American Hebrew Academy Alum Anya Romanet Continues to Change the World

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Anya and Michael Fish

GREENSBORO, NC (09/27/2010)(readMedia)-- Anya Romanets '06, is back in the news. She made headlines in Greensboro years ago, by creating a Mother's Smile project to create better hospital conditions in a maternity ward in Moldova. This August, through the assistance of a generous Jewish donor, Michael Fish of Vancouver, Canada, she helped deliver over 400 much needed, surgical instruments, which undoubtedly will improve the quality of patient care in this same maternity ward.

During the delivery of the equipment Anya and Mr. Fish were invited to attend a laparoscopic surgery. "It is a humbling experience to return to my country of origin in a helping capacity. When I left Moldova 9 years ago, I was moving toward a vision of a better life for myself. Now I have the privilege of helping women in my country receive care in dignity. A lot of people have helped me become who I am, and it is to their credit that I am doing this work," said Anya Romanets.

During the visit to Moldova, a moving ceremony was held at the hospital which included a representative from the Canadian embassy. Mr. Fish has a passion for neuro-surgery, and had further opportunities to visit a neuro-surgical ward under the watchful presence of Moldovan media. "Nothing in my control contributed to the blessing that was bestowed upon me for having been born a Jew in Canada at the time that I was. I am fortunate enough to live in a place that allows me to make a living by doing what I love, selling surgical instruments. To have had a chance to share some of that good fortune with the people of Moldova was a privilege for which I am very grateful," said Mr. Fish.

"This is exactly the hope we have for our graduates." stated Glenn Drew, Executive Director of the American Hebrew Academy, where Anya received her high school education. "Anya has not only impressed us with her ability to learn and lead our community, but her determination to give back to her country and her people. Anya has and continues to make a profound impact on the world. I, for one, am comforted to know that Anya represents the next generation of dynamic leaders who have bound themselves to the Jewish people through the mission of the American Hebrew Academy."

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About the American Hebrew Academy

The American Hebrew Academy is the Western Hemisphere's only Jewish, pluralistic, college prep, boarding school. Serving students from 23 states and 10 countries, the state-of-the-art environment fosters academic achievement and strengthens Jewish identity in a residential setting for motivated and high achieving students in grades nine through twelve. The dual curriculum, along with the aquatics center and sports complex, provides a holistic educational experience-nurturing mind, body, and soul. An internationally acclaimed faculty challenges students to excel in a rigorous program that includes Advanced Placement and Jewish studies courses. At the Academy, values and leadership skills are enriched by the culture, customs, and history of the Jewish people. Students graduate thoroughly prepared for college and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.americanhebrewacademy.org.