Speaker Oliver Addresses 2013 Graduates

On June 25th, 2013 Pride Academy Charter School celebrated its 5th Commencement with the graduation of 66 students from the 8th grade class of 2013. The first African-American to lead a legislative house in New Jersey and second in the country, Speaker Shelia Y. Oliver of the New Jersey Assembly, served as the graduation speaker for Pride Academy’s 2013 graduation.

Speaker Oliver (center) with board president, Mr. Mitchell (left), and Pride’s Academy’s principal, Mrs. Thomas (right).

During Speaker Oliver’s speech to the graduating students, she focused on the importance of making the right choices. The Speaker told the graduates that Pride had already instilled a strong foundation for success through the core base of values that make up the fabric of the school. Each letter in the name “Pride” --Peace. Respect. Integrity. Determination. Empathy--represents a core value that guides every aspect of the school.

Speaker Oliver shared a few anecdotes from her life as a student and informed the students that to live a middle class lifestyle, they must make attending college a priority. She went on to say, “9th-12th grade is the period during which you’ll determine what will happen to you for the rest of your lives… I know that Pride Academy has given you the road map to success.” The graduates and the audience were captivated by the personal and genuine nature of Speaker Oliver’s inspirational speech.

Pride Academy’s class of 2013 will be attending an array of high schools including public, private, and parochial schools. A few of the schools are STEM Academy in East Orange, Christ the King, in Newark, Marist High School in Bayonne, Westtown School in Chester, PA, and People’s Prep in Newark