88 students in their senior year from across the district were recognized for exceptional accomplishments
“I’m pleased to celebrate each of our valedictorians and salutatorians, as well as our ‘3E’ Award recipients, for the academic excellence and leadership they have displayed over the course of their academic careers,” said Superintendent Cerf. “Tonight is a special occasion for our school community as we honor senior leaders who have demonstrated distinction both inside and outside of the classroom, not only to advance themselves, but also to lift up their peers, our schools, and our community. I’m inspired by the accomplishments of each of our scholars and look forward to learning about their future successes.”
In order for a student to be a “3E” Award recipient, he or she must strongly exhibit one of the following values:
- Equity – focus on justice and fairness: the nominee exemplifies spirit and intent of the old adage “treat others the way you want to be treated”
- Effort – hard work and consistency of effort: the nominee shows diligence and perseverance in overcoming obstacles and consistency of effort over time
- Excellence – results driven: the nominee exhibits exceptional and tangible results in community involvement for social justice, self-improvement and academic achievement
During the evening’s festivities, members of the NPS school community stood in a moment of silence to remember Chris Gibbs, president of the graduating class of 2017 at Barringer Academy of Arts and Humanities, who died on Thursday, June 1, after he was hit by a truck near his home shortly after his senior prom. The principal of Barringer Academy, Dr. Kimberly Honnick, and Chris Gibbs’s fellow students received his “3E” Award on his behalf, celebrating his effort and leadership throughout his academic career. Chris Gibbs was set to attend Westchester Community College this upcoming fall.
“Mr. Gibbs was a beloved member of his school community, embodying the traits of a strong leader and hardworking scholar and serving as a role model for his peers at Barringer on a daily basis. Our thoughts and sincere sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time,” said Superintendent Cerf.
This year’s valedictorians, salutatorians and “3E” Award recipients will be attending the following colleges and universities after graduation: Yale University, Columbia University, Boston College, New York University Stern School of Business, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Davidson College, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, Montclair State University, University of West Indies (Jamaica), Harvard University, Cooper Union, Caldwell University, Lincoln University, Bard College, Bloomfield College, Monroe College, Kean University, Essex County College, Pace University, Tuskegee University, Amherst College, Swarthmore College, New Jersey City University, The College of New Jersey, Union County College, Empire Beauty School of Montclair, The Travel Academy, The After 21 Program, The Culinary Institute of America, The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Developmental Disabilities, Gettysburg College, Stockton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Hudson County College, and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
To read the student bios of each of the 2017 senior class valedictorians, salutatorians and “3E” Award recipients, click here.