Summit's PEP Program Celebrates Graduating, College-Bound Seniors

PEP Program Celebrates Graduating, College-Bound Summit High School Seniors

Summit, NJ (June 19, 2018) — Five graduating Summit High Schools seniors who participated in the PEP Program (Pride in Educational Pursuits) were celebrated at a dinner at the Grand Summit Hotel on June 6th. In addition to 122 students and proud parents, PEP Staff and Board Members, Summit High School Principal Stacy Grimaldi, attended.

PEP is a Summit-based nonprofit offering academic support, college and career readiness to Summit public middle and high school students with demonstrated financial need. Based in a home-like setting, PEP is privately and generously funded by members of the Summit community. Programming includes an array of after-school and summer activities provided free of charge to participants. Upon successful completion of the PEP program, students are eligible for up to $10,000 per year of funding toward college or vocational school.

During the celebration, five Summit seniors, Nkozi Abdur-Rahman, Saniya Jones, Steve Molina, Daniel Campos, and Icisys Sadler, announced their college plans for the fall, and acknowledged PEP’s role in their success. In addition, two PEP college alumni, Brianna Brown (B.A., Rutgers University) and Asia Beamon (B.F.A., The University of the Arts), offered reflections on the role that PEP had in their college success.

“Next year I will be studying mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University,” said Steve Molina. “The first college I ever visited was actually Princeton in 6th grade with PEP, when we were first being exposed to the college process. We were told that anyone of us could wind up here if we were willing to work hard enough. This stuck with me and pushed me. Thanks to all of the PEP staff, here I am, ready to go off to Princeton and make PEP proud!”

“PEP has guided me through elementary, middle and high school with discipline, dedication and guidance — allowing me to be the best me possible. PEP had been the foundation of my education,” said Icisys Sadler. An accomplished athlete, Sadler won the 100 hurdles and 200-meter dash at the Union County Championships, setting Summit High School school records in the process. She will enroll at Rutgers University in the fall.

“My experience at PEP has been amazing,” said Saniya Jones. The staff have become like an extended family to me over the last 9 years, and they played a tremendous role in my academic success.” Saniya will matriculate at Union County College in September.

“We could not be prouder of our graduating seniors, " said Michael McCook, PEP’s executive director. "They have demonstrated commitment and tenacity and have bright futures ahead."

The PEP Program has been a Summit institution since 1996. It has active partnerships with a number of Summit organizations, and PEP students completed community service work at SHIP, Bridges, The Summit Public Library, the YMCA, The Connection, the Junior League Thrift Shop, Central Presbyterian Church, and the Department of Community Programs. Applications are accepted in the sixth grade. For more information about eligibility please call 908-277-1106 or visit https://www.pepprogramnj.org/contact-us/.

Photo Caption - Back row: Steve Molina, Nkozi Abdur-Rahman, Daniel Campos, Seated: Saniya Jones and Icisys Sadler