Foundation Academies congratulates the Class of 2025 —trailblazers as first-generation college students and bold pathfinders pursuing technical and trade careers.
“These scholars have grown up in an era of uncertainty and transformation. Yet, they’ve emerged with focus, determination, and purpose,” said CEO Sheria McRae. “Their hard work has opened doors and created opportunity. I can’t wait to see how far they’ll go.”
The graduating class of more than 60 Trenton scholars navigated years of virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning, earning more than $13 million in scholarships and awards. More than half are first in their families to attend college.
Foundation Academies is a free public charter school educating more than 1,100 Trenton students in grades K-12. FA school performance ranks in the 85th percentile among all New Jersey public schools, and FA scholars rank in the top 1% for academic growth. FA’s graduation rate exceeds the state average, with a 100% college acceptance rate.
Valedictorian Loriani Mata earned a 4.14. GPA and will be studying neuroscience at Yale University. A leader in PODER and the Youth Orchestra, she encouraged her classmates to find joy even in these challenging times.
“I’m not sure what these next 4 years will bring, but please find the joy in learning, despite the burden knowledge can bring, in exploring what excites you even if others knock you down, and in reading, regardless of the books that are being banned,” she said. “Please learn from each other, practice discernment, and don’t be afraid to take up room, to be loud, or to be bright.”
Keynote speaker and author Jennifer Cruz gifted each senior her book Manifest Your Mind, encouraging them to own their stories. “Don’t let the bad days overpower the good,” she advised. “This is your story, your testimony; write it how you want the world to see you.”
The Class of 2025 includes future engineers, financial advisors, medical professionals, lawyers, automotive technicians, and more. Graduating seniors will be attending colleges or universities including Villanova, Coppin State University, The College of New Jersey, Rowan University, Stockton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Fortis Institute, and Mercer County Community College.
The Friends of Foundation Academies continues to support graduates through scholarships from The Knight Fund. This year’s Round Table Scholars include:
Victorya Smith – Studying sociology at Kean, on the path to becoming a criminal defense lawyer.
Brian Montoya-Luna – Heading to Rowan to study finance and become a wealth manager.
Aylin Cifuentes Lopez – Studying biology at The College of New Jersey, on her way to becoming a radiologist.
Marc Bocka-Pemansy – Enrolling at the New Jersey Institute of Technology to pursue computer and electrical engineering.
Brianna Telles-Fernandez – Off to Villanova to study international business and marketing.
Mekayla Roper-Terry received the Ronald C. Brady Award; she will study Nursing at Fayetteville State University, aiming to work in the NICU. The award honors the school’s founder and recognizes a senior who has demonstrated grit and resilience to achieve their goals.
Freddy Chaj earned the Artisan Award for his dedication to the trades and will study Mechanical Engineering at Rowan College at Burlington County.
The Graig Weiss Alumni Changemaker Award honored Julio Delgado (FA Class of 2019), a filmmaker using his craft to serve the greater good.
To support FA scholars on their paths to purpose, make a gift to Foundation Academies today!