Link graduates the Class of 2010 Excitement and anticipation were high on Friday, June 4, as the Link Class of 2010 began the traditional procession on Irvine Turner Boulevard to their commencement ceremony at Emmanuel Church of Christ. Sixty-six students graduated; one of the largest graduating classes in Link’s forty-one year history. The achievements of this class were great: more than 80% of the class earned a GPA of 80% or better, 100% received an admission to a private or magnet school of their choice, student academic growth averaged 3.7 grade levels over their two years at Link, and twenty-seven schools offered students in this class over $2 million in scholarships. The ceremony began with a welcome by student Erin Saunders and an all-student recitation, with students thanking their families for support and encouragement. After a welcome to families and guests by Head of School Maria Pilar Paradiso, Oscar Gomez gave the Student Address, encouraging his peers to create a legacy, to maintain integrity and to persevere in their goals. Ms. Paradiso then introduced Shavar Jeffries, Esq., instructor at Seton Hall Law School and president of the Newark Board of Education, who spoke to the students about the pathway to success. He emphasized the importance of setting one’s expectations or standards, preparing well to meet those standards and cultivating an excellent character. The soon-to-be grads, accompanied on piano by Oscar, sang a heartwarming rendition of Bill Withers’ Lean on Me before receiving their diplomas from Link’s Board Chairperson Wendy Lacey. Dean of Students Adonis Blue and faculty conferred the academic awards in the core and co-curricular subject area on students who were the highest achievers in each team. Director of Admission and High School Placement La Toro Yates presented the annual Alumni Award, which is granted based on an essay contest, to Leah Woolridge. This award included a laptop computer. Mrs. Paradiso announced Erin Saunders as the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award, given to the graduate with the highest 2-year cumulative GPA. Sister Arlene Antczak, O.P. presented the Founder’s Award to Kriska Desir, deemed by faculty and staff as the student who most exemplified the academic and core value standards set for students by the founding Sisters of St. Dominic, Caldwell. After Ms. Paradiso offered final congratulations and best wishes, Oscar, who served as the student body president this past year, and Tamara Johnson, vice president, led the grads in the Link Call and Response and the Link school song, All Hail, LCS. A group of Link’s African dancers, accompanied by Jerome Hunter on drum, performed and then led the recession of students and guests from the church sanctuary.