Newark Board of Education would like to celebrate the Class of 2022 and all their immense accomplishments. In March of 2020, the world was turned upside down and many people had to face and still face many challenges as a result of the pandemic. The Class of 2022 experienced challenges, but came out stronger than ever. The NBOE would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2022. Eight students were accepted and will be attending Ivy League colleges/universities in the Fall of 2022. Schools of acceptance include: Columbia University, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton University. Nine students will attend Selective Colleges, which are measured by the percentage of students who are admitted. The NBOE Class of 2022 has 34 graduates who will be attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These institutions of higher education were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African-American community. There are 107 colleges in the United States that are identified by the US Department of Education as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). NBOE students will represent the Class of 2022 at Alabama State University, Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Lincoln University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A & T State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Xavier University. In addition to acceptances, the Class of 2022 has earned over $77 million in scholarships, 143 seniors received an Associate’s Degree, and students saved their parents over $9 million by taking college courses in high school.

In addition to the remarkable NBOE students attending the prestigious institutions of higher education noted above, the district must also acknowledge our extraordinary scholar athletes. In the Fall of 2022, NBOE will have one graduate attending a Division I school. These educational institutions are considered to be the most competitive NCAA division with the best athletes and teams. Devion Sheppard will attend Wagner College in the sport of football. Additionally, 75 members of the Class of 2022 earned varsity letters in the same sport from freshman year to senior year.

Many of the scholars that graduate from schools in the Newark Board of Education are recipients of scholarships and grants. Of the awardees, Crystal Caldwell of Arts High School, was recipient of The Gates Scholarship (TGS). This scholarship is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to 300 of these student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential. Crystal, who was the only NBOE recipient of TGS, accepted and will be attending LehIgh University. Another prestigious scholarship is the QuestBridge Scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship are granted admission to one of QuesBridge’s college partners with a full, four-year scholarship worth $200,000 each. This academic year, six NBOE graduates were awarded the scholarship. The Cooperman College Scholars program is another noteworthy scholarship offered to eligible Essex County New Jersey residents. This scholarship provides up to $40,000 in scholarship aid, a laptop with warranty, personalized support for academic, financial, and emotional life challenges that may prevent students from completing college, and Chegg credits. This year, 12 students from the Class of 2022 were awarded the Cooperman College Scholarship. The Posse Foundation also identifies, recruits, and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential. This year, Jonathan Silva earned this recognition and will be awarded a full-tuition leadership scholarship. The NBOE Class of 2022 has 18 graduating seniors who have been accepted into the Honor Living-Learning Community at Rutgers University Newark Campus. It is also worth mentioning that 212 NBOE students met the eligibility requirements for the Kean Tuition Promise program. Finally, 31 NBOE graduates will be attending Saint Elizabeth’s University for meeting the criteria under Mayor Baraka’s Guaranteed Education Pilot Program.

Throughout many of our seniors' educational journeys, there are a handful of students who choose to go the distance and push the limits of academic rigor. This year, 14 graduates were enrolled and completed their International Baccalaureate Diploma coursework. These graduating seniors who participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and completed all program requirements, are classified as Eligible IB Diploma Candidates. Students who completed requirements for individual coursework are IB Certificate Eligible. 74 graduates also earned a combined score or 1200 or better on the SATs. 11 students earned a 700 and above on the SAT Math, which included Oluwasola Ogundare who earned a perfect score of 800 on the SAT Math. Finally, 11 students earned a 700 and above on the SAT Verbal.

In addition to institutions of higher education, many graduates have a different calling and make the decision to serve and protect our nation. This year, 49 NBOE graduates will be entering different branches of the military, Air Force, Army, Marines, National Guard, and Navy.

The NBOE would like to close by acknowledging Kimberly Gonzalez the Class President at Technology High School. Kimberly has served in the role of NBOE Student Representative since 2020. Kimberly is attending Montclair State University in the Fall of 2022 and has shared the following parting words for the Class of 2022. “Whatever you do next, have courage and enjoy your now. Don’t fear. Live now.”