Kudos to the hard working students of the Hoboken Public School's Saturday University Program! They recently completed the rigorous 16-week program and as a reward, spent a day visiting the American Museum of Finance, South Street Seaport, then uptown to Columbia University. After such a busy day, they were ready to return to Hoboken High School for a celebratory BBQ Luncheon.
The Hoboken Saturday University Program offers supplemental, advanced academic challenges to those public school children who perform at the top of their class in grades 3 through 6. Participants must demonstrate advanced proficiency in either the NJASK or Terra Nova standardized tests. The Program was offered in two eight-week cycles, with 3 subjects each cycle. The offerings included: science, computer science, business/math, geography, etymology, and computer animation.
The children and teachers worked hard and had a lot of fun. The real heroes are the children who chose academic study over athletics, family time and even an extra hour sleep to arrive at Hoboken High School early every Saturday morning for 16 weeks. They showed true intellectual curiosity and commitment. Job well done!!
Upon returning to Hoboken High School, the students were treated to a special luncheon and certificate ceremony, led by Program Director Gary Enrico. Before the certificates were handed out, Dr. Anthony Petrosino, Assistant School Superintendent spoke to the crowd. He congratulated the children on their hard work throughout the program. He offered words of support to all the children and parents, encouraging them to continue on their quest for knowledge.
It was noted by Irene Sobolov, one of the parents in attendance, that although tuition is high at Columbia and Princeton Universities (where the class toured last year) it isn’t unattainable. Along with the various academic and needs-based scholarships available, many Ivy League Universities now offer full tuition grants to those who qualify. For example, the average grant at Princeton University for a family of four earning under $75,000/yr is now $50,000. For Columbia, the income threshold is $60,000/yr. The children must continue their focus and work hard to qualify for admittance, but they should know that the opportunity exists for financial assistance.
The day ended with each child receiving a personalized graduation certificate and a Saturday U t-shirt.
- Jean Marie Mitchell ◦
