[Newark, NJ] On Saturday, October 14th, the inspirational trio known as "The Three Doctors" - Sampson Davis, MD, Rameck Hunt, MD, and George Jenkins, DMD - returned to their alma mater, University High School, located at 55 Clinton Place, Newark, NJ, for their highly anticipated annual Mentor Day.
University High School holds special significance for these distinguished doctors, as it was here that they made a life-changing promise as teenagers to defy the odds and pursue their dreams of becoming physicians. Now, through Mentor Day, they aim to give back by inspiring the next generation, just as past role models and supporters once did for them.
"The presence of Dr. Davis, Dr. Hunt, and Dr. Jenkins, with all of the fantastic mentors, gave our students an invaluable opportunity to learn from successful professionals in their respective fields. We are grateful for their time and expertise and look forward to continuing to provide our students with opportunities to learn from and be inspired by successful role models like them." - Superintendent León.
Mentor Day is a free event made possible through the partnership of University High School and "The Three Doctors" Foundation, their non-profit organization. The mentees in attendance were high school students from University High School and middle school students from across the District, who engaged in enlightening discussions and interactive activities geared towards future career and educational success. The mentors who guided these young minds was comprised of University High School alumni, members of the community, and partners of the foundation, representing diverse professional backgrounds.
Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton expressed gratitude to "The Three Doctors" and all the volunteers who supported mentor day. “As a proud alumnus of University High School, having "The Three Doctors" as well as other alumni and community members share their rich experiences during Mentor Day confirms the possibilities that exist for our scholars. It reinforces one of our daily messages to scholars, that they can, they must and they will achieve great things. Further, it demonstrates our school’s motto, Pay It Forward, in action. When graduates of our very school, like the Three Doctors, return home to give back to those coming behind them, they provide a real-life example of what they can become.
“Education is the foundation of a thriving community. Our responsibility as a Board, is to work closely with the Superintendent, to ensure that every child in our district has access to the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential. The Mentor Day event featuring 'The Three Doctors' is an outstanding example of our commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation.” - Hasani K. Council, Board President.
To enhance the program's impact, students received complimentary backpacks courtesy of "The Three Doctors" Foundation. The students were also treated to a special screening of "The Pact" documentary at University High School, providing students with insights into the doctors' inspiring journey.
Additionally, students were invited to take part in "The Three Doctors" Foundation Positive Peer Pressure Challenge, an initiative designed to motivate youth to engage in positive activities that benefit their communities. These activities align with the foundation's primary focus areas, including health, education, leadership, and mentoring. This challenge provided students with an opportunity to be acknowledged and rewarded for their positive contributions to society.
“It was a surreal feeling to come back home to University High School to serve with family, to inspire and motivate our scholars. I can’t thank the mentors, volunteers, and Principal Hamilton enough for such an enriching and rewarding experience. We hope to make this the beginning of a new and ongoing connection to a place that has always been home to us.” - Dr. George Jenkins, The Three Doctors
The annual Mentor Day was not only a celebration of determination and success but also an embodiment of the enduring commitment of "The Three Doctors" to inspire, mentor, and uplift the Newark community. The event was filled with empowerment, learning, and inspiration, setting the stage for the bright futures of the next generation.
About “The Three Doctors”
The doctors have authored three inspiring books about their lives: The Pact for adults, and We Beat the Streets for children, as well as a third book, The Bond, highlighting fatherhood relationships. Dr. Davis also released a new book, Living & Dying in Brick City, which provides a rare, real-life glimpse into the inner workings of an urban emergency room while offering practical health advice for our communities. Drs. Davis, Hunt, and Jenkins also find time to give back to the community through their non-profit organization, The Three Doctors Foundation which has offered over a decade of free health, education and mentoring programs for youth and families in the NY/NJ area. The Three Doctors have received many awards including the prestigious Essence Award for their accomplishments and leadership as well as a BET Honors award.
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 39,000 students in 63 schools. After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened 9 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:
Nancy J. Deering, Acting Communications Director
ndeering@nullnps.k12.nj.us