University High School Senior Earns Full Scholarship to Bentley University

NEWARK, N.J. – Friday the 13^th brought good luck to Jade Peralta.

On Friday, March 13^th, Peralta, a University High School senior, was awarded a full scholarship to Bentley University, a private university about 10 miles away from Boston.

Of course, Peralta wasn’t notified of the scholarship without a little fun. Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton set up the hopeful senior for a surprise, telling Peralta that she needed to attend a video call with university admissions officials who had further questions about her application. However, during the meeting, an admissions counselor broke the news. 

“I can confirm that we have actually selected you as a First Generation President Scholar at Bentley University, and you will be receiving a full ride,” the admissions counselor said.

The surprise brought Peralta to tears and drove her into a group hug with her mother, Polanco Altagracia, Principal Hamilton, her guidance counselor, Sam Feldman, and her Speech and Debate Coach, Saul Grullon.

“This means a million things to me,” Peralta said. “I am so thankful, really thankful for this scholarship.”

“I am extremely proud,” Altagracia said. “Jade is a very hard-working student. When it comes to academics, she has always been really good at that.”

“This extraordinary achievement reflects both Jade’s unwavering determination and the power of a supportive school community that nurtures excellence,” said Superintendent León. “Earning a full scholarship to Bentley University as a First Generation President Scholar is a life-changing milestone, and we are incredibly proud of Jade for turning her hard work and aspirations into reality. She represents the very best of Newark Public Schools, and we look forward to all she will accomplish in the field of finance and beyond.”

“Jade Peralta’s success is a powerful example of what is possible when talent, perseverance, and opportunity come together,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Her journey from a self-described shy freshman to a confident leader and president of her school’s Speech and Debate Team is truly inspiring. On behalf of the Board of Education, we congratulate Jade and her family on this remarkable achievement and celebrate the bright future ahead of her.”

“Jade has grown into an exceptional young leader whose commitment to excellence is evident in everything she does,” said Principal Hamilton. “Whether in the classroom or leading our Speech and Debate Team, she consistently demonstrates discipline, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose. It was an honor to help celebrate this moment with her, and I have no doubt that she will continue to shine at Bentley University.”

When asked for advice for younger students hoping to earn a college scholarship, Peralta was clear and direct.

“You have to be affirmative about your actions,” she said. “You have to really work hard. You can’t procrastinate on your goals.”

The senior, who said she was very shy as a freshman, is president of the University High School’s award-winning Speech and Debate Team. In October, Peralta was one of two district students to reach the finals at the Yale Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament, and she almost made a respectable showing at the Harvard National High School Speech and Debate Tournament in February. To relax, Peralta participates in the high school’s arts and crafts club.