Newark Teen Nails Down Scholarships: 'Hard Work Gets You Great Places'

NEWARK, NJ — “Hard work gets you to great places.” This inspiring mantra is a driving philosophy of Genesis Parfait, a Newark student who was recently named as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2023 New Jersey Youth of the Year.

Parfait – who attends KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy – has earned the prestigious honor, which recognizes students’ “leadership, service and academic excellence,” and comes with a $12,500 college scholarship.

The funds will come in handy as the graduating senior gets ready to attend the University of New Haven and major in forensic science.

According to award organizers, here’s why Parfait nailed down the distinction this year:

“More than 12 years ago, when Genesis was in early elementary school, she joined her local Boys & Girls club. Looking up to older members, Genesis got involved in numerous activities and clubs over the years dedicated to leadership, community service, fitness and academics, including the Keystone Club, BGCN’s step team, SMART Girls, STEM and more. Outside of her involvement at The Club, she maintains a 4.3 GPA, is the student-member of the KIPP School Board of Directors, serves as president and secretary interior for her high school’s student government and founded the step team at Newark Collegiate Academy. Additionally, she volunteers mentoring younger members during Power Hour, an hour dedicated after school to assist members with homework.”

As the 2023 New Jersey Youth of the Year, Parfait will go on to compete for regional Youth of the Year on June 21, with a chance to win an additional $20,000 college scholarship.

“We are incredibly proud of Genesis and all the Youth of the Year nominees,” said Susan Haspel, state director of Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey.

“As the New Jersey Youth of the Year, Genesis will serve as a spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club kids and teens across the state as a role model that they can admire and emulate,” Haspel added.

Parfait also recently captured another big award, earning a Dave Goldberg Scholarship alongside her fellow KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy peer, Moyisola Esther Akinwande. They will be receiving $60,000 for non-tuition expenses in college.

“I'm passionate about ending my senior year with a bang,” Parfait said.

“Hard work gets you to great places and it's pretty hard to get there, but I'm on track,” she added. “I've made sacrifices and received opportunities that make me a better person.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.