The United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula is proud to announce that Kaia Henderson, a senior at Grafton High School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Theodore H. and Esther Beskin Memorial Scholarship Award. Established in 1959 in memory of beloved and outstanding humanitarians and leaders, this prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to a worthy local Jewish senior high school student based on outstanding achievement and diligence in academic, personal, and community endeavors.

Academic and Artistic Excellence

Henderson, has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and has distinguished herself through her commitment to advanced coursework, including Advanced Placement courses and participation in the York County School of the Arts program, where she has excelled in theater arts for four years.

Henderson’s academic achievements are matched by her remarkable contributions to the performing arts. She has earned recognition as “Best Actress” at the Grafton Archon Awards and has taken on lead and supporting roles in numerous productions at both the School of the Arts and Grafton High School. Her dedication to theater extends beyond performance, as she has served as a mentor to younger students and consistently demonstrates professional leadership qualities.

“Kaia is a wonderful student, and she has developed into a lovely, professional actor/performer,” said Kerri DiFiore, Advanced Theatre Arts I-IV Teacher at the York County School of the Arts. “She has a great work ethic! Kaia is very dedicated to any task with which she is engaged and is very hard-working in her approach to academic and creative endeavors.”

Deep Commitment to Jewish Community

Henderson’s involvement in Jewish community life spans several years and demonstrates remarkable dedication to her faith and heritage. As a member of Temple Beth El of Williamsburg, she has served as a teaching assistant for four years, working with younger students in the religious school program. Her commitment to Jewish education and advocacy has been a cornerstone of her identity throughout high school.

Rabbi David Katz of Temple Beth El provided an exceptional recommendation, noting Henderson’s extraordinary leadership qualities and dedication. “Kaia is exceptional. Her combination of intelligence, fortitude, charisma, and empathy make her truly stand out,” Rabbi Katz wrote. “I see her as someone who will be academically, socially, and interpersonally successful throughout her life, in any endeavor she takes on.”

Rabbi Katz particularly highlighted Henderson’s leadership during her Bat Mitzvah preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it “the most challenging one we’ve ever had,” and praising her ability to adapt and excel under difficult circumstances.

Advocacy and Community Service

Henderson has been an active advocate for Jewish causes and education, frequently speaking about her beliefs to both Jewish and non-Jewish audiences. Her advocacy work has extended to participation in Jewish Advocacy Day and leadership roles in various community organizations, including BBYO and Camp Tel Yehudah.

“Throughout my life, I have been an advocate for the Jewish community,” Henderson wrote in her scholarship application. “I’ve been educating my teachers, peers, and even strangers since I was in kindergarten. I’ve always been the one of, if not the only Jewish student in all of my classes since elementary school.”

Kevin Montini, Social Studies Teacher at Grafton High School, praised Henderson’s exceptional character and academic abilities, stating, “She is articulate, logical, and thorough. Kaia comports herself in such a mature and professional manner throughout her busy day. Her ability to analyze data, comprehend information, and make connections is exceptional.”

Future Plans

Henderson has been accepted to several universities, with her top choices including Hofstra University and Muhlenberg College. She plans to continue her studies in theater while maintaining her commitment to Jewish community leadership and advocacy.

About the Theodore H. and Esther Beskin Memorial Scholarship Award

The Theodore H. and Esther Beskin Memorial Scholarship Award honors the memory of two outstanding humanitarians and community leaders. Since 1959, this award has recognized exceptional Jewish high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, community service, and personal character. Recipients are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership potential, and dedication to both Jewish and broader community causes.

The United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula congratulates Kaia Henderson on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to following her continued success as she pursues higher education and continues her commitment to community service and Jewish advocacy.