06/17/2022
“Pomp and Circumstances” was played loud and clear.
And so was the delivery that came from the mouths–and hearts–of students, principals, school officials and guest speakers on Thursday, June 16, when the Class of 2022 from the Junior High School walked down the aisle to become graduates of the University Heights Charter School.
The graduation ceremony for this year’s eighth grade Junior High School scholars took center stage in the hall at St. Lucy’s Church in Newark, which was a very popular venue on this special morning.
The 46 graduating students were joined by their principals, school officials, teachers, special guest speakers and plenty of family and friends who crammed into a hall that eventually was standing-room only.
The tone of the ceremony was set early when Dr. Martin Dickerson, the passionate Junior High School Principal who served as the main speaker, asked if any men could give up their seats in order for a woman to sit. And all 15 seats became vacated by these 15 gentlemen. That was the first loud and clear message of the morning.
The students then displayed their talents—loud and clear.
Aniyah Stephens delivered the Pledge of Allegiance and that was followed by a sweet recital of the Star-Spangled Banner by Abraham Omo Ehiosa, Oseremekhian Oyakhilomen and Maryennys Torres.
Dr. Dickerson gave his final graduation introduction since he is retiring from his position. And he told the audience what his mission was during his tenure.
“Everything I did was for the children,” Dr. Dickerson explained. “What I try to do is what is right for them. Just because you correct children does not mean that you do not love them.”
Ms. Miyoshi West Lee, the University Heights Charter School Board President, offered congratulations from herschel and the Board while Ms. Dawn Odom, the tireless and energetic Parent Coordinator for University Heights Charter School, stood in for Dr. Christy Oliver-Hawley, the Head of Schools/CEO, who was out of town due to a commitment., Ms. Odom relayed Dr. Oliver’s proud and sincere congratulations
The theme continued with loud and clear messages that were shared by the two guest speakers, Ms, Tonia lLoyd, who is the founder of the Robinson Lloyd Resilency Group, and Ms. Channel Johnson, Assistant Prosecutor for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
“I offer three wisdoms that I want to share with you today,” said Ms.Lloyd, whose group offers virtual and live one-on-one and small group coaching, professional learning communities, parent engagement workshops and e-learning opportunities for families and students.
“Number one is forget excuses and take ownership. Number two is attitude is gratitude. So learn and move forward. And number three wisdom is giving back. Find something bigger than yourself.”
She closed with this encouraging advice to the graduates.
“Keep UHCS in your hearts forever. Love and respect.”
The school is in her heart always. According to Dr. Dickerson, Ms. Lloyd stepped in an served as the Junior High School Guidance Counselor until Ms. Jessica Wilhelm assumed that title last year.
Ms. Johnson took the microphone and delivered her loud and clear version of three goals.
“First, dream big. Second is to work hard. And third, rise above,” Ms Johnson said. “I encourage everyone to do those three things.”
Now it was the time of the ceremony for the students to send their message–loud and clear.
The two Class Salutatorians, Maryennys Torres and Oluwakorede Oladoyinbo, sent well wishes to their classmates who sat behind them while they spoke.
“We made it,” said Maryennys, who will attend Donald Payne School of Technology in Newark to focus on Law & Public Safety. “Thanks everyone and I say goodbye to the Class of 2022.”
“Everyone can be successful so follow your heart,” said Oluwakorede, who is headed to the Newark Tech Schools of Technology to study Business..
The final student to offer his message was the Class Valedictorian, Prince Daniel Nnamani.
Prince revealed his gameplan en route to earning this crown achievement,
“I do my school work early to get it out of the way so I can go play basketball,” said Prince,whose comment received a loud and laughing response.
Prince, who will move on to Donald Payne School of Technology and will major in Culinary Arts, also fessed up another secret.
“At first there were some of my kids in my school who annoyed me, But now this year they are all my friends.”
Well said.
All three of these fine students received plaques from Dr. Dickerson, Dr. Karleen Kemp, the Junior High School Vice Principal, and Guidance Counselor Jessica Wilhelm.
Also, the Top 10 Academic Students were announced and received awards.
They were Oumy Diop, Angel Gomez-Hilario, Jada Johnson, Seraiya Maldonado, Abdul Ghaffal Mohammed, Prince Daniel Nnamani, Oluwakorede Oladoyinbo, Osermekhian Oyakhilomen, Aniyah Stephens and Maryennys Tores.
Those three students joined the Class of 2022 scholars who then received their diplomas from Dr Dickson, Dr, Kemp and Ms WIlhelm.
Dr. Dickerson concluded this special day with his message,
“I wish them God speed, I pray for them and I care for them.I pray for their safety and well being and that they arrive home safely from school and that they have good relationships with their parents. Pray, raise and love your children, that is most important.”
The students turned their tassels to signal that they graduated and then marched out while “Pomp and Circumstances” played to a resounding applause and followed Ms. Wilhelm to grab snacks and drinks.
Then the now high school bound students celebrated together outside the church with each other and their families. Photos and hugs and kisses dominated the gathering outside on a day that turned bright after early rains.
Mathias Curry, who will study at North Star Academy in Newark come September, summed up the day—and his UHCS career.
“This was a grand event,” said Mathias, “Going to school here was amazing and excellerating.”
That comment was loud and clear.
Here are the Class of 2022 graduates.
Devin Anderson, Daniel Agbozo, Davon Barrow, Deborah Batista-Crespo, Ki’Mara Boone, Aumuyri Burr-Reynolds, LaZiah Campos, Donaty Carr, Naraya Crawfrd-McAllister, Caleb Crawley, Mathias Curry, Deziyaha Davis, Shaheem Dezonie, Oumy Diop, Uneke Edmontson, Angel Gomez-Hilario, Kervin Gnzalez, Laila Gray, As’Sada Harris, Jada Johnson, Seraiya Maldonado, Al’Shari McCoy, Huiriyyah McKinney.
Dallas Mitchell, Abdul Ghaffal Mohammed, Kyla Morris, Prince Daniel Nnamani, Rita Nwanze, Oluwakorede Oladoyinbo, Kamsiyochukwu Olisa, Abraham Omo Ehiosa, Oseremekhian Oyakhilomen, Malachi Powell, Curtis Price, Khald Raheem, Laylani Rivera, Imani Robinson, Khalif Smith, Nahzir Spencer, Adiki Teye-Noah, Ka’mari Tillman, Maryennys Torres, Skye Walker, Jha’Nae Watson and Brandon White.