2 Hardworking West Orange Students Applauded By County Commissioners

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Two hardworking students from West Orange recently earned a round of applause at an annual “Essex County Celebrates Youth” event.

The Essex County Board of Commissioners held its 21st annual celebration on April 23, awarding certificates of accomplishment to several high-achieving teens. It is held each year to acknowledge outstanding young people throughout the county for their accomplishments and hard work in academics, athleticism and community service.

This year’s awardees included Sahli Negassi and Kyley Gary-Grayson of West Orange.

According to the commissioner board, here's why each student earned recognition this year:

SAHLI NEGASSI - Sahli Negassi, presented by Commissioner Patricia Sebold, is a 17-year-old student at West Orange High School (WOHS). He was born to an Eritrean family in Manhattan, who moved to West Orange when he was one year old. Sahli is the youngest of four siblings. Before entering kindergarten, his father taught him to read and write. Similarly, he thanks his siblings for pushing him and each other throughout school. His proudest memory is spelling ‘Connecticut’ for his mother. Sahli is a long-time runner, having completed 14 seasons of cross-country and track & field. In his senior year of high school, he served as cross-country captain. In addition to running, he served two seasons with the WOHS color guard and state champion marching band. Sahli was named president of the WOHS math team and chapter president of the National Honor Society. He is also a member of the Royal Strings ensemble, having played for 8 years and taught cello for 2 years at a private music studio. He is a varsity chess player and a member of 6 honor societies. Throughout high school he has taken 9 AP courses. In June 2024, Sahli scored a full 1600 on the SAT. He credits the internet for allowing him to study frequently and for free. Since then, he has helped tutor students for the SAT under non-profit and school-centered organizations. In his spare time, Sahli tries to read, write poetry, and play piano. His favorite book is Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, his favorite poem is “Obligations 2” by Layli Long Soldier, and his favorite song is “TODAY” by Q. Crediting his music theory classes, he spends much of his free time sketching songs for an eventual original album. Sahli enjoys going for long runs or hikes with friends. Given a choice of superpower, Sahli would choose super-regeneration to allow him to sweat less and run for longer. He says he writes one haiku every day in his journal to process his thoughts and stay alert."

KYLEY GARY-GRAYSON - Kyley Gary-Grayson, presented by Commissioner Romaine Sermons, a senior at West Orange High School, has made an indelible mark on the basketball court and in her community. Her relentless dedication, leadership, and passion for the game have defined her high school experience, culminating in a well-earned full athletic scholarship to Coppin State University, a distinguished HBCU in Maryland. As she prepares for this next chapter, she reflects on a journey filled with hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the sport. A standout athlete, Kyley has consistently demonstrated excellence in basketball. She has earned numerous accolades, including being named a First Team All-Conference player for two consecutive years and receiving multiple tournament MVP awards, such as the Hurban Legends Tournament and She Hoops Too Tournament. Her talent has even been recognized on an international stage—she was named Tournament MVP for the Americas Team in Spain, a testament to her ability to shine among top-tier competitors. Additionally, she was selected to compete in prestigious all-star events like the NJBCA North/South Senior All-Star Classic and the Twenty Rising Stars Classic, further solidifying her status as one of the best in her class. Kyley’s on-court success is backed by impressive career stats: 1,359 points, 454 rebounds, 261 assists, 18 blocks, and 278 steals. As the captain of her varsity team, she has not only led through her performance but has also fostered a culture of unity, resilience, and accountability among her teammates. She believes true success is built on collaboration, trust, and mutual respect—principles she upholds in every aspect of her game. Beyond playing, Kyley has developed a deep understanding of basketball from multiple perspectives. Her experience as a scorekeeper and statistician has enhanced her ability to analyze performances, strategize effectively, and contribute to her team’s overall success. These skills will undoubtedly benefit her as she transitions to collegiate-level competition. Off the court, Kyley is equally passionate about giving back. She has dedicated countless hours to mentoring young athletes, designing personalized training sessions to help them develop their skills and confidence. This commitment to youth development speaks to her character—one defined by leadership, generosity, and a desire to uplift others. As she embarks on her journey at Coppin State, Kyley is eager to embrace new challenges, refine her game, and make a lasting impact both in athletics and in her community. With her strong work ethic, leadership abilities, and unwavering determination, there is no doubt that she will continue to excel at the next level—both as an athlete and as a role model."

Other awardees included Reynamia Soto of Newark, and the Irvington High School freshman boys basketball team.

“Tonight, we stand in proud support of our honorees who have done so much already at such a young age,” Commissioner President Carlos Pomares said.

“Their hard work and dedication to lifting up those around them give all of us hope for the future,” Pomares continued. “When we recognize our young people, they know they have achieved something real, and that we believe in and are invested in them. Congratulations to all our honorees!”

U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver (NJ-10) provided certificates of accomplishment for the honorees. The event was held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Building in Newark.

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