Motivated is the best word to describe Michael Bodker. This high achieving teen, who is co-president of Nordaunian AZA and president of Kansas City United Synagogue Youth, has energy to spare. He focuses this energy on Jewish causes and tzedakah.
“I want people to know that I am very motivated to create connections among Jewish teens in Kansas City to keep them connected to Judaism and each other throughout their college years,” Michael said. “Hopefully they can help create a Jewish community wherever they end up like the environment we grew up in.”
Michael said he learned from Todd Cohn (the former local NCSY adviser) the importance of getting teens involved. “Todd had a strong enthusiasm in getting Jewish teens involved in Judaism on every level,” Michael said. “It did not matter what youth group.”
He, in turn, is active in both BBYO and USY because he sees them as fulfilling two different roles in the Jewish teen community. “I have always believed that we have to strengthen Judaism from the bottom and have all Jewish teens make a Jewish connection,” he said.
“USY and BBYO are very different so I am involved in both,” he said. “I like BBYO because it brings in many more public school teens who would not be involved in Judaism.”
Michael believes BBYO appeals to the social aspects of Judaism. He has enjoyed working with many in the organization, including his co-president Andrew Grin, and planning “exciting programs.” Nordaunian’s yearly social calendar ends with Matzo Ball, the annual event he has helped plan the last two years that took place last month.
Michael’s interest in USY, the Conservative Jewish youth movement, allows him to focus on his “strong commitment to Judaism.” He especially loved the many conventions he attended every year.
Since he attended the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy through the eighth grade and Blue Valley North for high school, Michael sees the need to help all Jewish teens form strong Jewish identities.
His trip to Israel through The Jerusalem Journey, a trip sponsored by NCSY and JSU, reinforced his belief in being involved in both BBYO and USY. While in Israel, he saw the connections that everyone had to Judaism. “I love it,” he said. “Israel is great, amazing. Israel itself was the best part because of the political history and the current events.”
Michael credits both youth groups and his experiences in Boy Scout Troop 61, where he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, for helping him develop strong leadership skills. In addition he said Stefanie Williams, the director of informal education and youth activities at Congregation Beth Shalom, taught him “how to be enthusiastic about everything I do.” She also made him understand that his “actions have the ability to make someone’s life better.”
Williams thinks Michael is an inspiration to other members and a true leader. “He is one of the busiest people I know, yet he accomplishes everything he sets his mind to and always at a level beyond anyone’s expectations.”
“He inspires others to do more and to be proactive. He is a friend to all because he is compassionate and warm, hilarious and brilliant all at the same time,” Williams continued.
Michael excels in academics, sports and community service. His list of accomplishments is long and includes membership in the National Honor Society, co-captain of the BVN tennis team, letter winner in debate, BVN Student Council class treasurer for the past two years, and works as a lifeguard at the Jewish Community Center. With all of this, the activity he is most proud of is his involvement in helping others.
“I have learned how we can influence the community through charity giving,” Michael said about his time as a member of the Jewish Community Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek board for teens. “It gave me the inspiration to plan One Homeless Night,” which is his proudest high school memory.
One Homeless Night, an event when high school students raise money for charity by spending a night outside, had never been done at BVN. But this year, Michael pushed for the event and planned it. More than 100 students participated and raised $1,000, which was donated to Synergy for its teen homeless programs. The students listened to speakers talk about teen homelessness and learned what they could do to help.
“It was so much fun,” Michael said, “that now sophomores and juniors are planning it again for next year.” He is proud that this program will live on after he leaves high school.
But leaving high school will not stop him from being involved. The son of Stuart and Tensy Bodker, Michael will attend the University of Michigan in the fall with the intention of studying finance and economics. He plans to stay involved through Hillel and AIPAC.
His commitment to the Jewish community is also recognized by others, as he is this year’s recipient of the Evelyn Wasserstrom Outstanding Youth Award.
“He’s never afraid of looking silly — he jumps right in and does whatever it takes to get the job done,” said Williams. “There is never a dull moment with Michael, and we are all so incredibly proud of him!”