Graduation Season Across the NJCDC Family

At NJCDC, graduation season is one of the most inspiring times of the year. Across the schools we operate, support, and partner with, students of all ages reached important milestones over the past several weeks — each one representing countless hours of hard work, perseverance, and encouragement from families, educators, mentors, and friends.

From our youngest learners taking their first big step into elementary school to high school seniors preparing for college and careers, the Class of 2026 reminded us that every achievement deserves to be celebrated.

Paterson Youth Council: 20 Years Strong

On June 17, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the 20th class of our Paterson Youth Council (PYC), Paterson's premier civic leadership program for high school students. Thirty-two graduates gathered with their families, friends, and mentors to reflect on a year defined by leadership, service, and personal growth.

Throughout the year, this remarkable cohort embraced every opportunity to serve their community. They attended an inspiring Career Awareness Day at BD, coordinated community service projects, hosted conversations with city leaders, recognized youth changemakers in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., distributed food to neighbors in need, and traveled to Ivy League campuses throughout New England as well as Washington, D.C., broadening their perspectives while strengthening their commitment to civic engagement.

Addressing graduates and their families, NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci — whose vision gave rise to PYC two decades ago — reflected on the tremendous impact the program’s young leaders continue to make in Paterson. Graduates also heard remarks from Paterson Youth Council Advisors Eddie Gonzalez and David Gelman, as well as graduating senior Samiya Ahmed, whose reflections brought the room to its feet.

Paterson Family Center: Big Milestones for Little Learners

There were plenty of smiles — and a few happy tears — at our Paterson Family Center (PFC) on June 25, as 60 Pre-K 4 students officially graduated and prepared to begin kindergarten this fall. An additional 45 Pre-K 3 students celebrated their own milestone by moving up to the next grade.

Families filled the room as students delighted the audience with performances featuring songs, poems, and colorful pom-pom routines, creating memories that will last long after the caps and gowns are put away.

The celebration came just one day after PFC’s annual Parent Appreciation Luncheon, where families were honored for the essential role they play in their children's success. With food generously donated by local vendors and heartfelt appreciation shared all around, the luncheon was a fitting reminder that supporting children means supporting families every step of the way.

Community Charter School of Paterson: A Week of Milestones

The week of June 15 marked a series of exciting milestones at our Community Charter School of Paterson (CCSP), as students across multiple grade levels celebrated the next step in their educational journeys.

The week began with nearly 100 eighth-grade students graduating during a moving ceremony at William Paterson University’s Shea Center for Performing Arts. Addressing the graduates, CCSP CEO Ira Griffith encouraged students to embrace the future with confidence. “As you step into the next chapter of your journeys, take with you the lessons you've learned and the friendships you've built along the way,” Griffith said. “Believe in your ability to achieve great things, and always remember the values that have shaped who you are today.”

The celebrations continued the following day as fourth-grade students marked their transition into middle school during the school’s Moving Up Ceremony, led by CCSP school leader Dr. Kenneth Ellerbee. Then, on June 17, Dr. Ellerbee also presided over the Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony, where the school's youngest graduates proudly celebrated their first major academic milestone before heading off to first grade this fall.

Across every ceremony, families, teachers, and staff gathered to recognize not only academic achievement, but also the confidence, curiosity, and character each student has developed.

Great Falls Youth Center Celebrations

Graduation season at our Great Falls Youth Center (GFYC) began with one of the year’s most anticipated traditions: the annual Masquerade Ball on May 29. Dressed in elegant gowns and sharp suits — many generously donated by supporters — students enjoyed an evening of music, dancing, dinner, gifts, and celebration alongside friends and mentors.

The festivities concluded on June 18 with our End-of-Year Celebration, where graduates, June birthdays, and recipients of this year's GFYC RAD Awards were recognized for their accomplishments. Together, the two events celebrated far more than the end of another school year; they honored the resilience, friendships, and personal growth that define the Great Falls Youth Center community.

International & JFK High Schools: A Graduate Who Spoke for a Generation

On June 26, NJCDC joined families, educators, and community members at Hinchliffe Stadium to celebrate the Paterson Public Schools Class of 2026 during the districtwide commencement ceremony honoring graduates from John F. Kennedy High School and International High School — two schools where participants in our Great Falls Youth Center, Great Falls Teen Center, Paterson Youth Council, and volunteer programs are well represented.

Among those crossing the stage was International High School valedictorian Camil Fermin Sanchez, a member of NJCDC’s Teen Center at IHS, who delivered a thoughtful and deeply personal commencement address.

“I sought academic validation, hoping for reassurance whether it was from test scores, peers, or colleges. However, despite unwavering support I couldn't help but feel like I hadn't deserved any of my achievements,” she shared. “I now stand here recognizing that no one will remember our GPA, the number of cords we carry, or any of the awards we received. Instead, we’ll remember the unbreakable bonds and memories that have made us who we are today.”

What These Milestones Mean

For NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci, graduation season reflects the mission that drives our work every day.

“Watching our students reach these milestones is one of the greatest rewards of what we do,” Bob said. “Every graduation represents years of perseverance, encouragement, and opportunity coming together. We’re incredibly proud of every student, deeply grateful to the families and educators who helped them get here, and excited to see where the Class of 2026 goes next.”

Among those graduates are more than 100 NJCDC youth program participants representing schools across Paterson, including JFK High School, Eastside High School, Rosa Parks High School, International High School, PCTI, and PCTI STEM. This remarkable group is headed to institutions including Northeastern University, Emory University, Gettysburg College, Marist University, Montclair State University, William Paterson University, Passaic County Community College, NJIT, Rutgers University, and many more.

To every graduate we celebrated this season: Congratulations! Your hard work has brought you to this moment, and we can't wait to see where your journey takes you next.