THE PHOENIX FLAME University High School– 55 Clinton Place, Newark, NJ 07108 –http://www.nps.nj.us/ - Edwin Mendez , Principal A Phoenix embodies: Responsibility Intergrity Service & Excellence Volume 1, Issue 1 2017-2018 SY Phoenix Always Rising: From Student to Successful Alumni Many students have passed through the Kelly Williams, PhD Lydelle H. King College & Career Ac- Senior Producer ESPN doors of 55 Clinton Place with different cess Director (NPS) Students reflect on Class of 1996 goals, dreams and aspirations. But there Class of 1998 alumni advice. was one thing that each of these students “Enjoy this year “Live your life for you… had in common, they entered these doors follow your curiosity. Even “University’s Alumni defi- with a great sense of purpose. and the next four ahead. It only though you may not have a nitely gave me an idea that comes once! Live clear vision for your career, no matter where you come When you enter the doors of University each moment and soak up the memories. Enjoy you are probably curious about things which from, you can rise up from High School as a freshman or a 7th grad- the ride!” may or may not be obvious to you. It’s im- all the negativity and make er, you know that no matter what, you’re portant to follow your curiosity and uncover something positive out of going to rise up. As a student at UHS, your less obvious interests. Pursuing them you’ve already beat the odds, you are a Lieutenant Sharef Talbert sets you on the path of unlocking who you are it. To know that I go to a and your creativity.” part of the few that have been chosen to US Naval Officer school where numerous Class of 1997 people became successful, walk these hallowed halls. Hassanah Blake “Cherish these moments as University High School that only makes me feel As in life, not everyone is able to rise to they will pass exponentially Vice-Principal that I can be successful or the occasion but those that did have gone fast. Set goals and formulate Class of 2002 even more.” — from being good to great. We were able strategies to achieve those Dominique Joseph “Many magical people have to catch up with some Phoenix alum that goals. Some days will be more challenging than others but they will pro- roots in Newark, NJ and are out here soaring. Each of them were duce some of your most rewarding moments. even University High School! Never stop eager to share words of wisdom with Nothing is given, everything is earned. dreaming and always remember that the “You should never settle current members of the Phoenix Family. Knowledge is Wealth! This is not just a hashtag! Phoenix ALWAYS Ris- success comes when you es!" don’t settle I can respect Tami Charles that.” — Clinton Ade-Agyei Edwin Mendez Author, Like Vanessa University High Class of 1998 Jordan Thomas “I understand that giving Rhodes Scholar School Principal your 110% with everything Class of 1986 Senior at Princeton “Whatever it is you University that you do benefits you in want to do in life, find Class of 2014 the long run. This not only “Don’t be afraid to someone else who is encouraged me but also in- be great. Choose doing it better, study… “I would highly encourage the students to this time in your life spired me.” look to see what that person is doing, how take full advantage of the wonderful group of — Malaysia Cotton to make decisions to teachers at UHS, and to actively work to- they’re doing it, what makes them so great be GREAT! You wards building meaningful relationships with owe it to yourself.” at it, take little tidbits; make your own.” “Their advice shows me those teachers. Of course, there is the short- term, practical value of this -- these are the how serious you have to be Faith Evans Kitab Rollins teachers that students will one day ask for about life if you want to make Singer/ Songwriter Manager of Perfoamnces letters of recommendation. More importantly, it.”—Dwight Ankle Class of 1991 (NJPAC) though, these teachers possess the Class of 1998 knowledge, wisdom, insight, and guidance “High school is the that will shape these students in ways they time to explore and “It made me realize that not “Extract as much information from never imagined possi- discover new things. your teachers as possible. Know only do you have to know the ble.” Don’t be afraid to that your teachers' sole mission is person you want to become, step out of your to shape you into the best student, you gotta map out a plan to comfort zone, and and therefore the best person you can be. For exam- Safanya Searcy reach this new person.” — meet new and differ- ple, to this day, I cannot, in good conscious, utter the words "being that," "seeing that," or "due to the fact Political Coordinator Carlos Shamburg ent types of people who fuel your passion for life that," because my former English teacher, Mrs. Mari- Class of 1999 and who help expand your concept of purpose!! lyn Louis Howard ingrained in us that those terms are Take this time to develop a work ethic that will not to be used in standard English. Also, whenever I “Remember that each follow you beyond your years of high school and have to read something important, I pick up a pencil “I now see that our school or pen because Mrs. Marie Gironda taught us to read day has the capacity can receive average students enhance the path you want to travel. THINK with a pen. Enjoy this time of your life, and cherish to be better than the BIG, because your potential is limitless! There and make them into adults the friendships you've made. They just may still be day before, and never, even be afraid to is no ceiling to greatness!!!" that can change the world.” your best friends 20 years from now. I can attest to own your truth.” that!” — Kyle Wiggins Otis Anderson Jr. NPS Teacher/UHS Head Bas- Otiz Porter, PhD “It is important to re- ketball Coach (Boys) Professor/Author Ras J. Baraka member that we are more Class of 1999 Mayor of Newark Class of 1996 than just products of our en- Class of 1988 “The advice I would give vironment. is that UHS is a fami- —Emanni Jenkins ly. Even when you graduate from UHS its still a “My advice “There’s a voice that’s family because you will build friendships with would be learn your abilities and limits. In people there for life.” missing and I hope you college, professors often do not know you When I leave to go to college I’m students in here understand that we need going to take into consideration as well as high school teachers. Therefore, your voice out there ...begin to use all we do not have the same investment in you. everything they said and apply it, Rabiah Duncan the apparatus that we have access to— so I can graduate and be the best Brand Strategist Understand how much work you are capa- the Facebook, the Instagram—all this man I can be. —Ty-Saiah Moss Class of 1999 ble of handling, learn to schedule your stuff we can use. Rosa Parks didn’t have time, and be responsible for yourself. Life Instagram. Can you imagine if Rosa As a young adult, you will after high school can be very liberating Parks had Facebook?” evolve and reinvent your- and exciting or it can be suffocating and self, over and over and riddled with obstacles. Your fortitude, cop- over. Embrace every lesson and move on to the ing skills, and preparedness will determine next journey. You got this! DO IT!" your path." We Rise Up! SCHOOL OF THE HUMANITIES, EDUCATION & LAW 2 The PhoenixThe Scope Flame OPINION SPORTS HANGING UP MY JERSEY Track Team on the Move BY, DESTANIE JEFFERSON- player, and the bond I built with them, LEE all the memories. We’ve always had 9th Annual Super each otherś back. Other top 6 runners on the day Essex Conference from University High School “On three, Lady Divided we fall, together we stand. Indoor Champion- were Senior Brandon Odom and Sophomore Jahmirr Sometimes I can’t believe it is my last phoenix, On Six, ships Baker, in the 400 and the 55 year. All of the emotions of that night By, Clinton Adu-Agyei Family, on nine, stayed with me. I still can't believe this meter dash hurdles. is my last year with my team. All four University High SENIORS!” years you wish for the time to hurry up Schools next track meet and come but now, I just wish for one On December 23 more year just to play with my team. 2017 University is on Wednesday, Janu- You never really expect the ary the 3rd in the Essex emotions to hit you as hard Benjamin Patmore High county relays. when the night that is specifi- University High’s Prolific Bowler School competed The Head Coach By: Clinton Adu-Agyei cally dedicated to you finally in the Ninth An- Lauryn Monroe spoke comes. University High School has a lot of nual Super Essex on her expectations of steller student athletes. I got the Conference her team for the season, I’ve been playing volleyball chance to interview one of them; the “The boys have done captain and arguably the best player for 5 years for University.