Graduates of PU Preparatory Program Urged to "Aim High, and Be Bold"

Avery Hookey

The graduates of the 2007 class of the Princeton University Preparatory Program know that their recently completed coursework is much more profound than what could be written in a curriculum catalog, as Princeton High School senior Eleanor Van Der Veken, one of 18 graduates in the three-year program, reminded the audience last Wednesday night at the program's commencement. Other speakers included PUPP Director Jason Klugman, Associate Director Torey Wilson, Program Founders Miguel Centeno and John Webb, and Princeton Univesity President Shirley Tilghman, who told the graduates, "Aim high always, as you've done with PUPP, and be bold."

Ms. Van Der Veken, who spent six weeks of summer vacation for the last three years participating in PUPP, went on to remark that "this is the point when I'm supposed to say that, the future is us, the graduates, and we need to spread our wings and fly, because we have the ability to change the world, change the future. But that seems wrong to me: the future belongs to everyone."

Ms. Van Der Veken's departure from a traditional valedictory speech reflected the fact that independent thinking is encouraged in PUPP, with teachers distributing personal evaluations rather than grades. PUPP students meet for additional enrichment at their high schools during the six-week program. A variety of courses and cultural activities are scheduled with the ultimate goal of preparing bright but economically disadvantaged students for college.

Students come to PUPP from Princeton High School, Trenton Central High School, and Ewing High School. Other seniors from PHS include Nicholas Antoine, Kyle Barron, Sheena Pradhan, Tony Tsai, and Weitian "Mike" Xu.

Also speaking at the commencement were students Vance Stephens of Ewing and Jasmine Little of Trenton, who addressed the audience as representatives of their respective schools. Ms. Little acknowledged the PUPP faculty in her speech, and remarked that literature teacher Peter Horn exposed her to books she would not have previously considered reading.

The combination of the optimistic reflections of the administrators and other students are representative of the ethos of PUPP. According to Dr. Webb, PUPP exists "to make young minds soar" and "to open doors," but he also noted that "PUPP is built on a culture of hard work and determination."

Guidance counselor Zelma Holmes was honored at the ceremony, where she announced the end of her tenure with the program. She was one of the first five black women to integrate University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Mr. Wilson spoke of how she influenced him personally, and served as a positive example for the students.

While PUPP's four years in existence have been successful in meeting the goal of moving economically challenged students toward their academic goals, what is most important to the faculty and staff of PUPP, organizers said, is not just that the students look good on paper, but that they develop fully as individuals. This goal is evidenced in part by cultural events and retreats that are integral aspects of the program. The most telling feature, however, is how much of themselves the faculty and students invest in PUPP.

The program was founded on the notion that education precedes equality of opportunity, Dr. Centeno said, adding that this benefits not only the students, or those in charge of the program, but society at large: "You guys signify equality of opportunity in every way."

Return to Previous Story | Return to Top | Go to Next Story