Community Educational Resource Network Announces Graduation of 14 Students

Seniors Earn Home School Diploma After Fleeing Violence and Poor Academic Achievement in Camden Public Schools

NEWARK, NJ (06/14/2007)(readMedia)-- What: A graduation ceremony for 15 students who have earned the Home School Diploma after completing their studies at the Community Educational Resource Network. The Center was opened on December 21, 2006 after 27 families removed their children from several Camden Public Schools for fear of violence and poor academic achievement. These families then formed the Community Educational Resource Network or CERN to exercise their rights under New Jersey state law to create an alternative safe and productive learning environment for their children. The Center now serves 87 students with the help of Project Give Back and Bethel United Methodist and Rosedale Baptist Churches. Mark Merrill, Executive Director of Project Give Back, stated: “If true change is to come to Camden, it has to come through our children.” CERN is located at The Bethel United Methodist and Rosedale Baptist Church in Camden, 3901 Westfield Avenue, Camden, New Jersey.

Date: Friday, June 15, 2007

Time: 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 PM

Where: Camden City Council Chambers, 2nd floor, 520 market street, Camden, NJ 08105

Who:

Flag salute

Salutation by student Sergio Wilches

Master of ceremonies, Pastor Tim Merrill

Encouragement by Council President Angel Fuentes

Speakers, Chief of Police Arturo Venegas

Camden Board of Education Member Luis Lopez

NAACP member Keith Benson

Guest speaker Councilman Frank Moran

Diplomas handed out

Valedictorian by student Gisellda Duarte

Congratulatory remarks, Pastor Carl Stiles & Pastor Mark Merrill

Closing by Pastor Tim Merrill

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