Newark High School Seniors Nail Down $165M In Scholarships

NEWARK, NJ — Nearly 3,000 graduating seniors got a huge round of applause from Newark public school officials this week for racking up a long list of honors, including more than $165 million in combined scholarships.

The Newark Board of Education recently saluted the 2,734 seniors who make up the class of 2024 across the district’s 15 high schools.

This year's ceremonies were particularly moving because they included the inaugural graduating class of the Newark School of Global Studies, administrators noted.

“The Class of 2024 has set a new standard of excellence for Newark Public Schools,” Superintendent Roger León said.

“Their dedication, perseverance, and diverse accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and the support of their schools, families and our communities,” León said. “The world will be a much better place because of the children from the City of Newark.”

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Board President Hasani Council said the graduating students have bright futures to look ahead to.

“While I am proud of all our students, the Class of 2024 holds a special place in my heart,” Council said, adding that he has witnessed their journey from the beginning – having been a freshman board member when they entered 9th grade.

“Watching them achieve milestone after milestone has been rewarding, and I believe their best is yet to come,” Council said.

According to the board, some of their achievements include:

SCHOLARSHIPS AND COLLEGE CREDIT – “[Students received] over $165 million in scholarships for their higher education pursuits and over 178 students earned associates degrees by taking college courses while still in high school. This graduating class, over their four years of high school, collectively saved their families an impressive $14.2 million through college credit courses.”

DIVERSE CAREER PATHS – “Many of these talented students will be attending prestigious Ivy League Universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and state and private universities in record numbers. Others have chosen to enroll in Trade Schools, serve in the Military, or enter the workforce directly, and some as CEOs of their own businesses. The Class of 2024 in Newark reflects a wide array of ambitions and aspirations.”

ACADEMICS – “Academically, 509 seniors maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher throughout their four years of high school, demonstrating their dedication and commitment to excellence.”

LANGUAGES – “In addition, 262 seniors were awarded the New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy, showcasing proficiency in languages beyond English such as Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Arabic, and French.”

ATHLETICS – “Beyond academics, this class has also excelled in athletics, with 15 students recognized as NJISAA Scholar Athletes. Their achievements extend beyond the classroom, marking them as well-rounded individuals poised to make significant contributions to their communities and beyond.”

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