“The undeniable truth is that education is the best form of empowerment.”
You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium at Sisters Academy as Anaika Napoleon (pictured above at the podium) spoke these powerful words during our Class of 2028 Spring Luncheon.
Anaika graduated from our tuition-free middle school in 2015, and just graduated from Monmouth University with a chemistry major and a concentration in biochemistry.
Anaika, now a Mercy Center Board Member, explained how Sisters Academy helped her rise from the challenges of her roots in Asbury Park and prepared her for a career in the medical field.
“I grew up behind the school. Sisters Academy is a school that really focuses on the core values, including integrity, respect, and courage. The education here inspired me to be a better person and want to help out individuals and have respect for myself and do well in school with my academics.”
The several students in attendance looked on in awe, telling us later that Anaika inspires them to work hard.
Dr. Jennifer Edmonds, Dean of the School of Business and Digital Media at Georgian Court University and Mercy Center Board Member, also spoke at the event.
“To be really seen in a classroom changed my experience. My 4th grade teacher showed me my magic. She pushed, she encouraged. She helped me learn that math is my passion, so I would say to you all, find your math, find your magic, find your gift. Be very aware of your gifts, you can have more than one, be thankful for them, and use them.”
To help Mercy Center help young girls find their magic, we ask you to consider giving a gift of any size to help us continue our mission to empower, enrich, and educate.
