Saturday, June 24, 2017

Chester Football Programs pledge a united front


Charles Thompson (center-left), Chester Panthers Director and LaDontay Bell (center-right), Head Coach of Chester Clippers Football met with coaches from both teams to join forces to cultivate the youth in Chester. This meeting was to “bridge the gap” of Chester Football. They will work alongside each other to mentor, educate and coach youth football players. Chester Clippers and Chester Panthers placed the missing piece of the bridge by positioning Coach Dennis Shaw as the 14 and under Head Coach and feeder program for the Clippers. Their collaborative effort should strengthen the football programs. 

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Widener Partnership Charter School promotion ceremony

WPCS graduation photo and information provided by Mary Allen

Widener Partnership Charter School promotion ceremony for 40 eighth graders was held on Thursday, June 8th, 2017.

The event was held in Alumni Auditorium at Widener University. The ceremony speaker was Bryant Greene, administrator of Always Best Care Senior Services. 
Bryant Greene
In addition, during the ceremony Dr. Shawn M. Fitzgerald, Widener professor and chair of the WPCS Board of Trustees, announced students who were promoted at the ceremony, and who later meet the criteria for admission to Widener University, will be eligible for grants of $25,000 per year for four years, to pursue their undergraduate educations full time at Widener.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

2017 Chester High School Graduation



Congratulations to the 306 graduates of Chester High School and STEM Academy on celebrating the June 16, 2017 graduation. The 143rd Commencement was held in the Mirenda Center at Neumann University joining delco schools which has come to the same conclusion others have practice for years, location, location, location. The school district reported that the change of venue was because of safety concerns. But it wouldn’t be graduation without the C-Pride crowd which exuberantly cheered on their own. Giving the commencement address was Dr. Jocelyn Mandigo a 1996 graduate of Chester High School. The Salutatorians were Deborah Ekwala from Chester High School and Triana Pena from STEM. The 16 year old Ekwala recounted her humble beginnings in Nigeria and her now efforts to fight for women’s rights. Valedictorians were Katina Outterbridge from Chester High School and Octavia Reed from STEM. The emphasis of the addresses were “don’t give up” and “believe.” Outterbridge teared up as she spoke about her single father who raised her and her siblings. Scholarships and awards ranged from $200 to $12,000 for recipients. Graduates will be attending over 70 colleges and universities around the country. Good luck to all the graduates in their higher learning and careers. See graduation video HERE

Thursday, June 15, 2017

A Farewell for Zion

Zion's mother Nailla participating in ceremony
Nearly two weeks have passed since the brutal slaying of Zion Abdullah on his way to school. Last week he was laid to rest. Today on the last day of school for students at Chester High School students, staff, teachers, and administrators bid farewell to Zion in a balloon releasing ceremony as his mother Nailla and other family members looked on. The ceremony organized by retiring English teacher Myra Lineberry said she wanted to send students off for the summer on a good note. The message was clear and touching as Head Football Coach LaDontay Bell said kind words about his fallen player. We had a moment of silence in remembrance of Zion. And the balloons were released. Someone in the background said, “This one hit home for us.” Zion had a warm, fun loving, in your face personality. We will miss him and the person he would have become. The event brought in donations of over $500 for his mother who also received hugs of support from several well-wishers. And those balloons someone noticed formed a perfect Z as the balloons transcended to the sky. 
 A hug from Coach Bell
A tribute for Zion


Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Zion, Rest in Peace



A show of love from Chester High School to Zion's mother Nailla
 A Limb has fallen from the
family tree
that says
Grieve not for me
Remember the Best Times
the laughter, the song
the good life I lived while I was Strong
In large service of family and friends, school district officials, teachers and staff, Zion Abdullah was laid to rest today. Zion so full of life was unexpectedly taken too soon. Most of us are still in shock from the recent traumatic and tragic events that took place on Friday, June 2nd when we lost another of our own to gun violence. We share in the sorrow of all those suffered to loss.