For five days in February, nearly 3,500 Jewish teens from 50 countries packed into Denver for the BBYO International Convention (IC), the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders. Among them, 28 teens from St. Louis represented their community, embracing the spirit of leadership, connection and Jewish identity.

“Our local teens stood out with their spirited jerseys, hoodies and overall involvement in International Convention,” said Gabe Raskin, BBYO’s local leader. “They competed in sports, participated in community service and made friends from around the world. In addition, our council presidents, Cooper Buxner – Godol and Molly Deutsch – N’siah represented us at the February Executive Conference the day before IC began, helping to pass and contribute to international legislation.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

A learning experience beyond the classroom

IC is designed to push Jewish teens beyond their comfort zones, exposing them to new ideas, leadership opportunities and friendships with peers from around the world. This year’s theme, “Limitless Horizons,” encouraged attendees to embrace the idea that anything is possible.

“IC is a fountain of knowledge,” Raskin said. “Whether it was something they learned in a specific program or session, or an idea from a new friend, our members gained a lot. I believe they took home the lessons of inclusivity and a mindset that anything is possible.”

For Deutsch, a junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, the energy of IC started from the very first night.

“My favorite part from IC was definitely opening night,” she said. “It was so fun getting to run across the stage to represent St. Louis Council and bring lots of energy, as well as meeting new people and seeing all the other communities at IC.”

Highlights that St. Louis teens won’t forget

Like every year, IC packed in big-name speakers, concerts and unforgettable moments.

“If you ask the teens, they’d probably say Swae Lee, Andy Grammer and Eden Golan were the biggest highlights,” Raskin said. “The AZAA/BBGG (sports) rally was incredible—over 1,000 teens gathered for a Maccabiah-style day of competitions with more than 20 different sports and activities.”

The excitement of opening night wasn’t lost on Deutsch.

“The biggest hype moment in my opinion is opening ceremonies because it reminds people that they are back in a room with 3,000 or more Jewish teenagers and opening ceremonies just bring a lot of energy!”

Fellow Ladue junior Risa Fingerman, BBYO’s Council S’ganit (Vice President), echoed that sentiment.

“The concert and opening night always get people up on their feet,” she said. “Both of them are full of music and opportunities to meet so many new people.”

But for Raskin, one of the most powerful moments came at the very start of IC.

“My favorite part to see was the opening plenary ceremonies,” he said. “We heard from the international board and inspiring speakers, including Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the Chief Rabbi of Uganda, who shared his experience with BBYO in Uganda. And then there’s the roll call, where 3,500 teens cheer on their council or regional presidents as they run across the stage to introduce themselves. It’s a fun tradition, but it’s also this amazing moment of unity and excitement.”

The connections that make IC special

For many attendees, IC is about more than just the programming—it’s about the friendships and connections made along the way.

“We had several members who attended summer programs like CLTC (Chapter Leadership Training Conference) in 2024,” Raskin said. “They not only reunited with friends from around the world but also made new ones. For teens who were experiencing an international event for the first time, IC inspired them to get more involved.”

Fingerman was one of those who made meaningful connections beyond St. Louis.

“The coolest person I met from IC was a girl who was from South Africa,” she said. “It was fun to get to hear about her experience being Jewish and living there. It was her first time in the states, so it was interesting to hear about how she lives versus how it is in the United States.”

Why St. Louis teens should go next year

For teens who didn’t attend this year, Raskin has a clear message:

“If you didn’t get a chance to go to IC this year, go next year,” he emphasized. “This is an unbelievable opportunity that truly accomplishes BBYO’s mission of ‘More Jewish Teens, More Meaningful Jewish Experiences.’ You’re not going to find this experience anywhere else, potentially ever again in life, so seize the opportunity while you can.”

| RELATED: The ultimate Jewish teen reunion: 100 years of laughter, love, and legacy at BBYO