NEWARK, N.J. – Alumni from various fields, including science, business, education, and government, returned to Science Park High School on Saturday to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Principal Darleen L. Gearhart welcomed the alumni, acknowledging the school’s legacy of exploration, innovation, and excellence since its founding in 1974 as Science High School.

“As we look back over these five decades, we see a tapestry woven with the dreams and achievements of countless students, teachers, and staff,” said Gearhart during the celebration held in the school’s auditorium.

The event featured speeches from two of the school’s distinguished alumni: Superintendent León (Class of 1987) and Assistant Superintendent Maria Ortiz (Class of 1995).

León spoke about Morris Lerner, the Central High School science teacher credited with designing Science High School around an essential question.

“What would happen if we focused a school around science?” León said. “From its inception, a spark – a charge was formed.”

Invoking his pride as a Science High School alum, León talked about what is means to be a graduate of the school.

“There is no issue ever in your life that you cannot be victorious over,” he said. “Who are we? We are Chargers. We light it up!”

Ortiz shared a personal account of how Science High School influenced her and her brothers' lives. The school reflected the educational values instilled by her parents, who immigrated to Newark from the Dominican Republic in the 1980s. “Science [High School] built character. It respected opportunity, built purpose, and taught us grit,” Ortiz said.

Among the Chargers in the audience were Newark Deputy Mayor Keisha Eure (Class of 1997) and Essex County Deputy Chief Prosecutor Anthony Higgins (Class of 1986), and Hillside Councilman Craig Epps (Class of 1986).

Over five decades, Science Park has become a beacon of academic excellence in Newark. The school was the first in the district to win the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award in 2009. It offers a challenging curriculum that includes International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, with students earning college credits before graduation. The 2024 graduating class alone earned over $37 million in scholarships, triple the amount awarded the previous year.

Science Park’s success extends beyond academics. The Debate Team won the 2024 state championship, while the school's marching band, the Legion of Boom, regularly wins Newark’s Battle of the Bands.

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council offered his congratulations to the Science Park High School community and alumni the school’s 50^th anniversary.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many alumni who returned on Saturday to celebrate, sharing their stories and reminding us all of the lasting impact of this remarkable institution,” said Council. “I also want to thank Principal Gearhart and her dedicated team for organizing such a wonderful celebration, one that truly honors the school’s history and its bright future.”

Alumni Reflections

Alumni shared fond memories and stories from their time at Science High School. AlDon Bryant (Class of 1992), wearing a Hampton University sweatshirt, said the school's rigorous academics prepared him for the challenges of attending an HBCU.

“The academics at Science High School were second to none,” Bryant said.

Hillary Dow (Class of 1990), now principal of Lincoln School, recalled earning a full academic scholarship to Rutgers University in Newark.

“I didn’t have to worry about how college was going to be paid for because of the top-notch education I received,” Dow said.

Alumni enjoyed paging through yearbooks in the library, which included photos of notable Newark Public Schools alumni like Chief of Staff Havier Nazario and Newark School of Fashion and Design Principal Sakina Pitts.

Nicole Risher, a Class of 1992 graduate, credited her rigorous high school education for setting her on course for a 30-year career in scientific research. She now works at PTC Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company in Bridgewater.

Reminiscing about the school’s previous location at 40 Rector Street, Rod Jefferson (Class of 1985) recalled its nickname, “The Dungeon,” due to its leaky ceilings and limited facilities. Despite these challenges, Jefferson credits the school with instilling resilience in its students. "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere," said Jefferson, who later became the chief financial officer at Salem Community College.

As alumni turned pages of memories, Rod Jefferson, a 1985 graduate, remembered attending classes at the school’s previous location at 40 Rector Street. “We called it ‘The Dungeon,’ but in a good way,” said Jefferson. There were leaky ceilings and other limitations, but they only served to build the students’ resilience.

“If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” said Jefferson, recalling the prevalent attitude at the school. Jefferson earned a degree in finance and economics from Howard University and is now the chief financial officer at Salem Community College.

Celebrating the Present

During the event, alumni had the opportunity to experience Science Park as it is today. The Debate Team, led by alumnus Jonathan Alton (Class of 1987), gave a demonstration for returning alumni. Student authors Michael Adeleke and Jhon Salazar shared their stories from We Were Strangers Once, Too, a collection of first-person immigration accounts edited by teacher Shawn Adler. The Science Park High School Choir performed, and science demonstrations and a project on the school's history were also presented.

Alumni were given tours of the modern Science Park High School, which has been the school's home since 2006, by senior students Keyana Bamba and Emanuella Kissem and juniors Khadeeja Abdallah and Nabinou Fofana.

For many of the alums, the newer facilities and programs were a fulfillment of the promises made while they were students of what the future of the school would be.

“We take a lot of pride in what this place has become,” Bryant said, summing up the shared sentiment of many alumni.