Graduation Season Shines at NJCDC

Watch a video compilation of the graduations!

Learn more about our upcoming College Sendoff and help support our graduates.

At NJCDC, June is one of our favorite months — not just because school’s out for summer, but because we get to celebrate so many young people reaching incredible milestones! Across the schools we operate, support, or partner with, graduation season is a time of joy, pride, and reflection.

From preschoolers stepping into kindergarten to high school seniors preparing for college and beyond, the Class of 2025 reminded us of everything that’s possible when young people are supported, empowered, and believed in.

Here’s how we celebrated graduation season across the NJCDC family:

Paterson Youth Council Graduation

On June 10, we proudly honored the graduation of the 19th class of our Paterson Youth Council, Paterson’s premier civic leadership program for high school students. During the ceremony, graduates reflected on a year of advocacy, public service, and personal growth, celebrating the powerful role young people can play in shaping the future of their city. This year’s class continued the long tradition of using their voices to speak up for Paterson, and we can’t wait to see how they’ll keep making an impact.

Paterson Family Center Pre-K Graduation & Family Luncheon

At our Paterson Family Center (PFC), 60 Pre-K 4 students officially graduated and are now heading to kindergarten, while 45 Pre-K 3 students moved up a grade during a joyful celebration on June 20. The event featured adorable performances — complete with pom-poms, poems, and songs — that had families smiling from ear to ear.

Just two days earlier, on June 18, our PFC hosted a heartfelt Parent Appreciation Luncheon to thank the families who’ve supported our students all year long. With delicious food donated by local vendors including El Asadero Mexican Grill, ShopRite of Passaic, Daisy’s Bakery, Lety’s Catering, Mary’s Cakes, Tropicana Juices, and WellPoint, it was a beautiful send-off and a reminder that once you’re part of the PFC family, you always are.

Community Charter School of Paterson Ceremonies

The week of June 10 was a major one for students at our Community Charter School of Paterson (CCSP). It began on June 11, when our kindergarteners celebrated their graduation and proudly stepped into the next chapter of their education, first grade! With bright smiles and big dreams, these young learners put on a memorable ceremony filled with joy and pride.

On June 13, our 4th-grade students marked their transition into middle school. Families and staff cheered them on as they embraced new opportunities ahead, ready to keep growing, leading, and shining in this next chapter of their journey.

Then on June 12, CCSP’s 8th-grade students said goodbye to middle school during a moving graduation ceremony. NJCDC’s Chief Real Estate Development Officer and CCSP Board President Mike DeBlasio told graduates, “Being a student at CCSP is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up when it’s easier to stay silent, standing up for others, and choosing to build rather than tear down.” CCSP CEO Ira Griffith added, “Be thankful for your village, your moms, and the people on a mission trying to support you. Keep your eyes on the next opportunity — and when it comes, go for it.”

Great Falls Youth Center Celebrations

Graduation season at our Great Falls Youth Center (GFYC) kicked off with the ever-popular PJ Ball on June 6. Students showed up and showed out in their comfiest, most creative pajamas. From prizes for musical chairs, best dancer, and best PJ fit to BBQ ribs and baked mac & cheese made by the Culinary Arts crew, the night was packed with fun. A slumber party followed, complete with games, movies, popcorn, and a morning trip to IHOP — where we even gave a prize to the student who stayed closest to their budget!

Then, on June 20, we wrapped up the year with our End-of-Year Celebration, honoring graduates, May and June birthdays, and the inspiring recipients of the GFYC RAD Awards. It was a celebration of community, resilience, and growth — a perfect sendoff for a phenomenal group of young people.

PCTI Teen Center Send-Off and Graduation

On June 20, our Teen Center at Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) hosted a heartfelt Senior Send-Off to celebrate the Class of 2025. With great food, upbeat music, table games, and raffle prizes, our seniors soaked up the moment. The night ended with a sparkling juice toast to the memories made and the futures ahead.

PCTI’s formal graduation ceremony followed on June 25, but the spirit of celebration was already well underway. Graduating students left feeling seen, supported, and ready for whatever comes next. One such graduate — Adiba Rupa, President of our 2024–2025 Paterson Youth Council — reflected, “Being part of NJCDC and the PYC helped me grow into the person I am today.” This fall, Adiba will attend Montclair State University, where she plans to double major in accounting and political science — a testament to both her ambition and the foundation she’s built through years of hard work and community engagement.

International & JFK High School Graduation

On June 23, we joined the community in celebrating the Class of 2025 from John F. Kennedy High School and International High School, two schools where our youth program participants from our Great Falls Youth Center, Great Falls Teen Center, Paterson Youth Council, and volunteer programs are widely represented.

This year, we were especially proud to cheer on JFK High School Valedictorian Elianny Polanco, a shining example of what’s possible with passion and perseverance. Elianny’s journey — from NJCDC programs like PYC and GFYC to graduating college early and becoming a part-time NJCDC staff member — is nothing short of inspiring. In her valedictory address, Elianny shared a powerful message that echoed one of NJCDC’s core beliefs: “Each of us here today is an artist, though maybe not with paint or piano keys. We are artists of our own lives. Some of us sketch slowly and thoughtfully, others paint with bold strokes and no eraser. But every style is valid. Every journey matters.”

Adding to the celebration was NJCDC’s own Eddie Gonzalez, who is also the President of the Paterson Board of Education. In his powerful keynote speech, Eddie told the graduates: “You’re not just graduating, you’re stepping into the arena of your future. Your education here in Paterson has equipped you with resilience and an unbreakable spirit. Now go forth, Class of 2025. Embrace every opportunity. Be bold in your pursuits. Lead with integrity. Connect with purpose.”

A Bright Future Awaits

As NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci put it best, “Graduation season is a reminder of why we do what we do. Every cap tossed in the air represents a young person who’s taken a step closer to their dreams. We’re proud of our students, grateful to their families and teachers, and excited for all that lies ahead for the Class of 2025.”

Among those graduates are around 110 NJCDC youth program participants representing schools across the city, including JFK High School, Eastside High School, Rosa Parks High School, International High School, PCTI, and PCTI STEM. These talented young people are heading to colleges and universities such as Felician University, Montclair State University, Seton Hall, Ramapo, PCCC, NJIT, Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers, and many others. We can’t wait to see how they’ll continue to make their mark on the world.

To all our graduates: Congratulations! Your community is cheering you on, today and always.