THE CHARGER 2017 ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Dedicated to all faculty and staff from Science-past and present

Marching Al-Nisa Tucker Forward: Muhammad Bringing Back the Sergeant Jerry Band Alston

Dr. Julio Olivo

Erick Jenkins and much more...

At first, we were boats without defiant sails,

Flailing hopelessly before else fails.

Then alas we reach a point of clarity,

Where our burdened minds get rid of insanity.

This hero gives us a new way to think;

By: Oyinkanola Fasasi By: Which fortunately saves us before we sink.

Absolutely nothing in the world compares

To the knowledge a pedagogue unselfishly shares.

They arm us with swords and shields for battle,

And with anchors to limit impacts from a rattle.

They prepare us not only for a simple test,

But to go out into the world and be our best.

To change the world positively with what we know,

And to keep an intellectual spirit that wishes to grow.

Our always-flickering flame of curiosity,

Is a result of their boundless generosity. Ode to Teachers To which we are grateful for to no end,

As they allow us to fly and transcend.

TABLE OF CONTENTS The Charger - Educators Edition 2017 Alumni Magazine

2 12 A Word From the Principal Dr. Keisha-Khan Perry Kathleen Tierney Comes Home...

3 14 Success: Not Far From Reach Music Lives On With 10th Dr. Julio Olivo Grade Prodigy

5 15 Ellis Embraces Education Before and After Joseph Ellis Alumni On the Road to Success

7 19 Marching Forward Inspirational Figure Bringing Back the Band Al-Nisa Tucker-Muhammad

11 22 From Scholar to Sergeant Jack-of-all-Trades Sergeant Jerry Alston Erick Jenkins

Welcome to The Charger! This marks the third Winter Edition of our Alumni Magazine. I am especially excited about this publication, as its focus is on Educators. Science students dating back to 1974 have had the privilege of being taught by some of the finest educators in their field. It is educators who laid the foundation for what Science Park is now- the finest school in Newark, and one of the finest in the state of . Educators created the vision and mission of our school—which we live every day. These educators continue to inspire and motivate Science students to be the best, to challenge the status quo, and to make a difference in the world we live in. We are truly grateful for all the gifts given to us by these Educators and for their commitment to seeing their students succeed. Thank you to all who contributed to this edition of The Charger. As always, you have made us proud. Happy reading! SUCCESS: NOT FAR FROM By: Kimberly Espinal REACH

magine applying to colleges, getting rejected, I yet eventually teaching at these colleges. Our very own Dr. Julio Olivo, graduate of the class of 1999, attests to this. Graduating at the bottom tenth percentile of his class, being denied by Montclair State University and Rutgers University, Dr. Olivo is now teaching at these purpose”, Dr. Julio Olivo lose you to Education. institutions. At Montclair initially sought to major But, I will compromise”, State University he in Education after being until he suggested that teaches Human Learning accepted to Seton Hall Dr. Olivo become a & Memory and University. Through the school psychologist! He Evolutionary Psychology, influence of Dr. Jeffrey has worked for Newark while he also teaches Levy, the chair of the Public Schools for 9 years, Psychology 101 & 102, Department of 7 years as a school Developmental Psychology, Dr. Olivo psychologist, 2 years as a psychology, and was introduced to Vice Principal, and he Childhood Pathology at degrees in school recently began working Rutgers University. How psychology. He recalls his for Elizabeth Public did he do it?! conversation with Dr. Schools this year. Through the cultivation Levy, in which Dr. Levy Though his future goals of a mindset to “Never jokingly said, “The field include getting a second again… underachieve on of Psychology will not Doctorate in Education, he’s still quite down-to took full advantage of earth and admits that he being a student for that hasn’t “become a robot!” class period. After ten I still enjoy the same minutes when Dr. Olivo activities that I enjoyed in finally got the class high school. I love settled and turned his ‘debating’ topics such as: back to the class to write ‘Who’s a better rapper?’ on the board, he shared ‘Who’s the best basketball “a piece of balled up player?’ “Whose era was paper came flying across better… mine or yours?” my head! It came in the And since you asked, of late to his classes! Dr. direction of Mr. O'Neal's course I believe that the Olivo shared one of his seat. When I turned to Wu-Tang Clan is better most memorable him to redirect him, he than Rae Sremmurd? moments in Mr. O’Neal’s shouted, ‘Go!!!!!’ Every And that Michael is student in the class began better than LeBron!” throwing paper at me.” “No matter how well you Much hasn’t changed As a successful Science since high school, he are doing at Science High Alumni, Dr. Julio Olivo reminisces. School, good or bad, advises students of the During his time at continue to educate yourself. quality education this Science, Dr. Julio Olivo great institution offers! You will become successful. had some of the teachers Speaking from we still have around You are a Charger: it’s in experience, Dr. Olivo today, including but not your DNA.” shares, “Even if you are a limited to: Mr. Rippey, failing student, you can Mr. McMann, and Mr. class where he was still achieve. I am your Alston! Despite all of the granted the opportunity example!” He also shares outstanding educators he to teach Mr. O’Neal’s that many underlying had throughout his high class for a day during his issues may impact a school career, Mr. freshmen year. After child’s learning, therefore Christian O’Neal was one having spent a night students should not lose of the most influential memorizing and revising faith in themselves teachers. He was the kind the lesson plan, Dr. Olivo throughout their pursuit of teacher who loved was prepared to teach the of academic excellence. children, gave students lesson. While waiting for dollars when they asked, classmates to sit down, and was always running Mr. O’Neal enjoyed and ELLIS 06 ‘‘06 EMBRACES

EDUCATION By: Erika Dominguez

“They may not even recognize me!” ex claimed our very own Joseph Ellis, as I asked him for an interview. Ellis was in the last graduating class of the original building in 2006. 40 Rector Street was his second home, a warm place where he developed academically and learned about himself. I met him over this past summer as I attended a pre- college program at Rutgers University in Newark, and he was the instructor of a mini- When I asked why he chose to teach this course, Ellis passionately course included in the program responded, “Young adults need to understand the value and the meaning titled Economic Empowerment. of a dollar. It’s an understanding of what wealth is and what money is, wealth vs. money.” Truly intrigued by the course and how Mr. Ellis delivered the content, I noticed he was different, not a typical teacher. Mr. Ellis now cares for students who attend their own Science Highs. Ellis is much more than a teacher; he is a role mod el! He is a Fifth grade math teacher at North Star Academy. Also, he taught fifth and sixth grade in NPS prior. Ellis admits being in an interesting position, as a charter school teacher, instead of public. “I wanted to give back to city kids like me.” But, why? “Urban education is extremely important and needs strong teachers. They need products of urban education. Education can change a child’s perspective.” A graduate from William Paterson with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, he later studied at Rutgers University-Newark for his Masters in Public Administration.

Greatly remembered for his athletic prowess, former star basketball player, Ellis, recalls his entry to Science High. Everyone called him Duke and he was extremely popular. His confidence was definitely demonstrated on the court. Injuring his ankle freshmen year did not stop Ellis’ glory. In his sophomore year, he scored the first 30 points of his basketball career! In his junior year, Science won the first Group 1 State Championship and was named Group MVP. Last but not least, he was MVP of the legendary win at Science’s first ever Christmas Tournament Championship. While Ellis reminisced party league, which changed my outlook on politics. I realized there about his overall high school were other politics, other people that felt like you in the world.” I was career, he expressed that exposed to thinking outside the box and that helped me a lot. Also, he “Science was a great mentioned how cool Mr. McMahon taught and how easily he retained experience. There was freedom the lectures. Most importantly, Ellis wanted to press how valuable it and trust amongst the was to have Karen Gaylord involved in the school. “She was so administration and students. We supportive and always present. She truly cared, and it is important to could go outside and go to care.” lunch”. As he reflected, He lit Joseph Ellis considers himself an artist, poet, scholar and much up when he described the silver more. He has traveled to Paris (three times), Amsterdam, Sweden, food truck that was always London, Germany, Spain, Mexico and Canada. “My travels expanded outside the school. “Everyone my outlook on life. It freed me. It shows you that it is a slower world. who went to the Old Science Time is appreciated more. There’s no 9-5, others are worked less.” He knows about that food truck.” especially enjoyed his time in Amsterdam, which he remarked as “the The husband and wife both with freest city ever”. Consequently, he plans to live there in a near future. a thick accent served us with Ideally, after he obtains his PhD in urban education, to be Dr. Ellis. He much love.” has not yet figured out the focus, but looks forward to doing it at When asked how Harvard, Stanford or the University of Colorado. Maybe he’ll work as Science impacted him the most, an administrator, college professor or city consultant? We don’t know Ellis had so many cherished for now, but we’re bound to hear about huge things from Joseph Ellis! memories. He remembers the great, Mr. Rippey, for opening “Going to Science, means something, it speaks his eyes to politics. “He taught us that it was more than a two- for itself.”

Marching Forward By: Gaelle Moise and Oyinkansola Fasasi

Science teamed with University High to form a marching band in 1978 and later joined Central High in 1979.

fter 42 years, Science has finally The practices are for 2-3 hours every resurrected its High School Wednesday and Thursday. When A Marching Band during this 2016- performances are approaching, they 2017 school season. The band consists of practice every day. The band plays music students from Science and Barringer High of all genres including “Formation”, by Schools; they are called the Legion of Beyonce, “No Problem”, by Chance the Boom (LOB). It is led by Science’s very Rapper and “Antidote”, by Travis Scott, as own Music Teacher/Director of Bands, Mr. well as classics like “Pretty Young Thing”, Mario McMiller. Students of exceptional by Michael Jackson, and “To Be Real”, by talent play musical instruments and come Cheryl Lynn. The dance squad led by our together to learn musical selections, and own Hailey Gonzalez, Junior, performs perform as one in front of large audiences. alongside the marching band. They It’s quite impressive that the LOB has effortlessly add flare and style with their performed at so many events within its first intricate dance routines, synchronized to year including, the Newark Puerto Rican the syncopated rhythms being played by Day Parade, Veteran’s Day Parade in the new live jukebox. “After being in this Belleville and most recently, Science’s school for 6 years, I have never Winter Pep Rally on December 16, 2016. experienced such an amazing performance 7 school! It wasn’t too long before everyone was mesmerized and in awe, while they performed. Every aspect of the band’s performance was astounding. “I LOVED the Marching Band's pep rally performance,” exclaimed freshmen Temitope Ogundare. “Something as outstanding and as coordinated as that seems like something like that takes months Science Park’s present-day band practicing for the collaboration with . (Click the image above for video) to prepare for. My favorite part would have to be the closing when from Science Park’s band. It was one of the each section separately had a chance in best performances… They stood out. It the spotlight and did a few little moves brought attention to the music program and before going off.” our talented students,” said senior Ivy The simple joy swelling up in the Robalino. hearts of the Science Park body was utterly During the Pep Rally, LOB took the ineffable. It was a sound no one had heard audience captive as they marched in one live before, and an experience that comes according to the drum’s beat. The close to that of a Beyoncé concert, due to expressions on the students’ faces were of the intense energy being expressed. You surprise and curiosity, an explainable could really assess their coordination as reaction because this is a newly formed they hollered, “Pick up the speed! Pick up group without any political capital in the the speed!” like they were in a grade-A school yet. Their next 20 seconds were army-level assembly. While they played going to matter; it would be their defining 24k magic by Bruno Mars, “they even got moment where they would either become me to sort of dance, like my shoulder was spectacular or unmemorable. They weren’t bumping a little,” said Omar Diaz, Junior. unmemorable, and they weren’t they hyped–up the crowd. Their focus was spectacular. They were better, leaving an second to none. Nobody knows what it impactful legacy that made history of our 8 takes to be part of the Legion of Boom, without becoming a part of them. The finale after their last song was the icing to the cake. Drummers, who initiated the send-off, formed two lines on opposite sides The legendary Legion of Boom performing at Science Park’s pep rally in allowing enough December, 2016. (Click the image above for video) space for the remaining band members and to physics, and algebra ii to calculus, the dancers to perform their signature moves. fine arts can sometimes go ignored. Life The elation from the band mates and imitates art, can be a beautiful window into dancers as they were showcasing their mind-changing perspectives, and can give signature moves alongside one another solace to one, so scholars, let’s get our was unforgettable. They were a team. They noses out of the biology textbooks or performed as a team and exited as a team. documentaries and our eyes off our There was no distinction between the graphing calculator to appreciate the students from Barringer and Science, it was hardworking fine art- revolutionaries: the incredible. Everyone had a distinct job, but Marching Band. Please come and see worked together like a well-oiled machine. Science’s marching band, the Legion of It was astonishing how every detail Boom if you have not already. You will not mattered, how every instrument had a part be disappointed. in the performance. In a building where academic achievement is pursued in all fields of science and math ranging from chemistry 9 Support the class of 2018

S-XL: $15 XXL: $17 XXXL: $19

Please contact Karen Gaylord at [email protected] [email protected] 973-733-7720

From Scholar to Sergeant By: Kimberly Espinal

ewark is During his time at Science High framedN as a city School in 1983, there were no sports that seldom programs, causing produces him to run track successful for Central High students, with an School during his educational freshman year. A system year later, undermined by Science began a higher powers. sports program Despite this, allowing him to success has run track for bloomed for Coach Ken Duke. Sergeant Jerry With genuinely Alston, a Police caring teachers and Detective impeccable students, Sgt. J. Alston still Lieutenant of the believes Science has helped him in his Irvington Police profession. The atmosphere he was in and Department. the advice he received from teachers Alston, a graduate from the Science helped to cultivate aspects of his High School class of personality crucial to his “SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ACT AS 1987, began pursuing career. law enforcement in A DOCTOR WHEN ACTING AS A As an exemplary 1992. His brother, FIRST RESPONDER, A SOCIAL successful person, Sgt. Wayne, had been a Jerry Alston suggests WORKER WHEN THERE ARE Science High graduate students at Science Park three years prior and PROBLEMS IN FAMILY HOMES, AND cherish every moment they influenced him in A PSYCHOLOGIST WHEN A PERSON have. “Pay close attention initiating his career as a to what advice staff IS FEELING LIKE THERE IS NO Corrections Officer. With members offer. Consider the mindset of there is HOPE.” yourselves privileged to be always more to achieve, attending Science Park. You Sgt. Alston has one more rank to pursue are receiving a great education”. prior to his retirement.

Dr. Keisha - Khan Perry Comes Home

From Science High to Academic Life By: Kimberly Espinal

truly felt most welcomed and at home. As a Jamaican-born African American from a low-income family, those two factors unfortunately isolated her while attending other suburban schools. Yet, these same factors became the common ground and terms of acceptance at Science. She remembers, “I was no longer embarrassed of being on reduced lunch. Everyone was on reduced lunch. We didn’t judge each other.” Students of all ethnicities came together and uplifted each other. The classmates, who later became friends, encouraged Dr. Perry to love herself and be herself just as she was. These same friends were “socially conscience,” she recalls, and Science High offered the support system Dr. Perry thirsted for. With this support-system, she was able to graduate with high marks. She reflects about how Mr. Jonathan Alston and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Castro, were her most influential Educators. While Dr. Perry was in the Drama club at Science, Mrs. Castro was instrumental because she helped to train her in her dramatic interpretations in Spanish. Because of Mrs. Castro’s “Teaching is my weapon” commitment to such training, Dr. Perry competed Once a charger always locally and won. As a result, Castro encouraged Dr. a charger. Award-winning Perry to pursue Spanish. All these experiences caused her to author, Associate Professor double major in Women’s Studies and Spanish and at Georgetown of Africana Studies at Brown University’s School of Foreign Languages & Linguistics. University, and Science Ready for intellectual adventures, Alumnae Dr. Keisha-Khan Keisha-Khan Perry decided to study abroad in Perry definitely agrees with Buenos Aires, Argentina studying Latin- our mantra. Standing in front American Literature and Latin Social of a group of our eager Movements. Moreover, she participated in sophomores as a Career the Mercosul Summer Exchange in São Presenter during the Paulo, Brazil. She has since become fluent Advisory period, Dr. Perry in Portuguese also. There she enjoyed week- remembers how Science long excursion to Salvador, Bahia. Another High School was among the one of her most fulfilling experiences was several schools that she her overnight volunteer work at the attended as a teen. However, Calvary Women’s Shelter when she it was the only one where she interned in Washington, DC Women’s Council on AIDS. Perry is committed to 12 tackling issues of Women’s Rights. After her under- graduate career, Dr. Perry received her Master of Arts and Social Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin. There, she also received her Doctorate in Philosophy of Social Anthropology. She is also the author of several publications including Black Women against the Land Grab: The Fight for Racial Jus tice in Brazil, and she was the winner of the 2014 National Women’s Studies Association Gloria Anzaldua Book Prize. Currently, Dr. Dr. Khan speaking before a class at Science Park Perry is visiting Fellow for HBCUs because they are producing PhDs. She advised them to the African-American Studies “be true to your core values and follow your passions.” Most Department at Princeton importantly, she stressed the importance of self-care and a positive University. attitude, remarking that “being nice goes a long way!” As Science Realizing a spark of once comforted her, she comforts our current students by being activism from within, Dr. such a positive role model. Perry now combats the structural racism, insufficient pay and other drawbacks in underprivileged communities as an Educator at Brown University. “Teaching is my weapon,” she stated. Furthermore, she continues to work as a volunteer and travel on her free time. As Dr. Keisha-Khan Perry concluded her Career Presentation at Science, she calls on our current Science students to have a plan for their futures. She firmly encouraged them to be Student Erika Dominguez (right) interviewing Dr. Khan (left) flexible and to weigh out (Click image for video) their options. She further emphasized that students should consider the small liberal arts colleges and

13

By: Alexandra Dipre

H undreds of students and members of the faculty anxiously waited at Science’s auditorium for a performance that promised to blow their minds. One of the most breathtaking acts was led by our very own, future concert pianist, Diana Malenkova. She stole everyone’s attention throughout her whole performance with her passionate display of pure talent and love for music. It is hard to believe that having Diana play at our concerts for the past years was merely a coincidence. Although, she was part of the concert choir her freshmen year she had never shared her most precious talent with our teachers. She would usually arrive to choir class five minutes early so she could play piano before the teacher arrived. Until one day Dr. Allgood discovered her. Being surprised by the skill she exuded at that moment, he told her that Student Diana Malenkova (click image for video) he would include her in the winter concert. That same day he asked her to play in front of the class. From then on he would work with her and push her to perform to the best of her ability at every single concert. Diana is wholeheartedly grateful for her parent’s initiative towards playing the piano around the age of six. In the beginning playing the piano was a huge challenge for her and often caused her to contemplate quitting. However, her teacher gave her the courage to pull through because of the potential she saw in her, in the same way Dr. Allgood encouraged her to display her talent in front of us all. Music to Diana is the same as living and to her it is everywhere. She stated “Music is a way of talking to people, of connecting their souls without words”. Whatever feelings she has she expresses them through music. Hoping to make people feel the way she feels when she plays a song. Diana loves the spirit of Science High School, where everyone works together like a really big family. This year, as a sophomore she is taking challenging classes such as AP Computer Science, Honors English II, Honors Chemistry, Honors U.S. History I, Spanish II, and Honors Pre-Calculus. She knows better than anyone that hard work pays off as she has a 4.0 GPA. She says that throughout the ups and downs, in our school people will always be there and encourage one to do better. Overall, Science has helped her overcome her shyness. She started to develop her communication skills and has transformed into a person who is more comfortable speaking front of crowds. At Science she found her identity and met people “who have marked her soul”. Joining the concerts gave her more confidence not only in the musical aspect but in the way she lives. In the future she hopes to play in front of massive crowds, have her own and even join a rock band.

14

Assistant Superintendent of Newark Public Schools

“This list is very long because Science High School was a very special place where you did not have to be a teacher to be the most influential. Many of my classmates and a strong group of underclassmen and upperclassmen are amongst the most influential in my life, but that list is so long that I would have to publish my own edition in this magazine. As it relates to the staff who were amongst the most influential, the list is just as long. From the administration to the secretarial, custodial, cafeteria, and security staff, to all of the teachers and guidance counselors, some on my list were called to serve students at another very special high school in heaven, but all on the list remain dear to my heart. Here is my list of the most influential: Pat Restaino, Sister Shirley Corbliss, Brent Farrand, Katheleen DiChiara, Joanne Hand, Adam Stanislawczyk, Madison Willis, Rosamond Masini, Kathleen Donohue, Angel Juarbe, Geraldine Uzzell, Jaqueline Jones, Stan Levy, Martin Muster, John Price, Joanne Bopp, Nancy Castro, Carrie Brooks, Richard Balsamel, Susan Rocco, Jeffrey Ballin, Milton Gaylord, Christian O’Neal, Rosie Greggs, Howard Brent, Dianne Davis, Leatha Gyamfi, Denise Reed, Susan Scavone, Debra Henderson, Mary Borek, Ada Miranda, David Garrett, Nathaniel Butler, David Travis, Joseph Rocco, William Wanko, James Waltz, Tammy Goldblatt, Victor Micah, Sister Maureen Delaney, Joseph McHugh, Shirley Miner, Edward Cunningham, George Landers, William McNeill, Raymond Bristol, Hernando Henriquez, Alma Turner, and Carmen Martinez. I am the lucky one to have had all of these great people in my life.” Roger Leon

Principal/ Luis Munoz Marin School of Social Justice

Influenced by: Mr. Basomel, Mr. Alston, Mr. Gaylord Maria Ortiz

Vice Principal/ Turnaround Elementary School, Patterson

Influenced by: Mr. Gray, Mr. Gaylord Jennie Cadet

Remember “Hav”? Principal/South Street School

s

Influenced by: Brent Havier Nazario Farrand

President of ResultsDriven Consulting

Influenced by:

Ms. Jackson Khaatim Sherrer El

Remember “Joe”? School Counselor/ Science Park High School

Influenced by: Mr. Brent Jose Mercado Vice Principal of Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School q

Influenced by: Mrs. Adjoa Smith Ms. Marano

Their stories are Oscar Cosme (left) and Larissa Oliveira yet to be told (right) Al-Nisa Tucker-Muhammad: “Manifest Your Leader Within” By: Louis Fernandes

et’s travel in Tucker-Muhammad, time all the way class of 1990 and 2016 Newark back to senior Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, year at Science is the true definition of a HighL School. Whether it was lifelong learner. She learned five, fifteen or even thirty years valuable lessons through her ago, think about the rush you passion for sports during her felt as you crossed that high school career. Tucker- graduation stage. Four long Muhammad was part of the and hard years of rigorous original “Fantastic-Five” Girls work, all embodied in that Track & Field Team, who won rolled up diploma pressed State Championships together in your sweaty palm. consecutively in outdoor and Not knowing what would come indoor track seasons from next, and constantly being 1987-1991, under the asked “Where do you picture yourself 20 years leadership of Ken Duke. The team consisted of from now?” Hopes of succeeding and making Tusharka Chapman ’89, Tanisha McGriff ’89, everyone proud flashed through your mind with Tarvenia Eddings-Jones, ’89, Tamel Preston ’91. the fears of entering the unknown. Let’s fast Tucker explained, “We were a beginning team forward to the present. Would you still answer and did n ot have many members so we the same way today? Needless to say, it’s okay if considered ourselves a family.” you don’t have it all figured out just yet, because Even as a young woman, Tucker had a the key to success is committing yourself to strong sense of responsibility, teamwork, being a lifelong learner, and the rest will follow. leadership, and dedication. So much so that she This is the philosophy that Newark Hall-of- received numerous offers for college scholarships Famer, Al-Nisa Tucker-Muhammad, lives by in by attracting the attention of many college order to better herself every day. As the coaches. This opportunity allowed her to attend Principal and Founder of her own private school the college of her choice, Northeastern in Orange, NJ; she shares that same vision with University. Tucker acknowledges that her work her own students. ethic and discipline in sports translated into her

Al-Nisa spoke to a group of sophomores at Science Park, seen right.

educational career. With the fear of not school, Tucker- Muhammad remembers succeeding and letting her team down, she receiving a “C” in her Gym class during her disciplined herself to be accountable and junior year. Furious, she asked Ms. Bopp why responsible, even if it meant sacrificing hanging she received that grade. Ms. Bopp looked at her out and playing on the weekends, because she roster, showing Tucker-Muhammad how she knew others were depending on her to do her was always late and unprepared for class 6 times! best. Similarly as an entrepreneur, she holds “She taught me that no matter what you’ve herself to the same standards. She graduated accomplished in life, you still have to produce at from Northeastern University in 1995, Rutgers your highest level at all times,” Tucker- University in 2002 with a Masters in Public Muhammad reflects. She without a doubt Administration, received a Master’s in Business believes that the education and experiences from Administration from the University of Phoenix Science High School adequately prepared her for in 2011, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate her profession. In an interview with Tucker- in Educational Leadership from Capella Muhammad she stated, “Science had a very University. rigorous curriculum and they had the top When Tucker-Muhammad reminisced students from every school in Newark in one about her most influential teachers, she place…You had to stay focus[ed] and apply mentioned Ms. Jones, her Health teacher. “She yourself…This is what prepared me the best for was sweet, real and down-to earth… she taught my life and my current position.” us about life,” Tucker-Muhammad recalls. Not only was she driven to succeed from “However, my Gym teacher Ms. Joanne Bopp personal motivation, but the lack of education sticks out in my mind.” As a star athlete in high she realized her son was receiving in Kindergarten caused her to look at other options. track, I become the assistant Track Coach. If Desperate to make a change, not only for her son they are playing football then I am Team Mom.” but for all children, Tucker-Muhammad decided But Tucker doesn’t stop there! She is also very to take a leave of absence from her position at active in her Mosque and community where she work to homeschool her son in his bedroom is one of the founders of Muhammad’s Helpers, where they lived in Union, N.J. In a matter of no an organization that serves the Essex County time, Tucker found herself with a total of 7 Community. Tucker’s role entails feeding and enrolled children, ranging from grades clothing the homeless, providing training classes Kindergarten to 7th grade. As a result of this for adults and children, assisting grieving growth, Tucker knew she needed better parents of murdered children, advocating for the conditions to match the quality of their elderly and motivating college students. Not education. She opened up a storefront on Avon only does Tucker make time to assist others in Avenue in Newark and named this school any way that she can, she does not forget to Torchlight Educational Academy. pamper herself after a long day of Fast forward to 2017, an act so “Science had a very work. She enjoys traveling, small has just celebrated its rigorous curriculum sewing, reading, and watching eleventh year, currently located in and they had the top sports on TV during her free time. Orange, N. J. with students Tucker is a great students from every ranging from grades Pre-K to inspiration whether you are an eighth. Similar to Science High school in Newark in Alumni or a current Science Park graduates, Tucker is proud to say one place…” High student. Want to know her that her students graduate at the key to success? Tucker- top of their classes in High School and maintain Muhammad shared, “It is very important that 4.0s in college. you manifest your leader within.” Remember that Despite all of Tucker’s numerous every day is a new day to make a change whether accomplishments, Tucker is not done yet! “I you are currently working your dream job, consider myself a lifelong learner. Not sure if I studying a field of interest, or find yourself will go on to get another degree pas my asking “How did I get here in life?” Follow your Doctorate but I definitely know that I will heart. Follow your dreams. At the end of the day, always be enrolled in some type of program or make your own decisions for what you really course that will allow me to work on bettering want in life. As Tucker states, “Of course you my skills and talents.” One talent that Tucker should be guided by those who love you, but in clearly possesses is being a devoted mother to the end it has to be your decision. Also, never her four children. Despite Tucker’s successful think that you have to stay in any position that accomplishments in the work field, Tucker you don’t want to be in.” Whether it is a job, always makes room to participate in her relationship, or school, just remember, “It’s never children’s activities. “If my sons are running too late to make a change.” ERICK JENKINS: Jack-of-all-Trades

By: Gaelle Moise rick Jenkins is a class act to say the very least. At University Heights High School in the South Bronx, this Charger shows folks how it’s done. He currently serves as an Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, Dean of Discipline, Algebra II Teacher, College & Career Readiness teacher, Bowling Coach, Rugby Coach and Cycling Coach –simultaneously! That’s right!!! What’s most impressive is that he’s loving every minute of it! Jenkins spoke very passionately to the Science Alumni Magazine about how he started his career in the Education Field. Originally an accountant, he had human been introduced to a job-opening at the beings, many of which shared in his deep notorious Rikers Island Correctional Islamic faith. He adds that he was able to Facility to teach at a point when he had foster a sense of grown discontented with brotherhood amongst his his current profession. “...It’s still a burning students. As a graduate Unintimidated by the desire to see that from Hampton University, location, Jenkins took the light bulb click with he asserts that the position and taught GED student-body there “was Math, African Studies, and every student.” challenged to serve. Islamic Studies for 9 years. Teaching is my way of serving. Once you When asked about his experience as a see the light bulb click in 1or 2 kids… civilian in a prison complex, he told us those are the moments that gratify you that he loved it! Seriously. Jenkins was and keep you going. It’s still a burning able to connect with his students as about how he and his colleagues work diligently to create and nurture a sense of family, and it works! “My school is my second family,” said Jenkins. While recalling his own high school career, he said that “Science High was great… the friendships I had then are still strong.” Jenkins admits that during his high school career he “was a goofball!” He further confessed that he didn’t apply himself until his junior year. However, he Erick Jenkins with two of his students from University Heights High School spoke fondly about his favorite teachers Mr. McHugh and Mr. Rodriguez. Moreover, desire to see that light bulb click with he’s eternally grateful to his guidance every student.” counselor, Mr. Angel Juarbe, who told Later, he wanted to impact a Jenkins and his friends about Hampton different population, high school. After University recruiters making a visit to the receiving the opportunity to teach at . Though Jenkins University Heights High School, a relatively had never heard of the school, Mr. Juarbe young high achieving school with a encouraged Jenkins and his friends to go population of roughly 500 students much and gave them gas money. Jenkins was like the old Science High School, he wanted accepted on the spot. to mimic his experiences at his high school Finally, Jenkins’ advice to current Alma Matter. As the Athletic Director, students is as follows: “Don’t be quiet, and Jenkins had written grants to bring rugby, make some noise...You need to be seen bowling and cycling to his school because and heard for the right reasons. Expand he wanted to give his students exposure to your view, take blinders off, and travel. sports that they would not otherwise have The world is a huge place that requires participated in. When asked why he your presence…” commutes every morning from his New

Jersey home to the Bronx, he said emphatically “I love what I do; I love my kids… I don’t do it for the accolades or recognition.” Moreover, he spoke keenly Meet the STAFF!

SPECIAL THANKS TO: COMMITTEE:

Erika Dominguez, Chief Editor KATHLEEN TIERNEY, PRINCIPAL Jennifer Lopez, Designer Ms. Adjoga-Otu, Advisor Gaelle Moise, Secretary MRS. WRIGHT, TECHNOLOGIST Alexandra Dipre, COLUMNIST Mr. cruz, TECHNOLOGIST OYINKANSOLA FASASI, COLUMNIST MRS. ROBYN LEIGH BUTLER KIMBERLY ESPINAL, COLUMNIST Mrs. Gaylord KAI JASEY, MEDIA/ VIDEO EDITOR Featured alumni LOUIS FERNANDES, MEDIA Parent vOLUNTEERS KARIN AGUIRRE, MEDIA