Essex County Commissioners Special Presentation July 15, 2026

The Essex County Commissioners held a special presentation on July 15, 2026, celebrating the achievements of adult learners who recently graduated from the Newark Evening High School. The event honored three women—Katasha May, Kim Parker, and Mon'nique Wright—who overcame significant personal challenges to earn their diplomas, with two serving as valedictorian and salutatorian of their class. The ceremony included speeches emphasizing perseverance, community support, and lifelong learning, with recognition from multiple levels of government including the Essex County Board of Commissioners, the Newark Mayor's office, and the Newark City Council. While the meeting focused on celebrating educational accomplishments and community empowerment, there were no discussions or decisions related to procurement, contracts, or budget allocations.