Forty-one teens from BBYO's North Florida Region (spanning Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Sarasota and Naples) joined more than 4,000 teen leaders, educators, professionals and philanthropists from 48 states and 27 countries for BBYO's International Convention (IC) in Baltimore from Feb. 11 to Feb. 15. The teens heard from distinguished guest speakers and broke a Guiness World Record for the largest Shabbat dinner ever. IC served as a dynamic meeting place and real-world classroom providing today's teen leaders an invaluable opportunity to join together for insights, shared leadership resources and new skills they will use to change the world.

Lake Brantley High School senior Dor Lotringer was recognized with two distinguished awards-the Aleph Zadik Aleph's Tree of Life Recruitment award and the Shield of David award.

The Tree of Life Recruitment award is an honor given to those Alephs who have played a significant and lasting part in growing the Aleph Zadik Aleph inviting younger members to love and preserve the traditions of the Aleph Zadik Aleph and BBYO.

One of the most historic and prestigious honors awarded to an Aleph, the Shield of David Award, recognizes Alephs who throughout their tenure in the Aleph Zadik Aleph have displayed outstanding leadership contributions, a consistent commitment to the AZA fraternity, and consistently participated across all tiers of the Order.

"Dor has made a huge positive impact on his chapter, Rebels AZA #442. He's worked hard and dedicated himself to the goals of BBYO, and I thank him for his strong leadership and investment into North Florida Region," said Lory Conte, BBYO director.

Other notable IC events included the State of the Order from current leaders, Grand Aleph Godol, or president of AZA, Colin Silverman (Chicago, Ill.) and International N'siah, or president of BBG, Lauren Keats (Scarsdale, N.Y.) alongside their peer leaders on the International Board, followed on Sunday by the election of the next International Board, a ten-member teen board that will help chart the organization's vision for the coming year and provide leadership and support to teen leaders in local communities throughout the BBYO system. 

On Sunday night, the IC body closed out an incredible week of fun and learning with a celebration of all they accomplished and all they have to look forward to. This celebration was a concert featuring performances by electronic dance music group Cash Cash, alternative rock band The Mowgli's and, headlining the night, award winning singer and songwriter Jason Derulo.

For more information about BBYO, please contact Lory Conte, BBYO director at Lconte@bbyo.org or 407-621-4032.