By Libby Barsky

Special to The Jewish State

Name: Missy Mandell

Occupation: High School student; social action/Tikon Olam VP of Hagalil Region of USY.

Address: Toms River

Family: Mother, Beth; step-dad Andy Fleisch; three older brothers-- Adam, David, and Josh.

Community activities: Violinist (one of 80 violin instrumentalists) in the All Toms River Orchestra, giving seasonal concerts at a local assisted living facility and elementary schools. Active member of Congregation B'nai Israel USY (United Synagogue Youth) Chapter and this year a board member. When on the auxiliary board, assembled the 25 gift bags for the Hanukkah party at a children's specialized hospital in the area, and in the build-a-bear program sent [stuffed animals] to kids in Israel. Recently accepted into the National Honor Society and elected social action/ Tikun Olam Vice President of Hagalil Region USY N.J. section.

Hobbies: "I like to experiment with photography, and act and dance with my friends."

Self portrait: "I'm the kind of person who likes people and likes helping people. I like having fun and doing the best I can at what I do."

Motto: "It's taken from the Israeli song Ani V'Atah: 'Together, You and I can change the world.'"

Greatest accomplishment: "Being elected as the Hagalil VP is my greatest accomplishment so far."

Bad habits: "I always say 'yes.'"

Favorite TV Show: "This year I didn't have much time to watch TV. A few of my favorites in the past were 'Boy Meets World' and 'Saved by the Bell.' They are about friends in high school."

Favorite food: "I love my mom's challah. It's something she makes from scratch, and I look forward to it during the week."

Best childhood memory: "I used to like playing sports --softball, football or just running around like a maniac-- in the backyard with my brothers. All four of us together in our backyard."

People don't know that I:"I used to want to play the trumpet, but I chose the violin. The first time I was in a play I was four years old, and I was Molly in the show 'Annie' when I was at camp."

Last book I read: "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Before that, "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller. "These books were read for school. Both books deal with dysfunctional families. Willie Loman wasn't the perfect father, or Gatsby a role model. The most moving book I read was the non-fiction book 'Rena's Promise,' about Rena Kornreich Delissen, by Heather Dune McAdam. Rena Kornreich was in Auschwitz with her younger sister, and Rena's goal was to keep her sister alive while there. But the sister died before being liberated. I recommend it."

Biggest asset in the local Jewish communities: "That would be my synagogue, Congregation B'nai Israel of Toms River. It's a very supportive community. They are very supportive of our USY chapter. The synagogue gives off a very homey feeling, whether at the Hebrew High School or at services. They are a very welcoming, supportive, and a kind community."

The biggest problems in the local Jewish community: "We have a lot more youth that are members of the synagogue than are active in Hebrew high school or members of USY. My goal is to try to do more to get people interested."

If I had more time, I would: "Sleep more, and I would get together more with the friends I know through USY that don't live near me."