Success is measured in many ways.

Sometimes it's found in acceptance letters and scholarship awards. Sometimes it's reflected in the leadership shown inside a classroom, on an athletic field, or while serving the community. And sometimes, it's measured by the doors opened—not only for yourself, but for the generations who will follow.

The Foundation Academies Collegiate Class of 2026 embodies all of these achievements and more.

As these remarkable scholars prepare to begin their next chapters, they leave behind a legacy defined by resilience, leadership, service, and academic excellence. Their accomplishments tell the story of a class that embraced every opportunity, supported one another through challenges, and proved what is possible when determination is matched with opportunity.

Class of 2026 By the Numbers

The accomplishments of the Foundation Academies Collegiate Class of 2026 speak for themselves.

🎓 817 college applications submitted
🏫 172 colleges and universities applied to
✅ 100% college acceptance for every senior pursuing higher education
💰 More than $18 million in scholarship offers, with additional awards still to come through our partners at the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
🌟 More than half of the graduating class are first-generation college-bound scholars, creating new pathways for their families and inspiring future generations.

Behind every one of these numbers are countless hours spent studying, writing college essays, completing scholarship applications, preparing for interviews, and dreaming about what comes next. They also represent educators who believed in every scholar, families who never stopped cheering them on, and a community committed to ensuring every graduate had the opportunity to succeed.

Leaders in Every Sense of the Word

The Class of 2026 leaves behind more than impressive academic credentials.

These scholars served as presidents and officers of the National Honor Society, Black Student Union, M.I.N.D., UNITY/PODER, Travel Club, and other student organizations. They captained athletic teams, led service projects, mentored younger scholars, completed hundreds of hours of community service, participated in internships, explored career pathways, and discovered passions that will continue shaping their futures.

Many balanced rigorous academic schedules while working part-time jobs, supporting family responsibilities, competing in athletics, participating in performing arts, and remaining deeply involved in their school community.

Their success was never defined by one accomplishment—it was built through consistency, perseverance, and a willingness to support one another every step of the way.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

Foundation Academies proudly recognizes the outstanding academic achievements of this year's graduating class.

Congratulations to Valedictorian Catherine Argudo, who will attend Princeton University on a full-ride scholarship to study Chemical and Biological Engineering. During her time at Foundation Academies, Catherine served as President of the National Honor Society, President of M.I.N.D., and President of PODER while completing more than 200 hours of community service. Her leadership, scholarship, and dedication exemplify the very best of the Foundation Academies community.

Congratulations also to Salutatorian A'myah Spears, who will attend Temple University to study Nursing. A'myah served as President of the National Honor Society, captain of the girls varsity soccer and basketball teams, earned Soccer MVP honors, and was an active member of Black Student Union and Yearbook. Her leadership both inside and outside the classroom has inspired scholars throughout Foundation Academies.

Their achievements reflect the excellence demonstrated by the entire Class of 2026.

Recognizing Prestigious Scholarships

Members of the Class of 2026 earned prestigious scholarships and awards recognizing academic excellence, leadership, resilience, service, creativity, and commitment to their communities.

Foundation Academies proudly celebrates the recipients of the:

John D. Spears Knight Scholar Awards -
- Jaoni McKnight
- Angie Portillo
Switlik Award – Bryant Telles Fernandez
Universal Display Corporation Scholarship – Angel Paniagua
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services Awards
McNichol Scholarship for Communication – Noah Merritt
Black Student Union Senior Legacy Scholarship – A'myah Spears
Round Table Scholarships
- A'myah Spears
- Angel Paniagua
- Gianni Nazario
- Heavenly Ingram
- Zy'niyah Thompson
Ronald C. Brady Award – Carlos Rodriguez Morocho
Artisan Award – Andrea Hernandez Ramirez
Graig Weiss Alumni Changemaker Award – Larry Traylor, Foundation Academies alumnus whose commitment to public service continues to create meaningful impact throughout the Trenton community.

Building Bright Futures

The Foundation Academies Class of 2026 is pursuing an extraordinary range of futures.

Graduates will attend highly respected colleges and universities including Princeton University, the University of Rochester, Temple University, The College of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Rowan University, Hampton University, Connecticut College, Rider University, William Paterson University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Monmouth University, and many more. Others will begin careers through skilled trades, technical education, apprenticeships, military service, and workforce pathways that reflect the diverse talents and aspirations of this graduating class.

Whether studying engineering, nursing, education, communications, neuroscience, aviation, psychology, business, construction management, skilled trades, public service, or healthcare, every graduate carries forward the knowledge, confidence, and determination developed during their time at Foundation Academies.

A Village Behind Every Graduate

No scholar reaches graduation alone.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible College and Career Department, whose advisors have walked alongside every senior throughout the college and career planning process. From researching colleges and completing applications to financial aid, scholarship opportunities, career exploration, and post-secondary planning, they have been trusted mentors every step of the way—and they will continue supporting our graduates as they transition into college, careers, military service, and beyond.

We also extend our deepest gratitude to every teacher, advisor, counselor, coach, staff member, family member, volunteer, donor, and community partner whose encouragement, guidance, and belief helped make these accomplishments possible.

Together, you have shown our scholars what is possible when a community invests wholeheartedly in their success.

A Legacy That Will Endure

The accomplishments of the Foundation Academies Collegiate Class of 2026 extend far beyond graduation day.

Their legacy will not simply be remembered by the awards they received or the colleges they will attend.

It will be remembered by the lives they changed, the barriers they broke, and the example they have set for every young Knight who dreams of what is possible.

Congratulations, Foundation Academies Collegiate Class of 2026.

Your story is only just beginning, and we cannot wait to see the impact you will make on your communities, your professions, and the world.

Once a Knight, always a Knight.

Foundation Academies Collegiate Class of 2026 Leaves a Legacy of Achievement, Celebrates Bright Futures