Barack Obama Green Charter Honors Class of 2026 at Graduation Ceremony - TAPinto
Patricia Chen · Union County Life
The Moment
Shelby Holmes stood at the podium at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway and told her classmates to remember the firsts.
"Today is another first," the class valedictorian said. "The first day of the rest of our lives."
On June 18, the Barack Obama Green Charter School celebrated the graduation of its high school Class of 2026—58 students who, according to Superintendent and High School Principal Erin Murphy-Richardson, collectively earned more than $6.2 million in scholarships while breaking every major academic record in the school's history.
The numbers tell part of the story. The rest comes from the people.
What They Carried
Holmes spoke about resilience—the moments of feeling overwhelmed, of things not going to plan, of struggling. "Growth rarely happens when life is comfortable," she said. "The strongest people aren't the ones who just never struggled. They're the ones who continue moving forward despite their struggles."
Co-valedictorian Manuel Veras reminded classmates that while paths would differ after graduation, the milestone belonged to everyone. "Today marks the beginning of a new chapter of our lives."
Senior Class President Amani Armour thanked teachers, staff, and families and encouraged her classmates to approach the future with confidence.
Dr. Yasmin Griffin, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, urged graduates to reach beyond personal achievement. "Whenever you can, reach back and help someone else move forward. Your future is full of possibilities, and each of you has something unique to contribute to the world."
What They Built
Class advisor Deandre Hollingsworth recognized the class for more than scholarships. They reestablished the student council. They raised more than $20,000 for senior activities. They earned hundreds of college acceptances. They're heading into the military and workforce ready to work.
These aren't just numbers on a diploma. They're evidence of a class that showed up, did the work, and helped each other do it.
What Matters Most
Superintendent Murphy-Richardson saved her highest praise not for the records.
"While your character is extremely impressive, your accomplishments are nothing short of extraordinary," she said. "This class has broken every major academic record in the history of the Barack Obama Green Charter School. You guys set a new standard of excellence, and redefined what is possible."
Then she paused.
"Yet, what makes me most proud is not scholarships, awards, or records. It's the people you've become."
That's the moment that matters. The moment when $6.2 million and every broken record becomes context for something deeper—who these 58 young people are and who they'll become.
FAQ
Q: When and where did Barack Obama Green Charter School hold its 2026 graduation?
The ceremony took place June 18, 2026, at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.
Q: How much did the Class of 2026 earn in scholarships?
The 58 graduates collectively earned more than $6.2 million in scholarships.
Q: Who were the class leaders?
Shelby Holmes served as valedictorian, Manuel Veras as co-valedictorian, and Amani Armour as Senior Class President.
Q: What records did the class break?
According to Superintendent Murphy-Richardson, the class broke every major academic record in the school's history. Specific records were not detailed at the ceremony.
Q: What else was notable about this class?
The class reestablished the student council, raised more than $20,000 for senior activities, earned hundreds of college acceptances, and sent graduates into the military and workforce.
