East Side High School's Sherly Jaimel Perez Coronado Earns District’s Highest GPA as Class of 2026 Celebrates Record Achievements
NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools celebrated the accomplishments of its highest-achieving graduating seniors during Academic Awards Night honoring 508 members of the Class of 2026 who earned grade point averages of 3.5 or higher.
The annual ceremony recognized students from across the district whose academic excellence has distinguished them among the members of the graduating class. Their achievements reflect a class that has excelled in the classroom, earned hundreds of millions of dollars in scholarships, completed college coursework while still in high school, and set a high standard for future generations of Newark students.
A highlight of the evening came when East Side High School senior Sherly Jaimel Perez Coronado was recognized as the district’s top scholar. Among the 508 honorees, Sherly earned the highest grade point average in Newark Public Schools with an outstanding 4.68 GPA. In the fall, she will attend Brown University.
“Sherly’s achievement represents the extraordinary potential that exists throughout Newark Public Schools,” said Superintendent León. “She has distinguished herself through academic excellence, determination, and perseverance. We congratulate her and all of the students recognized for their remarkable accomplishments.”
The celebration also highlighted the collective success of the Class of 2026.
- Together, Newark Public Schools seniors have earned more than $242 million in college scholarships, opening doors to some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities.
- Students also saved their families $17,571,505 by earning college credits while still enrolled in high school, demonstrating the value of the district’s college readiness and dual enrollment opportunities.
- 190 seniors earned associate’s degrees before receiving their high school diplomas. Those students came from American History High School, Bard High School Early College, East Side High School, University High School, and West Side High School.
- 531 seniors earned the New Jersey State Seal of Biliteracy by mastering at least one language other than English, and some have even mastered two languages.
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said the accomplishments celebrated during Academic Awards Night demonstrate the strength of Newark Public Schools and its students.
“From earning scholarships and associate's degrees to achieving academic honors at the highest level, these students have shown what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication,” said Council. “Sherly’s achievement is exceptional, and it stands alongside the accomplishments of hundreds of students whose success makes our entire district proud.”
All 508 students received a Newark Board of Education certificate of academic achievement, a citation award from New Jersey Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, and a gold medal to wear at the graduation ceremony in two weeks to commemorate their academic achievement.
The entire Class of 2026 continues to receive honors and accolades with their admissions to Ivy League universities, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, trade schools, the military, and work.