Read Across America 2020

It was a distinct honor to be invited to participate in “Read Across America” at the Sonia Sotomayor School No. 21 in Passaic, NJ. where the head principle is Ms. Tiffany K. Allen (pictured with me above).

Read Across America

Read Across America

Tracy & Passaic Mayor Hector Lora

This new Elementary School is a 105,000 square foot facility designed to educate approximately 750 students in Kindergarten to 5th grade. The school includes 30 general classrooms, five small group instruction classrooms, two science classrooms, instrumental and vocal music rooms, an art room, a multipurpose room with a stage, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and an outstanding media center. The school officially open in September of 2019.

Walking into the school is like a ray of light that leads you into an atmosphere of promise, excitement and enthusiasm. The students, teachers and staff operate with eager enjoyment and happiness, everyone was so friendly and welcoming; right down to the maintenance crew when met in the clean classrooms and hallways. I was completely impressed.

The principle, Ms. Tiffany K. has complete run of this educational institution right down to the core day to day operations of the facility. This young lady is all over the place, which is why it’s necessary for her to have a walkie talkie strapped to her hip. She knows what is happening in her school from front to end. This young principle is completely “hands-on” in every aspect of her role. Her teachers and staff respect her and they are a reflection of what she brings to her role and responsibility.

I’m beyond extremely proud of this young lady and being in her school brought such excitement to my soul, almost to the point of tears. Why? Because I use to babysit Tiffany as a toddler every Saturday. I would take her shopping and spend my Saturdays with her while her parents worked. I knew her when she was still in her mama’s womb. When she was born and came into fruition, her mom asked me to name her. I chose the name Tiffany Kenyatta Allen, not only because I loved the store but the name was also my alias name 🙂 in my club hopping days.

The fruits of our labor has sincerely paid off!  Ms. Allen is not only making history each and everyday but she’s walking into it like a BOSS!