Students Prepare for Bright Futures, While Alumni Pave the Path for Success

Newark high schoolers Zhae ’20, Je’Miah ’21, Jahmir ’21, Odir ’20, Ishonte ’20, Korey ’21, Aaron ’19, say they feel “at home” on campus at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.

 

Over the weekend of November 9th – 11th, Newark’s Director of College Access and Success, Charmain, and Academic Coordinator, Ty’Asia, took students on their first College Prep trip of the year. College trips have been a key component of StreetSquash’s programming throughout our 20 years, and high schoolers always look forward to these visits. Charmain and Ty’Asia matched the students’ excitement for the highly-anticipated trip with their positive energy for exploring college opportunities.

SEA alumni and ambassadors helped the StreetSquash students feel at home at many of the colleges and provided insight into the squash and academic balance required for recruiting. At Dickinson College, the group was treated to a tour of the squash facility and a conversation with Head Coach Chris Fernandez, an alumnus of CitySquash. Coach Fernandez used his experience as an alumnus of SEA and of collegiate squash to share advice about best-fit schools.

While seniors do not typically join College Prep visits, Aaron ’19 was a welcomed addition to the trip which would later result in exciting news. As a senior, Aaron was met with many options of schools to which he could apply, and advocated for his attendance on the College Prep trip so that he could get a second look at some of the campuses. While at Lincoln University, Aaron found that the academics aligned with his current strengths and interests, and decided to pursue the opportunity when he returned home to Newark. “Before we even got home, Aaron took the liberty of gathering his materials and double-checking his personal statement as soon as he possibly could,” Ty’Asia shared. “We just received the news last week that he was admitted, and we are so proud!” Congratulations are in order for Aaron ’19, having received one of the first college acceptances for the Newark Class of 2019!