|
Marquisa Blackstone
Things sure are looking up for Marquisa Blackstone, a rising sophomore at Trenton High School and a Teen Member of the Boys & Girls Club of Trenton & Mercer County
Marquisa was just selected to be in a college-prep program at Princeton University and she was among the first graduates of the Boys & Girls Club’s Career Launch Job Ready! program.
An honor roll student, Marquisa is among a group of 25 Mercer County youths accepted into the three-year academic and cultural enrichment program.
“I’m so proud of her,” says mom, Tonya Blackstone. Marquisa is the oldest of six brothers and sisters and is “a great role model” her mother adds.
Although she may appear at first to be shy and unassuming, Marquisa can be both playful and responsible. She enjoyed modeling in the spring fashion show, and she volunteers in the after-school program at the Dunn Middle School where several of her siblings attend – just to keep an eye on them.
Marquisa gained admission into the Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) after a rigorous selection process based on grades, test scores, personal essays, and interviews. And, even though math and computer science are her best subjects, she loves to write creatively.
Marquisa will undertake five weeks of academic training this summer on Princeton University campus. During the school year, PUPP conducts weekly enrichment sessions that focus on developing critical reading and writing skills. Participants also attend cultural events in Princeton, Philadelphia, and New York City.
As a new graduate of the Job Ready! program, Marquisa will start an internship at the Club this fall. She’s also looking forward to assuming a leadership position in the Keystone Club, a signature Boys & Girls Club program that encourages teens to undertake community service projects.
“The Club offers a lot more things to do than just being in the street,” Marquisa notes. “I’m meeting new friends and want to try out a lot of the Boys & Girls Club programs,” she adds.
|
|
|