The 2026 Kehillah Award – formally known as the Ralph Shepherd Award, a recognition that dates back to the 1940s – was presented at the JCC Annual Meeting this past June by Nashville BBYO Director and Maccabi Delegation Head, Alyssa Brodie. The award honors a high school senior who demonstrates exceptional leadership and involvement in both the Jewish community and the greater Nashville community.
This year’s recipient, Griffin Stepakoff, was recognized for his leadership, service, and wide-ranging involvement throughout high school. A student at Hume-Fogg High School, Stepakoff is an AP Scholar with Distinction, senior yearbook editor, lacrosse player, chapter president of Best Buddies Tennessee, and a BBYO regional leader who was named “Aleph of the Year.”
Selected through a blind vote by past award recipients, Stepakoff stood out for his commitment to building community and helping others feel included. In addition to the distinction of the award, the winner receives a $1,000 educational gift from the Doyne Family Fund at the Jewish Foundation.
Fellow nominees included Micah Rosenbloom, Abby Bauman, Ben Bauman, and Madeline Krakauer.
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