The Partnership for West Side High School Welcomes Newark Seniors

Newark, NJ – The Partnership for West Side High School, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting educational equity in Newark, and the Newark Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services of Senior Services, welcomed 170+ West Ward seniors to West Side High School for a theater performance by the student drama club. The Division of Senior Services provided transportation, picking up seniors from around the West Ward. Attendees then enjoyed a night of culture and connection before celebrating the inaugural recipient of The Partnership for West Side High School’s Mae Smith Civic Award.

“The Partnership focuses on sustaining a space that empowers youth and strengthens community through education and support,” said Partnership for West Side High School Founder & CEO Rasheen Peppers. “This collaboration with the Newark Division of Senior Services highlights for our students the importance of service as the foundation for a lasting legacy of excellence as they look toward meaningful ways to invest in their community.”

Rasheen Peppers, founder and chief executive officer of the Partnership for West Side High School (right), presents Mae Smith (left) with the Mae Smith Civic Award.

Drama club students performed "I Know I’m Somebody,” an original play written and directed by Newark artist and producer Sheba Jordan. After the performance, The Partnership presented Newark resident and trailblazer Mae Smith with the inaugural Mae Smith Civic Award. The award recognizes a notable Newark resident whose civic service brought about positive change for the community. Mae Smith graduated from West Side High School in 1968. She went on to work at Rahway State Prison, formerly East Jersey State Prison, from 1976 until 1981, when she joined the inaugural class of nine female officers at the Newark Police Department. Smith was one of the first Black women to serve as a police officer for the City of Newark. She retired in 2007.

The Newark Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services of Senior Services bused seniors from across the West Ward to West Side High School for the performance.

“Creating opportunities for Newark’s oldest and youngest residents to connect is important for the social health of our community,” said Director of the Newark Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services Donnell M. Redding. “I look forward to continued collaboration with The Partnership for West Side High School to make more meaningful experiences possible to deepen social connection in Newark. I am grateful to Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka for his commitment and support of our department's work in this program.”

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About The Partnership for West Side High School
The Partnership for West Side High School champions educational equity in Newark by supporting and celebrating the rich history of West Side High School. It is dedicated to providing the essential resources and foundational infrastructure needed to ensure the school continues to thrive as a vital community hub—serving its teachers, staff, scholars, families, and the surrounding neighborhoods with pride and purpose. To learn more, visit westsidepartnership.org.