
58 students’ personal accounts published as “We Were Strangers Once, Too” anthology
NEWARK, N.J. – Superintendent León, Assistant Superintendent Maria Ortiz, and Principal Darleen Gearhart welcomed Congresswoman LaMonica McIver to Science Park High School on Friday for a special event honoring the 58 student authors of We Were Strangers Once, Too.
The book is a collection of first-person stories of coming to the United States written by students who live throughout the city. Shawn Adler, an award-winning English Language Arts and AP Psychology teacher, edited the stories.
“Look at what you have done. You have become authors,” said Adler, speaking from the podium to his students. “No matter what anyone tells you, your words and ideas can change the world. Your stories are proof of that.”
“This book is an acknowledgement, not only of you but of where you’ve been,” said Superintendent León, a Science Park High School alumnus, as he spoke to the gathering of student authors. “I am immensely proud of your hard work, commitment to excellence, and ongoing understanding about the importance of who you are.”
“These stories highlight the sobering reality for many migrants who leave their home country in pursuit of a better life here in America. But these stories also highlight something else – hope,” said Congresswoman McIver, an alumna of Central High School. “Your words have power. You have given voice to your journeys. You have created a bridge of empathy that can connect us all.”
Board of Education President Hasani K. Council and Board Member Kanileah Anderson were also impressed by the work of the young writers.
“We are incredibly proud of the students who have contributed to the collected works, We Were Strangers Once, Too,” President Council said. “Their courage in sharing their personal migration stories not only reflects their resilience but also strengthens our community by fostering understanding and empathy. These young authors remind us that storytelling is a powerful tool to build bridges and create meaningful connections. We commend their resilience, creativity, and commitment to inspiring change through their words.”
Two student authors read their stories aloud at the gathering on Friday. One wrote about his uncle, who was lost while making the journey to the United States from Peru. Another recalled the items she chose to pack – among them, a picture of her family and her favorite bedtime storybook – after her father said they needed to flee a dangerous situation at their home in Ecuador.
Science Park High School Principal Darleen Gearhart said that reading many of the students’ narratives moved her to tears, and she recognized the students for their resilience and tenacity in putting their experiences in writing.
“Your stories and who you are as people is inspiring to all of us,” Gearhart said. “It’s inspiring all of the people in this room to be better people.”
We Were Strangers Once, Too was originally published in April 2024. The collection of stories represents students from eight Newark high schools who came from 24 different countries. Each of the student authors received royalty checks from sales of the book, which is sold on Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2GJMDN3