Hoboken Charter School’s Mission Shines Brightly In Its Alumni

At Hoboken Charter School (HCS), Kindergarten through 12th grade students are not only receiving strong academics. Through learner-centered practices and interage experiences, the school’s mission is infused into everyday learning to include social justice and service-learning. Creating a more just world requires a departure from conventional teaching and actively involves students in their learning journey. HCS’s setting allows for unique, personalized learning experiences where every child’s voice shapes their education. The school’s goals include creating great humans in addition to educated ones, and many graduates’ chosen career paths exemplify the impact of this educational foundation.

Kenneth Livingston graduated from Hoboken Charter School’s Upper School and returned to join the HCS staff after graduating from college. When a student at HCS, Kenneth participated in the Teachers of Tomorrow program, a collaboration between Fairleigh Dickinson University and Hoboken Charter School, where HCS students can take one of their dual-enrollment college courses earning college and high school credits simultaneously. This course engages students in the exploration of child psychology and education policy and instruction. This course and others taken in his four years of undergrad bolstered his commitment to educational service and ensuring everyone gets what they need. He is currently serving in his second year as an instructional aide at the school. “I've been working as the instructional aide for grades four and six and also have been one of the lower school basketball coaches and an afterschool staff member. My future goals are to become a guidance counselor as well as a head football coach. I want to not only help the youth but give back and help more student athletes take the next step and continue playing in college or just going to college. Lastly, I want to build affordable homes to help my community. Some of my fondest moments at Hoboken Charter - to name a few - are making it to the basketball championship, our senior prom, our shark tank project and my senior service-learning project.”

Kenneth is not the only Hoboken Charter alum to contribute to the educational landscape. Riley Conlin, a Lower School graduate, is currently a 5th Grade Math and ELA teacher in Washington, D.C. “What makes HCS so special to me is the service-oriented foundation and how it built that spirit right into my core being. The culture of service-based learning fostered a desire to help people with my knowledge and abilities above all other objectives. As I was learning basic reading, writing, and math skills, HCS showed me that as I learn, I can turn right around and use those skills to support others. I remember Empty Bowls as one of the most impactful experiences of my young life. Sharing a meal and time with the guests at the shelter not only gave me insight into more walks of life, but also, gave me an outlet to immediately put my skills I was learning in the classroom into action. At HCS, students are actively encouraged to think critically about social issues and events.”

Mariam Ahmed continues to embrace civic engagement and responsibility after graduating from
Hoboken Charter’s Upper School. “I would not be where I am today, if it were not for HCS. After
graduating from college with a political science degree, I moved to New Hampshire to work for the New Hampshire Democratic Party. This was right before the 2020 election. For me the opportunity to work at a state party in one of the most politically engaged and civically-minded states was the best first step after graduation. I ended up meeting President Biden during one of my first few days there. I was promoted to Special Projects Director and then left the NHDP after two years. I joined a budding political data organization. I was ready for a new challenge and was inspired by their drive and vision. That was almost three years ago; I am now the Operations Director of the organization.”

Casey McIntyre, a Hoboken Charter School Middle School graduate whose HCS roots led her to focus on public service law and civic responsibility, serves as an Assistant District Attorney. “HCS holds a special place in my heart because it deeply ingrained in me a commitment to public service and a profound sense of social responsibility from an early age. The school’s focus on understanding and respecting diverse communities taught me the importance of approaching service with sincerity and dedication. This early foundation shaped my values and outlook, instilling in me a commitment to helping others and making a positive impact in the actions I take. HCS has greatly influenced who I am, both personally and professionally, by fostering a strong dedication to helping others and valuing community. The school's emphasis on appreciating diverse perspectives and using one's skills to support and uplift those around them has played a key role in shaping my career. This grounding has guided my path in law and strengthened my commitment to public service and justice, ensuring that my work is driven by a
sincere concern for fairness and the welfare of others. The focus on service and social justice at HCS taught me the importance of empathy, advocacy, and civic engagement. These principles have influenced my approach to law and my dedication to ensuring fairness and justice in my role as an Assistant District Attorney.”

Another Hoboken Charter School Middle School alumna, Laura Hecht-Fellela, also traveled down the legal path, serving as a civil rights attorney. “Currently, I work at a civil litigation firm where I represent survivors of sexual assault, online harassment, and privacy violations. I also lead the firm's anti-abortion harassment practice. I provide legal assistance to reproductive healthcare providers and allies experiencing anti-abortion harassment. My mom was one of HCS's founders. Tagging along with her to meetings in those early days, I had the unique opportunity to observe the development of the school's service-learning mission and the nurturing and innovative approach to learning that sets HCS apart today. The learning environment at HCS where social justice was a core value influenced my path towards becoming a civil rights lawyer and my commitment to advocating for change. It instilled in me a responsibility to contribute to creating a fairer and more inclusive society. Some of my favorite memories from my time as a student at HCS are the projects I did with my class, including painting a mural for the Hoboken Shelter and participating in the March on Washington Street to celebrate and honor the Civil Rights Movement.”

Deirdra Grode, the school’s Executive Director, reflects on these students and her satisfaction in seeing them grow into members of their local communities, contributing in such meaningful ways. “The work we do at HCS is rooted in the goal of students becoming curious, socially-responsible and engaged citizens as they enter the postsecondary world. HCS graduates leave with a sense of purpose and feel empowered and prepared to take an active role in improving their community by promoting equity, challenging injustice and becoming agents of positive change. It is so gratifying to see our students taking what they learned at HCS and making meaningful change in the world.”

The Hoboken Charter School is a K-12 community committed to social justice and service-learning grounded in learner-centered practices. We seek personal, civic, academic, and artistic growth for all of our members. Through an individualized and shared journey, students come to know who they are and how they can change the world. For more information, visit hobokencs.org.