TV host and producer Oprah Winfrey recently visited West Side High School in Newark after she heard about its principal’s outreach program for students.
Principal Akbar Cook started the “Lights On” program at the high school to provide a place for students to spend time on Friday nights. Beginning at 6:00 pm and running until 11:00 pm every Friday night during the school year, students can remain at the school to eat, use the gym, and play games. During the summer months, the school is open three nights a week.
As part of her visit, Winfrey also donated $500,000 to the school and to the other community outreach programs of the principal. Cook recently installed commercial-grade washers and dryers so that students who are unable to wash their clothes at home can do so at the high school and avoid being bullied at school about wearing unwashed clothes.
Poster printing can be used to inform the community of such programs and how such donations will help to keep them running.
Cook said the ‘Lights On’ program has been running for four years and it has positively affected the students. They now have a sense of pride and want to become successful citizens and high-achieving students. He adds that they often do not have the support they need and this program provides it.
Location
20 Clinton St
Newark, NJ 07102
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Hours
Mon: 8:30 - 5:00
Tue: 8:30 - 5:00
Wed: 8:30 - 5:00
Thu: 8:30 - 5:00
Fri: 8:30 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed