studentrep@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Zuri McCune is a Science Park High School senior with a deep passion for biological sciences and humanitarian service. Throughout her high school career, Zuri has worked to combine academic excellence with extensive leadership, research, and community engagement.
Zuri’s academic pursuits include over eight total AP classes spanning her junior and senior years and dual enrollment courses like Introduction to Africana Studies at Rutgers University. As a dedicated member of Science Park’s Scientific Research Club, Zuri contributed to the team’s success as a state finalist in the Solve for Tomorrow competition. She is also a student researcher under Dr. James Arnone of LeMoyne College. Their analysis of genome data during the 2024 W.E.B. DuBois Summer Institute at Princeton University is set to be published in 2025.
Beyond academics, Zuri’s leadership shines as Special Events Coordinator, Dance Line Captain of the Legion of Boom Marching Band, and co-founder of the Science Park High School Black Student Union. She is also a 2024 initiate of the National Honors Society. A talented vocalist, Zuri is the primary vocalist in the Jazz House Kids big band and small ensembles. With the band, she competed in the 2024 Charles Mingus High School Competition & Festival, winning the Outstanding Soloist Award. She has performed at numerous events, from the 2024 Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans to community performances at the Newark Museum of Art. Zuri’s hobbies include playing the cello, reading Octavia Butler, and visiting Central Park in NYC.
Once she graduates high school, she plans to attend Smith College as a Posse Scholarship Finalist, majoring in Biological sciences and minoring in Anthropology in hopes of attending medical school as a medical anthropologist.