WEST ORANGE, NJ - The annual West Orange High School Black History Month Scholarship Dinner, held Feb. 13, highlighted the talents of students while celebrating the diversity and culture that is such an important part of the West Orange community.
The event was organized by members of the WOHS student council, the Black student union, and Jubilee leadership. Principal Oscar Guerrero welcomed parents, faculty, and community members, many of whom came dressed in sorority and fraternity wear. The sororities and fraternities were organized and incorporated at HBCUs and PWIs.
"I want to thank our students and our staff for continuing this kind of tradition, because it's important," began Guerrero.
"As a community, our strength is in our diversity, and in times like these it's important to celebrate that, and most importantly, protect it."
LMani S. Viney, who was recently hired as a dean at WOHS, served as the keynote speaker. Viney taught history for many years, and offered powerful advice to students.
"History is about impact," he said.
"What is the history you want to make? We talk about success. True success is about the impact you have made on the lives of others."
He outlined five principles to inspire others:
- Have the courage to do and say the unpopular thing
- Stand for something
- Do not waiver in your principles
- Be willing to sacrifice for what you believe in
- Know your history
"I lost three family members in the Tulsa massacre," noted Viney.
"True history isn't in a book. It's happening around us. It's passed down by family stories, by songs and poems. Go out and make history. Be history," he encouraged.
Following dinner, which was donated by Maschio's, Fortissimo, 460 Bistro, and Bagels by Jarrett, the entertainment portion included:
- Poetry reading by Priscilla Lilliah, WOHS Poetry Out Loud winner
- WOHS Dance Honor Society
- Jubilee Choir
- Original poetry reading and performance of "Rise Up" by Saniyah Williams
- Ab-Salute Boys Step Team
- Optimal Precision Girls Step Team
- Jubilee Band
The Ab-Salute Step team entertained the audience not only with dance, but offered a history of step at HBCUs and non-HBCUs, Optimal Precision offered a strong routine, demonstrating their winning ways. On Feb. 15, Optimal Precision took first place and Ab-Salute took second place at the annual New Jersey Stepping Regionals, sponsored by Youth Step USA. Both teams will head to the National High School Stepping Championship in May.
The Jubilee Band closed the evening with an original arrangement. All monies raised will be given to graduating seniors.
Krista Romanyshyn, Asst. Principal Lou Della Pia, and Principal Oscar Guerrero
(L-R) Dean LMani S. Viney, LMS Principal Xavier Fitzgerald, Exec. Asst. Joanne Duncan, Sandy White, Kanene Morah and son, EMS Asst. Principal Dr. Keri Orange-Jones, Superintendent Hayden Moore, Catherine Connors, April Morgan, AA Jean Medley, Redwood Principal Kimya Jackson
