Newark Students Put On Theatrical Show For Seniors, Award Honors Local ‘Trailblazer’

NEWARK, NJ — Sometimes a little bit of drama is a good thing.

The Partnership for West Side High School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting educational equity in Newark, and the Newark Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services of Senior Services, recently welcomed more than 170 West Ward seniors to West Side High School for a theater performance by the student drama club.

The Division of Senior Services provided transportation, picking up seniors from around the ward. Attendees then enjoyed a night of culture and connection before celebrating the inaugural recipient of the group’s “Mae Smith Civic Award” – which was presented to Newark resident and trailblazer Mae Smith.

The award recognizes a notable Newark resident whose civic service brought about positive change for the community – something that Smith exemplifies, organizers said:

“Mae Smith graduated from West Side High School in 1968. She went on to work at Rahway State Prison, formerly East Jersey State Prison, from 1976 until 1981, when she joined the inaugural class of nine female officers at the Newark Police Department. Smith was one of the first Black women to serve as a police officer for the City of Newark. She retired in 2007.”

“This collaboration with the Newark Division of Senior Services highlights for our students the importance of service as the foundation for a lasting legacy of excellence as they look toward meaningful ways to invest in their community,” Partnership for West Side High School founder and CEO Rasheen Peppers said.

“Creating opportunities for Newark’s oldest and youngest residents to connect is important for the social health of our community,” agreed Donnell Redding, director of the Newark Department of Recreation, Cultural Affairs and Senior Services.

“I look forward to continued collaboration with the Partnership for West Side High School to make more meaningful experiences possible to deepen social connection in Newark,” Redding added.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.