78 students in their senior year from across the district were recognized for exceptional accomplishments


[Newark, NJ – June 22, 2018] Interim Superintendent A. Robert Gregory of Newark Public Schools (NPS) hosted the fifth annual Superintendent’s Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 11, to recognize 78 students in the 2018 senior class for their outstanding academic achievements. Nearly 250 members of the NPS community were in attendance to celebrate each student, including students, parents, teachers and administrators. The valedictorian and salutatorian from each NPS high school were presented with awards, as well as 48 students, who received the “3E” Award, a prestigious accolade presented to students who display significant achievements in the areas of equity, effort or excellence.

“I am honored to recognize these outstanding students,” said Interim Superintendent A. Robert Gregory. “Throughout their high school years, particularly their senior year,” our honorees have excellence academically and in working with others to accomplish important goals both inside and outside the classroom. All of the honorees inspire and motivate their classmates and others with acts of kindness, their commitment to their work and their ability to succeed in all they do.”

In order for a student to be a “3E” Award recipient, he or she must strongly exhibit one of the following values:

  • Equity: focus on justice and fairness: the nominee exemplifies spirit and intent of the old adage “treat others the way you want to be treated”
  • Effort: hard work and consistency of effort: the nominee shows diligence and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and consistency of effort over time
  • Excellence: results driven: the nominee exhibits exceptional and tangible results in community involvement for social justice, self-improvement and academic achievement

Congressman Donald M. Payne spoke at the ceremony, thanking each student for their commitment to their academic work and their community. Representative Payne said, “It was an honor and privilege to join Newark Public Schools to celebrate the achievements of young people. He said, “Make the best of your college experience. I have triplets, all of whom are in college right now. He closed with, “Congratulations on graduating with honors!”

In addition to Congressman Payne, Terri Seeney-Majette, Director, Community Relations & Outreach Programs for the Panasonic Corporation of North America said, “Panasonic was thrilled to participate in this year’s Newark Superintendents Award Ceremony. Contribution to society, more specifically through education, is a critical initiative at the core of our business principles. Congratulations to all 2018 Newark Public Schools graduates and Superintendent Award recipients,” said Terri Seeney-Majette, Director, Community Relations & Outreach Programs, Panasonic Corporation of North America.

“Panasonic was thrilled to participate in this year’s Newark Superintendents Award Ceremony. Contribution to society, more specifically through education, is a critical initiative at the core of our business principles. Congratulations to all 2018 Newark Public Schools graduates and Superintendent Award recipients,” said Terri Seeney, Director, Community Relations & Outreach Programs, Panasonic Corporation of North America. All honorees also received Panasonic Stereo Headphones and a $100 Amazon gift card.

This year’s valedictorians, salutatorians and “3E” Award recipients will be attending the following colleges and universities after graduation:

Outside of NJ

  • Bridgewater College in Virginia
  • Delaware State University
  • Denison University, Ohio
  • Emory University
  • Husson University, Bangor, Maine
  • Spelman College
  • Swarthmore College
  • Syracuse
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Villanova University
  • Wake Forest University
  • Wellesley College, MA
  • University of San Francisco
  • Spelman College
  • University of Murcia in Cartegena, Spain

New Jersey

  • Rutgers University – Camden
  • Rutgers University – Newark
  • Rutgers University – New Brunswick
  • The College of New Jersey
  • Montclair State University
  • Rider University
  • College of Saint Elizabeth
  • The College of Saint Elizabeth
  • Bloomfield College
  • St. Peter’s University
  • New Jersey University
  • NJIT
  • Rutgers University, Camden
  • Kean University
  • Bloomfield College
  • William Paterson University
  • Essex County College
  • The Ailey School(Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater)

To read the student bios of each of the 2018 senior class valedictorians, salutatorians and “3E” Award recipients, click here.