"My grandfather dying of cancer inspired me to do try my hardest and pursue a career in Hematology & Oncology." Robert Williams
Graduation ceremonies were extra special for about 65 students at the People's Prep Charter School in Newark as graduates took the honor of being the first graduating class on Saturday June 20, 2015.
Graduate, Robert Williams, was extra please at being able to participate in what he called "one of the most important days of my life". "I am doing this for my granddad. I want this for him" Williams said.
According to William's Facebook page, Williams wrote a caption under a picture of several other male graduates of the school:
"We all started off not knowing where we wanted to go in life. We were all strangers taking a risk on a brand new school. They said we weren't going to make it. Statistics said we were not going to get pass 9th grade, graduate high school, apply to college, get accepted to college, and now we all are attending college in the fall" Williams said.
In an interview with Williams, he noted, "I grew up in New Community Corporation where things weren't always the best but I accepted it as community and it will always be known as my community". Williams have been accepted into William Paterson University in Wayne New Jersey and will major in Pre-Medical Studies.
Williams said "on June 20, 2015 we beat the odds in Newark, NJ. We beat the gang violence, the police brutality, the name calling, and most importantly, we beat all the stereotypes against us. High school was just a phase, one of all of our master plans."
"College is the next mission, and a new chapter for all of us. We couldn't of gotten this far without each others' help. As I've always said, "teamwork makes the dream work." Williams continued.
The People's Prep Charter School opened it's doors to students in August of 2011 in the old Camden Middle School building on Bergen Street according to Williams. " I love the school" Williams said. "What I love the most, is the fact that the school is small and the teachers really care. They take time out of their personal schedules to be there for us so I will always love and remember them for this" Williams continued.
Williams credits his success to his mom, grandmother, aunts and several other relatives and members in the community.
PHOTOS KNEELING: Robert Williams
STANDING L-R: Sharod Neal, Ahmod Don, Eian Simmons-Johnson, Jimmy Parker, Keith Mcreay