By: Richard L. Smith
Under sunny skies and a gentle June breeze, history was made on June 5 as the inaugural graduating class of the Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy crossed the stage, becoming the first students to earn diplomas from one of Irvington's most celebrated educational institutions.
Hundreds of proud parents, family members, educators, community leaders, and supporters gathered on the field of Irvington High School to witness a milestone years in the making.
Among those in attendance were Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss, Superintendent April Vauss, members of the Board of Education, faculty, staff, and a special guest whose presence carried deep meaning for the graduates and the school community.
Award-winning entertainer, actress, producer, and Irvington native Queen Latifah delivered a heartfelt keynote address honoring the legacy of her mother, the late Rita L. Owens, for whom the academy is named.
"This is so surreal," Queen Latifah told graduates.
"This is my high school right here. A lot of great things happened on this field for me. I met people who became my friends, my business partners, and people who helped shape my future."
As she reflected on memories of growing up in Irvington and attending school in the township, Queen Latifah spoke emotionally about her mother's lifelong commitment to education and young people.
"You have to know your school is named after a great woman, an amazing educator, and a great human being who believed wholeheartedly in educating our young people," she said.
"I take great pride in being here because your school is named after my mother so her legacy could live on. And now, so are you."
The graduates received thunderous applause as Queen Latifah recognized their historic achievement.
"You are the inaugural graduating class," she said. "Years from now there will be thousands of graduates, but you are the only ones who will ever be able to say you were the first."
The ceremony marked the culmination of years of hard work for students who helped establish the culture and identity of the academy.
Over the past several years, RLS Media chronicled the school's growth through its "Road to Graduation" series, highlighting students' achievements in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. 
The stories showcased a school where innovation, creativity, leadership, and academic excellence became part of everyday life.
From student-designed projects and technology initiatives to artistic showcases and community engagement programs, the academy demonstrated the potential of STEAM education while preparing students for college, careers, and leadership opportunities.
During her address, Queen Latifah shared lessons she learned from her mother that she hoped graduates would carry into adulthood.
Among those lessons were embracing challenges, building meaningful relationships, and remaining open to new opportunities.
"Get comfortable with discomfort," she told the graduates. "You don't have to have your whole life figured out today. Every time I've grown, every time I've leveled up, it's because I stayed in the discomfort instead of running from it."
She encouraged students to build strong support systems and invest in genuine relationships.
"No one gets anywhere alone," she said. "Build your community now. Your teachers, your counselors, your mentors, your friends — those relationships matter."
The Irvington native also urged graduates to trust themselves, pursue opportunities beyond their comfort zones, and maintain strong character throughout life's journey.
"My mother taught me that character isn't something you turn on when people are watching," Queen Latifah said. "It's how you behave when no one is."
The message resonated deeply with graduates and families, many of whom wiped away tears as she spoke about perseverance, resilience, and believing in oneself.
For school leaders, the ceremony represented far more than a graduation. It marked the successful launch of a vision dedicated to educational excellence and community empowerment.
The Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy was established to provide students with a rigorous educational environment focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics while honoring the educational values championed by Rita Owens throughout her life.
As the ceremony concluded and graduates tossed their caps into the air, a new chapter began—not only for the students but for a school whose first graduating class has already secured its place in Irvington history.
Looking out at the graduates, Queen Latifah offered one final message she believed her mother would have wanted them to hear:
"My mom would be proud of you."
And on a day filled with celebration, accomplishment, and hope, it was clear that the inaugural graduating class of Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy had made their community proud as well.