University High School’s New Student Media Center Officially Opens

NEWARK, N.J. – Students, educators, administrators, and public officials gathered at University High School to celebrate the official opening of the school’s new media center.

The refurbished space has new floors, new furniture, and – for the first time in a long time – new books. The school’s library had been closed during state operations.

Dr. Maria Ortiz, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools, said the new collection of books will help support students’ ability to conduct research, a district priority.

“Today, we are celebrating a space where our students will be advanced,” said Ortiz. “This is a space where innovation will come, and ideas will manifest.”

Superintendent León, who previously was University High School’s principal for six years, and Principal Genique Flournoy-Hamilton, who is a graduate of the school and leads the school today, both recalled how well the space was utilized by students and staff during that time and how critically important the renovations and upgrades are for students today.

Dr. Shavon Chambers, Vice Principal of University High School, said the new media center will help support the school’s growing number of students earning college credits through dual enrollment classes.

“Imagine the 73 scholars who are currently in dual enrollment classes being able to sit in this space, embark on research, and take classes with their professors,” Dr. Chambers said.

Chambers added that the high school will hire a full-time media specialist next year.

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council, a University High School alumnus, said the new media center was a vast improvement over what was available to students when he attended the high school.

“We had a room, but it wasn’t like this,” said Council, who has a few words for today’s University High School students. “I ask that you use it, that you take advantage of the resources that are given to you.”

Students responded with assurances that they would.

“I know I will be in this room using these books,” said Dante Elliott, a 10th grader and vice-president of the school’s Student Council and Speech and Debate Team.

“Because without the knowledge that I have today, I wouldn’t be here.”

“Books, in more ways than one, have saved my life,” said Malakai Yepes, a senior who has won national honors on the school’s Speech and Debate Team. “I encourage everyone – whether it be scholars, staff, faculty, or even custodial workers or security staff – to come in and absorb the knowledge and excellence that lives within this very room.”  

Mia Jones, President of the Student Council and the Senior Class, delivered the students’ thanks, saying that the new media center would support students’ study habits and other skills to help them succeed in college. 

Michaela White, a senior and an award-winning orator, delivered a compelling performance that included her rendition of “Little Black Boy” by Brittany Green.