All IB Seniors at Science Park High School Earn International Baccalaureate Diplomas
NEWARK, N.J. – Every 2025 graduate of Science Park High School enrolled in the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) program has successfully completed the rigorous requirements to earn the IB Diploma, Newark Public Schools officials announced today.
“These students have met one of the most rigorous academic standards in the world,” said Superintendent León. “Earning an IB Diploma is a mark of exceptional discipline, intellect, and global awareness. We are incredibly proud.”
The IB Diploma recipients from Science Park High School’s Class of 2025 are:
- Iyiola Ajanaku, who will attend Brown University
- Beau Ambroise, who will attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Lucas Almeida, who will attend Stevens Institute of Technology
- Jasmine Doreus, who will attend Tuskegee University
- Adrian Lopez-Silvero, who will attend Rochester Institute of Technology
- Ashley Lourenco, who will attend Amherst College
- Farisa Manifold, who will attend New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Chukwubundom Nwosu, who will attend Wake Forest University
- Karen Otavalo, who will attend Harvard University
- Mark Perez, who will attend Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University
- Ashley Rivera, who will attend Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Brianna Rivera, who will attend Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Paul Romero, who will attend Rutgers University – New Brunswick
- Giovanna Yenke, who will attend Rutgers University – New Brunswick
“These students not only rose to the academic challenge, they embraced the global mindset and community service that the IB program fosters,” said Darleen Gearhart, Principal of Science Park High School. “Their achievement is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our IB teachers and counselors.”
To earn an IB Diploma, students must complete six exams across different subject areas, an extended research-based essay, the Theory of Knowledge course, and a Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project. Exams and essays are evaluated by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Students need at least 24 out of a possible 45 points to earn the diploma.
“This accomplishment by our IB graduates at Science Park High School reflects the strength and potential of Newark’s students when given access to rigorous and inspiring opportunities,” Hasani K. Council, President of the Newark Board of Education. “We celebrate their success and the educators who guided them.”
Science Park High School is one of 16 high schools in the state that offer the program. The other schools are Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, Biotechnology High School in Freehold, Fort Lee High School, Freehold Township High School, Howell High School in Farmingdale, International High School in Paterson, Linden High School, Manasquan High School, Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, Newark Academy in Livingston, Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver, Salem High School, Shore Regional High School in West Long Branch, West Morris Central High School in Chester, and West Morris Mendham High School in Mendham.
About Newark Public Schools
The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676. The District currently enrolls over 41,000 students in 64 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983