18 Under 18 Honoree: Lola Bessoff

Lola is a self-motivated activist who is dedicated to her mission, taking her roles in the Jewish and Atlanta communities very seriously. She is very passionate about engaging Jewish youth in activism to stop gun violence, and met with March for Our Lives Parkland, Fla., students to discuss how to properly address and educate others on gun violence prevention in 2018. She became the co-state outreach director of March for Our Lives in 2019, planning all events and reaching out to members, organizations and legislatures. Lola is involved at her synagogue through youth groups, leading social action initiatives, including monthly events and starting a recycling program. Since seventh grade, she has pursued community leadership and Jewish involvement.

Activities and Awards:
Hadassah Chesed Student Awards, 2020
March For Our Lives against gun violence, 2018; co-state outreach director, 2019-20
Temple Beth Tikvah HOTTY youth group board retreats, freshman rep, 2018-19, social
action vice president, 2019-20
Regional youth group event “Saving the Planet,” 2019
LLTI regional youth group leadership training, 2018-19
Cooking for Atlanta shelters with mosque, 2018
Camp Jenny bingo fundraiser, counselor training, volunteered 100 hours, 2018
Mill Creek Middle School, Beta school officer, 2017-18
Student Government Association, school leadership training, 2017

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