Christian Nunez and Ricky Bawa both graduated the Robert Fulton middle school in North Bergen last month and automatically just thought they would move on to High Tech High School together as well. They’ve been close friends since fourth grade, so it would only be natural if they matriculated there together. But during the school year, one of their teachers, Doris Mulvihill, who teaches English, brought in an application for the New Jersey SEEDS program, which stands for Scholars-Educators-Excellence-Dedication-Success. New Jersey SEEDS is a statewide privately funded, non-profit organization committed to developing future leaders through education. The program identifies and recruits highly motivated and academically qualified students from low-income families and gives them the opportunity to receive full scholarships at some of the best secondary schools in the East. The SEEDS program started in 1991. At that time, John Hanly, the headmaster at the Peddie School in Hightstown, realized that economically disadvantaged youngsters would not only need the financial assistance necessary to attend private schools, but would also need preparatory classes, if these students were expected to compete with students who attended private schools all their lives. Since that time, 337 students have successfully completed the SEEDS program and 99 percent of those students have gone on to college. Neither Bawa nor Nunez had any idea what the SEEDS program was before their teacher brought in the application. “At first, I thought it meant extra homework,” Nunez said. “I didn’t know what it was all about. But then, when it was explained to me, and what I could receive, I was honored just to be considered.” “At first, I wondered, ‘What is this?’ ” Bawa said. “But I found out that it was a great thing and I was very proud. At first, I thought it was strictly academics, but I found out it could be fun as well.” Both students were among those narrowed down from a field of 500 initial applicants to a final group of 80 students from all over New Jersey. And they both received word that they will attend private schools on full tuition scholarships in the fall. Nunez will attend the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy in N.H., while Bawa will attend Dwight Englewood School in Englewood, N.J. Both students have been participating in a three-week preparation program being held at the Peddie School to get ready for their new secondary school surroundings, so that they can understand what it is like to live in a dormitory setting. “I had no idea what this was going to be like,” said Nunez, whose father went to a boarding school. “This is really private, the elite. Not every kid gets a chance like this. I love my family very much and I’m going to miss them when I leave. I’m very nervous, but I’m very anxious as well. There are no words to describe the emotions. It’s been great.” “Anyone I know would love to take my spot,” Bawa said. “It’s pretty amazing that it’s happening to us. It’s really a 360-degree turn in a kid’s life, a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I would never have been able to go to a private high school.” Nunez was asked what he might be doing if he remained in North Bergen for the summer. “I’d probably still be sleeping,” Nunez said. “Maybe I’d then go to a friend’s house and play basketball.” “I’d probably be playing tennis all the time,” Bawa said. Both students have been able to return home for weekends, while participating in the preparatory program. When school begins, Bawa will commute daily, but Nunez won’t be as fortunate. “I heard it gets pretty cold in New Hampshire,” Nunez said. “As long as I don’t have to shovel the snow like I do at home, I should be all right. But I’m so grateful to be a part of SEEDS. I know I’m going to be introduced to so many new things and people. It’s really exciting.” “I had friends who applied and didn’t make it,” Bawa said. “So I’m very fortunate. I didn’t think I was going to get accepted. Once I did, I was very excited, because I knew this was a great opportunity for me.” Bawa added, “I can go anywhere now, from becoming a lawyer to a pro athlete. The sky’s the limit.”
Northeast prep school awaits; Two local teens receive grants for elite institutions
