Glenfield Holds Its Annual African-American

Glenfield Holds Its Annual African-American
Posted on 02/27/2018

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The big yellow banner (above) welcomes all participants (below) to the annual African-American Career Day at Glenfield. See more photos below the story.
Posters of famous African Americans look down from the wall at Career Day participants.

As always, Glenfield Middle School had an exceptional turnout for its annual African-American Career Day on Fri., Feb. 23. The 14th annual event, which takes place during Black History Month, brings together members of the community to speak to students about their professions and offer advice.

Principal Joseph Putrino welcomed participants saying he not only loves hearing the advice that participants give the students but hearing the positive reactions from students about the experience.

African American Career Day is coordinated by Social Studies teacher Syreeta Carrington and Guidance Counselor Whitney Gibbs, PTA parents Sidney Simon and Dana Hawkins-Simons; and Glenfield staff volunteers Isabel Aguero, Sandy Hunter, Cathy Kondreck, Emmett Murphy, Harriett Parker, Rosalind Thompson and Margaret Whitsett with support from Dr. Putrino and Assistant Principal Erika Pierce.

Principal Putrino and participants.

Above left: Principal Joe Putrino welcomes everyone.
Above right: Roosevelt Weaver (l), former Olympic trainer, said he returns year after to year to “inspire and encourage young people to strive and understand the importance of education.” David Wellington said he “was going to focus on my background and hopefully I can enlighten kids on the career of veterinary medicine.” Pictured with Weaver and Wellington is animal nurse Martha Baquero.

More participants.

Above left: Michele Mullings (l), who works in marketing, said she hoped to “open students’ eyes to real possibilities. Librarian/media specialist Denise O’Shea added, “It’s important for children of all backgrounds to see diversity of careers. I learn a lot from them too.”

Above right: Jonathan Simon, JP Morgan Chase HR Leader said, “We have an obligation to uplift our students. Any time we have an opportunity to share our experiences we should. Simon is pictured with Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson.

Montclair's police force.

Members of the Montclair Police Department pose with the Glenfield mascot and a student.

More participants.

Above left: Daniel Purefoy (l), an engineer, said his message to students is to “be your authentic self. You can be whatever you want to be and accomplish whatever you set out to accomplish.” Pediatric dentist Dr. Tyra Manso said, “It’s important that students get to see people who are productive in society.”

Above right: Realtor James Hughes (l), pictured with his son Elijah, said he would tell students, “We all have different paths. It’s not just one way. You are in charge of your own destiny. Kids should be inspired and engaged in learning and discovery and learn from their mistakes.”

Smiling participants.

Above left: Actor Frankie Faison and Montclair Police Department’s Tyrone Williams.

Above right: Kuae Mattox (l) is a producer for CNN and was a Glenfield parent for nine years. “It’s an honor to come back and talk about a career that I love and am passionate about,” she said. Christa Rapoport, Esq., Goldwater Taplin Group (r), added, “It’s meaningful to me when kids them I have inspired them so I’m hoping to do that today.” Pictured center is parent coordinator Sidney Simon.

Even more participants

Above left: RUN-DMC founding member and author/speaker/entertainer Darryl McDaniels said, “It’s important for the older generation to communicate with the younger generation and it’s important for them to listen to their elders. Kids today tend to focus on one thing when it comes to their idea of ‘success’ so today they can listen to a diversity of careers and the vast opportunities available to them.” Pictured with McDaniels is Montclair Police Department’s Anthony Swan.

Above right: Entertainer Ty Stephens (l) said, “I love doing this. It’s invaluable to give kids and idea of the routes that can travel. I’m outside of the box. If you follow your heart, passion you can survive and thrive and build a career out of it.” Chiropractor Tyran Mincey added, “This is an opportunity to give them something I didn’t have as a student.”

More on Glenfield’s and the district’s Black History Month activities.

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