More than $6 million in scholarships for Audenried grads
Universal Audenried Charter School celebrated its graduation on June 13, as 117 students graduated from the Grays Ferry high school.Â
The Class of 2025 garnered more than $6 million in academic scholarships, including basketball sensation and Public League all-time leading scorer Shalya Smith leading the way with a full athletic scholarship to Penn State University.
Among those graduates, 60 seniors earned competent or advance levels on the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute certification, an American certifying body that tests students on their abilities to perform the skills needed in a career.
“I am extremely proud of my senior class of 2025 for the obstacles faced over the last three-four years and achieving beyond measures,” said Audenried principal Joshua Anderson. “More importantly, I would be remised if I did not acknowledge the great work they did academically in recording over $6 million in scholarships. I am doubly honored and appreciative of the many organizations, corporations and nonprofits that have awarded scholarships to my seniors.”
This year marks the 14th graduating class at Universal Audenried, which posted a 95-percent graduation rate. Of those graduates, 80 percent will attend two- or four-year colleges or universities or trade schools.Â
Valedictorian Jared Rodriguez is headed to Community College of Philadelphia and salutatorian Ayanah Warren will attend Howard University on an academic scholarship.
“I am deeply proud of the leaders and compassionate change-makers the Universal Audenried Class of 2025 have become,” said Superintendent/CEO of Universal Charter Schools Dr. Penny Nixon. “They have shown that success is about personal achievement and lifting others as they rise. The Class of 2025 have left a legacy at Universal Audenried, defined by resilience, service and heart. As our seniors move forward, I urge them to let their kindness and sense of purpose continue to guide them. The world needs their light.”