Foundation Academies congratulates the Class of 2024 for their resilience, service, and achievements as graduating seniors continue their unique paths to purpose.

“This class is extraordinary,” said Foundation Academies CEO Sheria McRae. “Our scholars have presented recommendations to Trenton City Council, triumphed in the African American History Bowl, secured our first girls’ sports championship, and led civic service projects that positively impact our community. I eagerly anticipate celebrating their accomplishments for years to come.”

Foundation Academy Collegiate Class of 2024 includes more than 60 scholars who persevered through high school years including virtual, hybrid and in-person instruction. About two dozen scholars are the first generation in their families committed to college. The class has received scholarships, awards and grants totaling $12.9 million. 

Foundation Academies is a free public charter school educating more than 1,000 Trenton students in grades K-12. FA school performance ranks in the top third of all New Jersey public schools, with a graduation rate exceeding the state average and 100% acceptance for graduating seniors seeking to attend college. 

Valedictorian Hobbes Chukumba graduates with a 4.15 grade point average. Named a 2023 Governor’s STEM Scholar, he will be studying computer science at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Salutatorian Jedidah Worrell holds a 4.12 grade point average and will be studying political science at Princeton University. 

The Class of 2024 includes future engineers, veterinarians, medical professionals, teachers, cosmetologists and more. Graduating seniors will be attending colleges or universities including Spelman College, Rutgers University, Rider University, Stockton University, The College of New Jersey, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rowan University, and Mercer County Community College, as well as Fortis Institute, Pennco Tech, and Innovate Salon Academy.

Seniors announced their plans during FA’s annual Senior Signing Day celebration, sponsored by NJM Insurance and  AmeriHealth. Commencement will be Monday June 17 at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.  

In support of FA graduates, the Friends of Foundation Academies provides scholarships and awards through The Knight Fund to recognize achievement and assist as they navigate “to and through” college and career paths. 

This year, Friends of FA awarded Round Table Scholarships providing annual stipends to: 

• Noel Ingram, attending The College of New Jersey to study kinesiology & psychology
• Aundrea Grizzle, attending New Jersey Institute of Technology  to study mechanical engineering 
• Margarita Tax-Martinez, attending New Jersey Institute of Technology to study architecture
• Paris Hughes, attending Rowan University to study early childhood education
• Tristan Greene, attending Stockton University  to study health science.

The Ronald C. Brady Award, honoring our school’s founder and recognizing a senior who has demonstrated grit and resilience to achieve their goals, was given to Noemi Samayoa. She plans to pursue a career in Veterinary Science. 

Friends of FA also presented the 2024 Artisan Award celebrating persistence, passion, and commitment to a trade or vocation to Daysy Peña, who will be studying the Medical Assistant program at Fortis, and Aniya Wilder, who will be pursuing the Cosmetology program at Innovate Salon Academy. 

The Graig Weiss Alumni Changemaker Award recognizing an alum committed to a career serving the greater good was given to Courtney Boone, FA Class of 2016, who currently serves as a New Jersey State Trooper. 

Throughout the year, Class of 2024 seniors applied for hundreds of scholarships, including national, state and local awards presented in person during Senior Signing Day. Scholarship recipients include:

• Mercer County Community College Award — Paris Hughes
• The Smith Family Foundation Founder’s Scholarship — Joshua Ortiz, attending Kean University to pursue a degree in education P-3 to work with students with disabilities
• The Smith Family Foundation HBCU Scholarship — Tauri Garner, attending Spelman College to pursue her degree in health sciences
• The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Award– Mikai Brown, attending Widener University to pursue her career in nursing
• The McNichol Scholarship for Communication — Markus Soulouque, attending Kean University to pursue a degree in business and communications

“This class started high school with remote learning and overcame every challenge to reach their goals,” said FA Collegiate Principal Isabel Goss. “I am so proud of who they are – and all they contribute to our community. I look forward to keeping in touch as they continue succeeding and leading purpose-filled lives.”