Trenton Teens Celebrated at Youth College Ceremony

Trenton Teens Celebrated at MCCC Youth College Ceremony

5/23/13

West Windsor, N.J. – On May 4, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) recognized the accomplishments of young people from Trenton who are preparing for successful futures. Approximately 200 middle and high school students who have participated in MCCC’s Youth College enrichment programs during the past year -- often for many years as far back as middle school -- attended the ceremony at Kelsey Theatre, along with enthusiastic family members. Offered through the college's Trenton campus under the direction of Donald David, Youth College programs include SMILE/GEAR UP, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and Urban Academic Academy. Programs begin as early as sixth grade and continue through high school. Services include after-school tutoring, summer programs, field trips, academic counseling and SAT prep. Serving as master and mistress of ceremonies were Robert Hill, SMILE/GEAR UP Class of 2013, and Cherie Reed, Urban Academic Academy Class of 2013. Hill will attend Dickerson College in Carlisle, Pa., and Reed heads for St. Peter's University in Jersey City. Wayne Murray, SMILE/GEAR UP director, welcomed the packed auditorium and thanked parents and the other adults who have made the success of these young people a priority. The keynote speaker was Rev. Toby Sanders, a pastor and teacher at Beloved Community in Trenton. In his remarks, Dr. Sanders delivered words of congratulations for the noteworthy achievements of these students, but noted that the journey had just begun. College scholarships were awarded to many of the 75 graduating seniors in recognition of academic excellence. Among the schools they will attend in the fall are Bloomfield College, Haverford College, Montclair State, New Jersey City University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Rider University, Rowan University, Rutgers University, Stockton College, The College of New Jersey, University of Pennsylvania, University of Richmond, and William Paterson University. More than 20 will begin their college careers at MCCC. Youth College Programs Return to Current News Return to Home Page
	Seventy-five high school seniors who have participated in Youth College programs are heading to colleges including MCCC, and many four-year schools.

	Rev. Toby Sanders delivered an inspirational keynote address, in which he encouraged students to continue to strive to be their best.

	In his closing remarks, Youth College Director Don Davis expressed heartfelt words of encouragement for students and their families.