September 29, 2008
Link celebrates 40 years at birthday bash

Students, alumni, parents, past and present staff, trustees and friends gathered for a birthday party on September 29th to celebrate a milestone event for the school - its 40th year of innovation and achievement in educating youth from Newark and the surrounding areas. The party, held on Link's Founder's Day, kicked off a year-long celebration of the school's anniversary and honored the founders and the legacy they created.

S T A R T   O V E R

Sister Vivien Jennings. O.P., Link's foundress, recalled the birth of Link -- an afterschool program called Project Link, begun in 1966 and which blossomed into a middle school a couple of years later after the riots in Newark. Under the leadership of Sister Vivien and the Sisters of St. Dominic, Link became a safe haven for youth fearful of the violence and gangs then prevalent in some of the local public schools. Sister said she was proud that the school has continued for 40 years, that so many students have been served and realized their dreams and she hoped it would continue for at least "40 decades" more.

Link's principal, Ms. Marnie G. McKoy, presented a beautiful mantel clock to Sister Arlene Antczak, Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominick and a member of the Link Board of Trustees, in appreciation for her Community's vision, legacy and continued support and commitment to the Link as well as the broader Newark community.

Mr. Carey Hamilton, Link Class of '69, spoke about how Link was a lifeline for him at various difficult stages of his life. Not only did the school provide a good education, but later on, reconnecting to the school including after the death of his wife, staff at Link gave him the encouragement and support he needed to move on and succeed. He thanked Link -- its founders, trustees and staff -- and offered his words of hope and inspiration to current Linkers.

Along with celebrating the school's longevity, the community commemorated the tenure of Ms. Rosana Chanco, science teacher, for her 20 years of service to Link -- half of the life of the school. Ms. McKoy presented Ms. Chanco with a plaque from the school and a letter of appreciation from Mayor Corey Booker of Newark. Ms. McKoy reflected that while a seasoned teacher, Ms. Chanco was the first at Link to grasp and use technology to enhance learning in the classroom and always has fresh and new ways of teaching, so that all students have the chance to succeed in their science studies.

Finally, Ms. McKoy addressed students about the legacy that has been left to the community and the legacy Linkers can leave. She stated, "It's not who you are but who you have the potential to be." She challenged students, saying, "Will you be able to speak about the impact Link had on you (as Mr. Hamilton did today)....You need to understand you are required to sow and invest in the lives of others ....Live purposefully and leave a legacy."

The event concluded with an enthusiastic Link "Call and Response," heartfelt Link school song, a lively rendition of "Happy Birthday" ... and plenty of birthday cake for all.