If Adam Sitzman was to define his teenage years, it would take only four letters: BBYO. “I define myself in the Jewish community through BBYO,” Adam said. It is through BBYO that he has met great friends and learned leadership skills. And it is through BBYO that Adam was nominated to be this month’s Salute to Youth honoree.
The son of Wendy and Jeffrey Sitzmann, Adam was nominated by Debi Tozer, BBYO program director. “Adam is fantastic,” Tozer said, “because he can see the big picture. He is very strategic in how he plans and the programs he plans with other people.”
He likes BBYO because it is “completely teen led,” he said. “It allows us to contribute to something larger than ourselves and gives teens the opportunity to grow as leaders. Each chapter is as good as the teens running it, which gives us a real sense of ownership and accomplishment.”
Adam’s proudest accomplishment in BBYO, where he serves as AZA Council president, is the revival of Teen Connection, BBYO’s program for Jewish middle school students.
“In the past this has been very stagnant,” he said. “Now we have a committee to plan events and a list of students who are engaged in the program.”
“Adam makes plans to work to create a strong Jewish teen community in Kansas City,” Tozer said.
Due to his dedication to BBYO, Adam was awarded the Shield of David award. Recognized on the international level of BBYO, the Shield of David award is based on a teen’s involvement in the organization. Adam easily met this requirement.
He plans to stay active in the Jewish community throughout his life. In fact one day he would like to be a BBYO advisor. And his advice to other teens reflects his commitment. “Definitely get involved in BBYO,” he said, “because you can do amazing things that you could not do otherwise, and learn and grow to be a leader.”
But his commitment to his Jewish connections does not stop at BBYO. Adam is a member of JSU/NCSY and USY. His family belongs to Congregation Beth Shalom.
“Adam is an amazing young man,” said Stefanie Williams, director of Informal Education and Youth Activites at Beth Shalom, “when you get him talking about something he loves, he just lights up and is filled with an enthusiasm that you are instantly caught up in! Adam is the kind of person you want to be around — he always puts you in a good mood and gives off a positive energy! “
Two years ago he spent a month in Israel through TJJ, the Jerusalem Journey sponsored by NCSY. It was a great experience for him.
“Different groups of teens from across the country came together,” he said. “We formed great bonds from the beginning.” There were 42 students on his bus, of whom he now considers friends. “No disrespect to BBYO,” he added, “but definitely others should go on this trip.” While he was on the trip to Israel, he got to enjoy his favorite Jewish food, falafel. “It is healthy,” he said, “but at the same time great tasting and fast.”
Adam, a senior at Blue Valley West High School, is the president of the Jewish Student Union at the school. His other school activities include Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where he has placed in competitions; National Honor Society; Spanish National Honor Society; Jagged Edge TV, reporter for his school show. He has earned the Presidential Community Service Award for three years and is an AP Scholar.
Another aspect in of Adam’s life is his enjoyment in other activities. Even though his favorite sports are snowboarding and skateboarding, he still participated for three years on the Kansas City basketball team for the Maccabi games which were held in Baltimore, San Diego and San Antonio.
Adam is still undecided where he will go to college next year. But he does know that wherever he goes he will join Hillel to continue his involvement in Jewish activities.
“I am doing my best to preserve the Jewish culture,” he said, “and pass it on to younger generations.”