Seniors celebrated their commencement at the historic Robert Treat Hotel in Newark.
NEWARK -- Barringer Academy of STEAM seniors heard from one of their own at their commencement Tuesday: a Rutgers University-Newark professor who grew up in the city and graduated from its public school system.
Michael Dillard told students gathered at the Robert Treat Hotel that he knows what it takes to surmount significant obstacles and succeed academically in the inner city.
"Class of 2016, you defied the odds," he said. "You showed the statistic [of low graduation rates] that you are not that."
The journey, however, is far from over, Dillard said. He told the seniors to fight for their futures and never to allow circumstances to hold them back.
"What are you willing to give up to get to where you're supposed to be?" he challenged them.
Barringer Academy of STEAM is one of two academies that comprise Barringer High School, which is part of Newark Public Schools.
Flip through our photos of Tuesday's commencement ceremony above, and be sure to check out our complete graduation coverage at nj.com/graduation.
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