The Kehillah Award, formerly known as the Ralph Shepard Award, is given annually to a Jewish Nashville high school senior who exemplifies the characteristics of outstanding Jewish youth. This year’s finalists are Andrew Biller, son of Daniel and Tara and Biller, and Lily Marger, daughter of Brian and Victoria Marger.

The Kehillah Award nominations are for teens who have shown great dedication and motivation both in the Jewish community as well as the greater Nashville community. These seniors are enthusiastic about making the world a better place. The winners receive a $500 gift, provided by Doyne Family Fund at the Jewish Foundation, to be used toward their education.

The teens are nominated by their synagogue, educational director, rabbi, or youth group advisor. Nominated teens are asked to complete an application with two essays. The completed applications are then redacted to keep them anonymous and sent to all past Kehillah/Ralph Shepard Award winners, who review the applications and cast their vote.

The winner of this year’s award will be announced at the Gordon JCC Annual Meeting on June 4th.