KYW: Camden pep rally celebrates high school seniors’ post-grad plans

By Mike Dougherty, KYW Newsradio
May 6, 2022

CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — High school seniors were the stars of the show in Camden on Friday. The city hosted a pep rally to celebrate the students who have plans after graduation.

The event is modeled after initiatives by former first lady Michelle Obama. Like College Signing Day, it also recognizes students who have chosen different directions in life other than college, like the military or a trade school.

Superintendent Katrina McCombs is proud of the kids who took control of their futures, whatever they may be.

“As long as they have that next step, we want them to know that their city and district is behind them, and we’re pushing them forward and we’re going to be here to support them as much as we can, even after they leave,” she said.

Conrad Montez is joining the Army as an electrician, and he’s proud to serve his country.

“There’s always been a fire burning inside me to learn new things, so I tirelessly work out and keep myself in shape not only mentally but physically,” he said.

Lanasia Melvins is heading to Howard University this fall.

“I picked a HBCU just because I liked the whole dynamic,” she said, “and I feel like being surrounded by my culture will really make a difference.”

She wants to join a sorority too, so she can eventually use that stepping stone to help others.

“I want to give back. Even after I graduate college, I still want to come back to my community and still give back,” she said. “This is where I grew up at, and I feel like a lot of kids need to see that you can make it, you can be successful coming from underserved areas.”