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Al-NisaTuckerMuhammad
Dr.JulioOlivo
ErickJenkin
s
THE CHARGER 2017 ALUMNI MAGAZINE
SergeantJerry
Alston
Marching Forward: Bringing Back the Band
DedicatedtoallfacultyandstafffromScience-pastandpresent
and much more...
O
de t
o T
each
ers
By:
Oyi
nkan
ola
Fas
asi 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;
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.
To which we are grateful for to no end,
As they allow us to fly and transcend.
2
A Word From the Principal Kathleen Tierney
3Success: Not Far From Reach
Dr. Julio Olivo
5Ellis Embraces Education
Joseph Ellis
7Marching Forward
Bringing Back the Band
11From Scholar to Sergeant
Sergeant Jerry Alston
12
Dr. Keisha-Khan Perry Comes Home...
14Music Lives On With 10th
Grade Prodigy
15Before and After
Alumni On the Road to Success
19Inspirational Figure
Al-Nisa Tucker-Muhammad
22Jack-of-all-Trades
Erick Jenkins
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Charger - Educators Edition 2017 Alumni Magazine
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 New Jersey. 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!
magine applying to colleges, getting rejected, 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 institutions. At Montclair State University he teaches Human Learning & Memory and Evolutionary Psychology, while he also teaches Psychology 101 & 102, Developmental psychology, and Childhood Pathology at Rutgers University. How did he do it?!
Through the cultivation of a mindset to “Never again… underachieve on
purpose”, Dr. Julio Olivo initially sought to major in Education after being accepted to Seton Hall University. Through the influence of Dr. Jeffrey Levy, the chair of the Department of Psychology, Dr. Olivo was introduced to degrees in school psychology. He recalls his conversation with Dr. Levy, in which Dr. Levy jokingly said, “The field of Psychology will not
lose you to Education. But, I will compromise”, until he suggested that Dr. Olivo become a school psychologist! He has worked for Newark Public Schools for 9 years, 7 years as a school psychologist, 2 years as a Vice Principal, and he recently began working for Elizabeth Public Schools this year.
Though his future goals include getting a second Doctorate in Education,
By: Kimberly Espinal
NOT FAR FROM
REACH SUCCESS:
I
he’s still quite down-to earth and admits that he hasn’t “become a robot!” I still enjoy the same activities that I enjoyed in high school. I love ‘debating’ topics such as: ‘Who’s a better rapper?’ ‘Who’s the best basketball player?’ “Whose era was better… mine or yours?” And since you asked, of course I believe that the Wu-Tang Clan is better than Rae Sremmurd? And that Michael is better than LeBron!” Much hasn’t changed since high school, he reminisces.
During his time at Science, Dr. Julio Olivo had some of the teachers we still have around today, including but not limited to: Mr. Rippey, Mr. McMann, and Mr. Alston! Despite all of the outstanding educators he had throughout his high school career, Mr. Christian O’Neal was one of the most influential teachers. He was the kind of teacher who loved children, gave students dollars when they asked, and was always running
late to his classes! Dr. Olivo shared one of his most memorable moments in Mr. O’Neal’s
class where he was granted the opportunity to teach Mr. O’Neal’s class for a day during his freshmen year. After having spent a night memorizing and revising the lesson plan, Dr. Olivo was prepared to teach the lesson. While waiting for classmates to sit down, Mr. O’Neal enjoyed and
took full advantage of being a student for that class period. After ten minutes when Dr. Olivo finally got the class settled and turned his back to the class to write on the board, he shared “a piece of balled up paper came flying across my head! It came in the direction of Mr. O'Neal's seat. When I turned to him to redirect him, he shouted, ‘Go!!!!!’ Every student in the class began throwing paper at me.”
As a successful Science Alumni, Dr. Julio Olivo advises students of the quality education this great institution offers! Speaking from experience, Dr. Olivo shares, “Even if you are a failing student, you can still achieve. I am your example!” He also shares that many underlying issues may impact a child’s learning, therefore students should not lose faith in themselves throughout their pursuit of academic excellence.
“No matter how wel l you are doing at Science High
School , good or bad, continue to educate yourself . You wil l become successful . You are a Charger: it ’s in
your DNA.”
“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-course included in the program titled Economic Empowerment.
When I asked why he chose to teach this course, Ellis passionately responded, “Young adults need to understand the value and the meaning 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.
ELLIS EMBRACES EDUCATION By: Erika Dominguez
‘06 ‘06
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 about his overall high school career, he expressed that “Science was a great experience. There was freedom and trust amongst the administration and students. We could go outside and go to lunch”. As he reflected, He lit up when he described the silver food truck that was always outside the school. “Everyone who went to the Old Science knows about that food truck.” The husband and wife both with a thick accent served us with much love.”
When asked how Science impacted him the most, Ellis had so many cherished memories. He remembers the great, Mr. Rippey, for opening his eyes to politics. “He taught us that it was more than a two-
party league, which changed my outlook on politics. I realized there were other politics, other people that felt like you in the world.” I was exposed to thinking outside the box and that helped me a lot. Also, he mentioned how cool Mr. McMahon taught and how easily he retained the lectures. Most importantly, Ellis wanted to press how valuable it was to have Karen Gaylord involved in the school. “She was so supportive and always present. She truly cared, and it is important to care.”
Joseph Ellis considers himself an artist, poet, scholar and much more. He has traveled to Paris (three times), Amsterdam, Sweden, London, Germany, Spain, Mexico and Canada. “My travels expanded my outlook on life. It freed me. It shows you that it is a slower world. Time is appreciated more. There’s no 9-5, others are worked less.” He especially enjoyed his time in Amsterdam, which he remarked as “the freest city ever”. Consequently, he plans to live there in a near future. Ideally, after he obtains his PhD in urban education, to be Dr. Ellis. He has not yet figured out the focus, but looks forward to doing it at Harvard, Stanford or the University of Colorado. Maybe he’ll work as an administrator, college professor or city consultant? We don’t know for now, but we’re bound to hear about huge things from Joseph Ellis!
“Going to Science, means something, it speaks for itself.”
fter 42 years, Science has finally
resurrected its High School
Marching Band during this 2016-
2017 school season. The band consists of
students from Science and Barringer High
Schools; they are called the Legion of
Boom (LOB). It is led by Science’s very
own Music Teacher/Director of Bands, Mr.
Mario McMiller. Students of exceptional
talent play musical instruments and come
together to learn musical selections, and
perform as one in front of large audiences.
It’s quite impressive that the LOB has
performed at so many events within its first
year including, the Newark Puerto Rican
Day Parade, Veteran’s Day Parade in
Belleville and most recently, Science’s
Winter Pep Rally on December 16, 2016.
The practices are for 2-3 hours every
Wednesday and Thursday. When
performances are approaching, they
practice every day. The band plays music
of all genres including “Formation”, by
Beyonce, “No Problem”, by Chance the
Rapper and “Antidote”, by Travis Scott, as
well as classics like “Pretty Young Thing”,
by Michael Jackson, and “To Be Real”, by
Cheryl Lynn. The dance squad led by our
own Hailey Gonzalez, Junior, performs
alongside the marching band. They
effortlessly add flare and style with their
intricate dance routines, synchronized to
the syncopated rhythms being played by
the new live jukebox. “After being in this
school for 6 years, I have never
experienced such an amazing performance
Marching Forward By: Gaelle Moise and Oyinkansola Fasasi
A
Science
teamed
with
University
High to
form a
marching
band in
1978 and
later joined
Central
High in
1979.
7
from Science Park’s band. It was one of the
best performances… They stood out. It
brought attention to the music program and
our talented students,” said senior Ivy
Robalino.
During the Pep Rally, LOB took the
audience captive as they marched in one
according to the drum’s beat. The
expressions on the students’ faces were of
surprise and curiosity, an explainable
reaction because this is a newly formed
group without any political capital in the
school yet. Their next 20 seconds were
going to matter; it would be their defining
moment where they would either become
spectacular or unmemorable. They weren’t
unmemorable, and they weren’t
spectacular. They were better, leaving an
impactful legacy that made history of our
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
to prepare for. My favorite part
would have to be the closing when
each section separately had a chance in
the spotlight and did a few little moves
before going off.”
The simple joy swelling up in the
hearts of the Science Park body was utterly
ineffable. It was a sound no one had heard
live before, and an experience that comes
close to that of a Beyoncé concert, due to
the intense energy being expressed. You
could really assess their coordination as
they hollered, “Pick up the speed! Pick up
the speed!” like they were in a grade-A
army-level assembly. While they played
24k magic by Bruno Mars, “they even got
me to sort of dance, like my shoulder was
bumping a little,” said Omar Diaz, Junior.
they hyped–up the crowd. Their focus was
second to none. Nobody knows what it
Science Park’s present-day band practicing for the collaboration
with Barringer High School. (Click the image above for video)
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
allowing enough
space for the remaining band members and
dancers to perform their signature moves.
The elation from the band mates and
dancers as they were showcasing their
signature moves alongside one another
was unforgettable. They were a team. They
performed as a team and exited as a team.
There was no distinction between the
students from Barringer and Science, it was
incredible. Everyone had a distinct job, but
worked together like a well-oiled machine.
It was astonishing how every detail
mattered, how every instrument had a part
in the performance.
In a building where academic
achievement is pursued in all fields of
science and math ranging from chemistry
to physics, and algebra ii to calculus, the
fine arts can sometimes go ignored. Life
imitates art, can be a beautiful window into
mind-changing perspectives, and can give
solace to one, so scholars, let’s get our
noses out of the biology textbooks or
documentaries and our eyes off our
graphing calculator to appreciate the
hardworking fine art- revolutionaries: the
Marching Band. Please come and see
Science’s marching band, the Legion of
Boom if you have not already. You will not
be disappointed.
The legendary Legion of Boom performing at Science Park’s pep rally in
December, 2016. (Click the image above for video)
9
Supporttheclassof2018
S-XL: $15 XXL: $17
XXXL: $19
Please contact Karen Gaylord at [email protected]
[email protected] 973-733-7720
ewark is framed as a city that seldom produces successful students, with an educational system undermined by higher powers. Despite this, success has bloomed for Sergeant Jerry Alston, a Police Detective Lieutenant of the Irvington Police Department. Alston, a graduate from the Science High School class of 1987, began pursuing law enforcement in 1992. His brother, Wayne, had been a Science High graduate three years prior and influenced him in initiating his career as a Corrections Officer. With the mindset of there is always more to achieve, Sgt. Alston has one more rank to pursue prior to his retirement.
During his time at Science High School in 1983, there were no sports
programs, causing him to run track
for Central High School during his freshman year. A year later, Science began a sports program allowing him to run track for Coach Ken Duke.
With genuinely caring teachers and
impeccable students, Sgt. J. Alston still believes Science has helped him in his
profession. The atmosphere he was in and the advice he received from teachers helped to cultivate aspects of his
personality crucial to his career.
As an exemplary successful person, Sgt. Jerry Alston suggests students at Science Park cherish every moment they have. “Pay close attention to what advice staff members offer. Consider yourselves privileged to be attending Science Park. You
are receiving a great education”.
By:KimberlyEspinal
From Scholar to Sergeant
“SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ACT AS
A DOCTOR WHEN ACTING AS A
FIRST RESPONDER, A SOCIAL
WORKER WHEN THERE ARE
PROBLEMS IN FAMILY HOMES, AND
A PSYCHOLOGIST WHEN A PERSON
IS FEELING LIKE THERE IS NO
HOPE.”
N
Once a charger always
a charger. Award-winning
author, Associate Professor
of Africana Studies at Brown
University, and Science
Alumnae Dr. Keisha-Khan
Perry definitely agrees with
our mantra. Standing in front
of a group of our eager
sophomores as a Career
Presenter during the
Advisory period, Dr. Perry
remembers how Science
High School was among the
several schools that she
attended as a teen. However,
it was the only one where she
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
commitment to such training, Dr. Perry competed
locally and won. As a result, Castro encouraged Dr.
Perry to pursue Spanish. All these experiences caused her to
double major in Women’s Studies and Spanish and at Georgetown
University’s School of Foreign Languages & Linguistics.
Ready for intellectual adventures,
Keisha-Khan Perry decided to study abroad in
Buenos Aires, Argentina studying Latin-
American Literature and Latin Social
Movements. Moreover, she participated in
the Mercosul Summer Exchange in São
Paulo, Brazil. She has since become fluent
in Portuguese also. There she enjoyed week-
long excursion to Salvador, Bahia. Another
one of her most fulfilling experiences was
her overnight volunteer work at the
Calvary Women’s Shelter when she
interned in Washington, DC Women’s
Council on AIDS. Perry is committed to
From Science High to Academic Life
Dr. Keisha - Khan Perry Comes Home
By: Kimberly Espinal
“Teaching is my weapon”
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.
Perry is visiting Fellow for
the African-American Studies
Department at Princeton
University.
Realizing a spark of
activism from within, Dr.
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
flexible and to weigh out
their options. She further
emphasized that students
should consider the small
liberal arts colleges and
HBCUs because they are producing PhDs. She advised them to
“be true to your core values and follow your passions.” Most
importantly, she stressed the importance of self-care and a positive
attitude, remarking that “being nice goes a long way!” As Science
once comforted her, she comforts our current students by being
such a positive role model.
Dr. Khan speaking before a class at Science Park
Student Erika Dominguez (right) interviewing Dr. Khan (left)
(Click image for video)
13
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
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 album and even
join a rock band.
H
By: Alexandra Dipre
Student Diana Malenkova (click image for video)
14
AssistantSuperintendentofNewarkPublicSchools
RogerLeon
Principal/LuisMunozMarinSchoolofSocialJustice
MariaOrtiz
Influencedby:Mr.Basomel,Mr.Alston,Mr.Gaylord
“ThislistisverylongbecauseScienceHighSchoolwasaveryspecial
placewhereyoudidnothavetobeateachertobethemostinfluential.Manyofmyclassmatesandastronggroupof
underclassmenandupperclassmenareamongstthemostinfluentialinmylife,butthatlistissolongthatIwouldhavetopublishmyowneditioninthismagazine.Asitrelatestothestaffwhowereamongstthemostinfluential,thelistisjustaslong.Fromtheadministrationtothesecretarial,custodial,cafeteria,andsecuritystaff,toalloftheteachersandguidancecounselors,someonmylistwerecalledto
servestudentsatanotherveryspecialhighschoolinheaven,butallonthelistremaindeartomyheart.Hereismylistofthemostinfluential:PatRestaino,SisterShirleyCorbliss,BrentFarrand,KatheleenDiChiara,JoanneHand,AdamStanislawczyk,Madison
Willis,RosamondMasini,KathleenDonohue,AngelJuarbe,GeraldineUzzell,JaquelineJones,StanLevy,MartinMuster,JohnPrice,JoanneBopp,NancyCastro,CarrieBrooks,RichardBalsamel,SusanRocco,
JeffreyBallin,MiltonGaylord,ChristianO’Neal,RosieGreggs,HowardBrent,DianneDavis,LeathaGyamfi,DeniseReed,SusanScavone,
DebraHenderson,MaryBorek,AdaMiranda,DavidGarrett,NathanielButler,DavidTravis,JosephRocco,WilliamWanko,JamesWaltz,TammyGoldblatt,VictorMicah,SisterMaureenDelaney,Joseph
McHugh,ShirleyMiner,EdwardCunningham,GeorgeLanders,WilliamMcNeill,RaymondBristol,HernandoHenriquez,AlmaTurner,andCarmenMartinez.Iamtheluckyonetohavehadallofthesegreat
peopleinmylife.”
s
Remember“Hav”?
Influencedby:Brent
Farrand
Principal/SouthStreetSchool
HavierNazario
VicePrincipal/TurnaroundElementarySchool,Patterson
JennieCadet
Influencedby:Mr.Gray,Mr.Gaylord
Influencedby:Ms.Jackson
PresidentofResultsDrivenConsulting
KhaatimSherrerEl
SchoolCounselor/ScienceParkHighSchool
JoseMercado
Remember“Joe”?
Influencedby:Mr.Brent
q
VicePrincipalofLuisMunozMarinElementarySchool
Mrs.AdjoaSmith
Influencedby:Ms.Marano
OscarCosme(left)andLarissaOliveira
(right)Their stories are
yet to be told
et’s travel in
time all the way
back to senior
year at Science
High School. Whether it was
five, fifteen or even thirty years
ago, think about the rush you
felt as you crossed that
graduation stage. Four long
and hard years of rigorous
work, all embodied in that
rolled up diploma pressed
together in your sweaty palm.
Not knowing what would come
next, and constantly being
asked “Where do you picture yourself 20 years
from now?” Hopes of succeeding and making
everyone proud flashed through your mind with
the fears of entering the unknown. Let’s fast
forward to the present. Would you still answer
the same way today? Needless to say, it’s okay if
you don’t have it all figured out just yet, because
the key to success is committing yourself to
being a lifelong learner, and the rest will follow.
This is the philosophy that Newark Hall-of-
Famer, Al-Nisa Tucker-Muhammad, lives by in
order to better herself every day. As the
Principal and Founder of her own private school
in Orange, NJ; she shares that same vision with
her own students.
Tucker-Muhammad,
class of 1990 and 2016 Newark
Sports Hall of Fame Inductee,
is the true definition of a
lifelong learner. She learned
valuable lessons through her
passion for sports during her
high school career. Tucker-
Muhammad was part of the
original “Fantastic-Five” Girls
Track & Field Team, who won
State Championships
consecutively in outdoor and
indoor track seasons from
1987-1991, under the
leadership of Ken Duke. The team consisted of
Tusharka Chapman ’89, Tanisha McGriff ’89,
Tarvenia Eddings-Jones, ’89, Tamel Preston ’91.
Tucker explained, “We were a beginning team
and did n ot have many members so we
considered ourselves a family.”
Even as a young woman, Tucker had a
strong sense of responsibility, teamwork,
leadership, and dedication. So much so that she
received numerous offers for college scholarships
by attracting the attention of many college
coaches. This opportunity allowed her to attend
the college of her choice, Northeastern
University. Tucker acknowledges that her work
ethic and discipline in sports translated into her
“ Man i f e s t Y ou r L ead e r W i t h i n” Al-Nisa Tucker-Muhammad:
By: Louis Fernandes
L
educational career. With the fear of not
succeeding and letting her team down, she
disciplined herself to be accountable and
responsible, even if it meant sacrificing hanging
out and playing on the weekends, because she
knew others were depending on her to do her
best. Similarly as an entrepreneur, she holds
herself to the same standards. She graduated
from Northeastern University in 1995, Rutgers
University in 2002 with a Masters in Public
Administration, received a Master’s in Business
Administration from the University of Phoenix
in 2011, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate
in Educational Leadership from Capella
University.
When Tucker-Muhammad reminisced
about her most influential teachers, she
mentioned Ms. Jones, her Health teacher. “She
was sweet, real and down-to earth… she taught
us about life,” Tucker-Muhammad recalls.
“However, my Gym teacher Ms. Joanne Bopp
sticks out in my mind.” As a star athlete in high
school, Tucker- Muhammad remembers
receiving a “C” in her Gym class during her
junior year. Furious, she asked Ms. Bopp why
she received that grade. Ms. Bopp looked at her
roster, showing Tucker-Muhammad how she
was always late and unprepared for class 6 times!
“She taught me that no matter what you’ve
accomplished in life, you still have to produce at
your highest level at all times,” Tucker-
Muhammad reflects. She without a doubt
believes that the education and experiences from
Science High School adequately prepared her for
her profession. In an interview with Tucker-
Muhammad she stated, “Science had a very
rigorous curriculum and they had the top
students from every school in Newark in one
place…You had to stay focus[ed] and apply
yourself…This is what prepared me the best for
my life and my current position.”
Not only was she driven to succeed from
personal motivation, but the lack of education
she realized her son was receiving in
Al-Nisa
spoke to a
group of
sophomores
at Science
Park, seen
right.
Kindergarten caused her to look at other options.
Desperate to make a change, not only for her son
but for all children, Tucker-Muhammad decided
to take a leave of absence from her position at
work to homeschool her son in his bedroom
where they lived in Union, N.J. In a matter of no
time, Tucker found herself with a total of 7
enrolled children, ranging from grades
Kindergarten to 7th grade. As a result of this
growth, Tucker knew she needed better
conditions to match the quality of their
education. She opened up a storefront on Avon
Avenue in Newark and named this school
Torchlight Educational Academy.
Fast forward to 2017, an act so
small has just celebrated its
eleventh year, currently located in
Orange, N. J. with students
ranging from grades Pre-K to
eighth. Similar to Science High
graduates, Tucker is proud to say
that her students graduate at the
top of their classes in High School and maintain
4.0s in college.
Despite all of Tucker’s numerous
accomplishments, Tucker is not done yet! “I
consider myself a lifelong learner. Not sure if I
will go on to get another degree pas my
Doctorate but I definitely know that I will
always be enrolled in some type of program or
course that will allow me to work on bettering
my skills and talents.” One talent that Tucker
clearly possesses is being a devoted mother to
her four children. Despite Tucker’s successful
accomplishments in the work field, Tucker
always makes room to participate in her
children’s activities. “If my sons are running
track, I become the assistant Track Coach. If
they are playing football then I am Team Mom.”
But Tucker doesn’t stop there! She is also very
active in her Mosque and community where she
is one of the founders of Muhammad’s Helpers,
an organization that serves the Essex County
Community. Tucker’s role entails feeding and
clothing the homeless, providing training classes
for adults and children, assisting grieving
parents of murdered children, advocating for the
elderly and motivating college students. Not
only does Tucker make time to assist others in
any way that she can, she does not forget to
pamper herself after a long day of
work. She enjoys traveling,
sewing, reading, and watching
sports on TV during her free time.
Tucker is a great
inspiration whether you are an
Alumni or a current Science Park
High student. Want to know her
key to success? Tucker-
Muhammad shared, “It is very important that
you manifest your leader within.” Remember that
every day is a new day to make a change whether
you are currently working your dream job,
studying a field of interest, or find yourself
asking “How did I get here in life?” Follow your
heart. Follow your dreams. At the end of the day,
make your own decisions for what you really
want in life. As Tucker states, “Of course you
should be guided by those who love you, but in
the end it has to be your decision. Also, never
think that you have to stay in any position that
you don’t want to be in.” Whether it is a job,
relationship, or school, just remember, “It’s never
too late to make a change.”
“Science had a very rigorous curriculum and they had the top students from every school in Newark in
one place…”
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
been introduced to a job-opening at the
notorious Rikers Island Correctional
Facility to teach at a point when he had
grown discontented with
his current profession.
Unintimidated by the
location, Jenkins took the
position and taught GED
Math, African Studies, and
Islamic Studies for 9 years.
When asked about his experience as a
civilian in a prison complex, he told us
that he loved it! Seriously. Jenkins was
able to connect with his students as
human
beings, many of which shared in his deep
Islamic faith. He adds that he was able to
foster a sense of
brotherhood amongst his
students. As a graduate
from Hampton University,
he asserts that the
student-body there “was
challenged to serve.
Teaching is my way of serving. Once you
see the light bulb click in 1or 2 kids…
those are the moments that gratify you
and keep you going. It’s still a burning
By: Gaelle Moise
ERICK JENKINS: Jack-of-all-Trades
“...It’s still a burning
desire to see that
light bulb click with
every student.”
desire to see that light bulb click with
every student.”
Later, he wanted to impact a
different population, high school. After
receiving the opportunity to teach at
University Heights High School, a relatively
young high achieving school with a
population of roughly 500 students much
like the old Science High School, he wanted
to mimic his experiences at his high school
Alma Matter. As the Athletic Director,
Jenkins had written grants to bring rugby,
bowling and cycling to his school because
he wanted to give his students exposure to
sports that they would not otherwise have
participated in. When asked why he
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
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
spoke fondly about his favorite teachers
Mr. McHugh and Mr. Rodriguez. Moreover,
he’s eternally grateful to his guidance
counselor, Mr. Angel Juarbe, who told
Jenkins and his friends about Hampton
University recruiters making a visit to the
Newark Public Library. Though Jenkins
had never heard of the school, Mr. Juarbe
encouraged Jenkins and his friends to go
and gave them gas money. Jenkins was
accepted on the spot.
Finally, Jenkins’ advice to current
students is as follows: “Don’t be quiet, and
make some noise...You need to be seen
and heard for the right reasons. Expand
your view, take blinders off, and travel.
The world is a huge place that requires
your presence…”
Erick Jenkins with two of his students from University Heights High School
SPECIAL THANKS TO: KATHLEEN TIERNEY, PRINCIPAL Ms. Adjoga-Otu, Advisor MRS. WRIGHT, TECHNOLOGIST Mr. cruz, TECHNOLOGIST MRS. ROBYN LEIGH BUTLER Mrs. Gaylord Featured alumni Parent vOLUNTEERS
COMMITTEE:
Erika Dominguez, Chief Editor Jennifer Lopez, Designer Gaelle Moise, Secretary Alexandra Dipre, COLUMNIST OYINKANSOLA FASASI, COLUMNIST KIMBERLY ESPINAL, COLUMNIST KAI JASEY, MEDIA/ VIDEO EDITOR LOUIS FERNANDES, MEDIA KARIN AGUIRRE, MEDIA
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