The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the 2,649 graduating seniors in the Class of 2023 are undeniable, and they are primed and ready to influence the world. Collectively, they have earned over $94 Million in college scholarships, and by taking college courses while in high school, they saved their families $12.8 Million in tuition costs.
And, the accomplishments continue with 162 seniors also earning Associates Degrees and having already graduated from college before graduating from high school today. This is the highest number of students from Newark to ever graduate from high school and college in the same year. These same students will be earning bachelor’s degrees in just two more years.
As part of our nationally recognized Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy with Montclair State University and the American Federation of Teachers, 22 of our graduating seniors will sign teaching contracts with the Newark Public Schools for $62,000 in addition to their High School diploma so they can teach in our schools when they successfully complete college in 2027.
Twenty-two additional students who are graduating from our specialized schools and who participated in a pilot program with our Facilities Department will be hired upon graduation today and will begin working in the district beginning next month.
Recognizing that this senior class had an unparalleled high school experience, they were also guided by the district’s historic ten-year strategic plan, The Next Decade: 2020–30, Superintendent Roger Leὀn said, “You faced a global pandemic, unlike anyone’s high school experience in history, and yet, here you are today, emerging victorious, strengthened by a unique perspective that will allow you to always be confident, strong, resilient, poised, and steadfast in reaching your goals.” He continued, “We are proud of you, your families, and the administrators, teachers, and staff who all join me in celebrating your greatness.”
These amazing seniors have been accepted into some of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the nation in record numbers such as Yale, Cornell, Brown, Harvard, Princeton, John Hopkins, Lincoln, Morgan State, Delaware State, Fayetteville State, Howard, Spelman College, Xavier, West Virginia State, Florida A&M, Tuskegee, Winston-Salem State, Clark Atlanta, Morehouse College, Norfolk State, Drew, NJIT, Montclair State University, and Rutgers to name a few.
"This exceptional group of students has demonstrated remarkable achievements and has become a source of pride for our community. As Board President, I commend their dedication, hard work, and perseverance. The Newark Board of Education salutes the Class of 2023 and wishes them every success on their extraordinary journey." - Asia J Norton, Board President
Congratulations to the Class of 2023!