
strive to learn from my mistakes. If I do poorly on an exam, I stay after school for extra help.
Now that I have been accepted into colleges that are high on my list, this assistance would not
only alleviate the financial strain on my family but also enable me to fully commit myself to the
enriching academic and extracurricular experience.

My involvement in the Jewish community has played a major role in shaping me into the person
I am today. Though my mother is Jewish and my father is Catholic, my parents made the
decision to raise me Jewish. I attended Hebrew school every week from preschool to seventh
grade and continued participating in synagogue services even after I became a bar mitzvah.

During my junior year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Solomon Leadership Program
for Jewish teens run by Chabad of the Shore in Monmouth County, NJ. I attended lectures by a
variety of guest speakers that focused on issues such as teamwork and collaborative leadership.
Two ideas in particular stuck with me: in order to gain success, you must be willing to learn from
others, and that a wise person is always a learner.

Currently, my involvement in the Jewish community includes teaching Hebrew school students
and attending monthly Teen Academy classes, where I learn how the principles of Jewish ethics
apply to modern society. Going to Teen Academy gives me insight on how to become a better
leader in the eyes of God and how to be the best version of myself.

I know that the perspective and leadership skills I’ve developed through my experiences will
help me contribute in a meaningful way to classroom discussions at school and open doors in the
future. In addition, coming from a religiously diverse family has given me a respect for other
people’s beliefs and their right to have those beliefs. I appreciate the richness that different
cultures bring to a community.

I am eager to continue my long-time involvement in the Jewish community by participating in
activities, events, and religious services through Chabad and Hillel while at college. I will be
attending Tufts University which boasts a large, active Jewish community on campus.
I know that no matter where I end up, I will never lose my passion for Judaism and always
cherish it. I love being Jewish; nothing can or will change that. Temple Beth Miriam gave me the
foundation for a solid Jewish education, a Jewish community, and a set of Jewish values. I can’t
wait to see where the next chapter of my Jewish journey will lead me.