Charina Kimes, pictured receiving her diploma from CEO Rebecca Manning, received a full tuition Berklee College of Music scholarship, She is one of a number of Lincoln Park graduating seniors headed for college this year on scholarships.
Members of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School Class of 2012 were awarded $1.9 million in college scholarships, according to CEO Rebecca Manning.
“That represents a return of three dollars for every dollar invested by taxpayers in their education. Three for one is an excellent return on investment,” said Manning.
Those scholarships included three full tuition music scholarships to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, a result of the active partnership developed in the past three years between Lincoln Park and the Berklee City Music Network.
At the June 9 commencement – the school’s sixth since its founding in 2006 – Manning congratulated graduates on their accomplishments and thanked them for enriching the school with their talents and personalities. She hugged each graduate as she handed them their diplomas.
The class of 123 graduates was Lincoln Park’s largest graduating class and largest scholarship total, said Manning.
School founder Dr. Nick Trombetta told graduates – as he tells every class – that “we built this school for you.”
He said that includes Alumni Hall, the dining hall and music education facility currently under construction, which he had hoped would be ready for use at graduation. He reminded graduates that they are now alumni and that Lincoln Park will always be their school. He urged them to return whenever they have the chance.
Dr. Trombetta offered four wishes for graduates: that they find someone to love and are loved, that they always have something to hope for, that they find meaningful work, and that they pursue their lives boldly. He urged them to be ambassadors for Lincoln Park, sending students to this school who have a passion for the arts.
Drew Kramer of Burgettstown was chosen by his fellow graduates as commencement speaker. Charina Kimes sang the National Anthem.
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School opened its doors in 2006. There were 49 members in its first graduating class.
Lincoln Park press release, July 20, 2012. Contact Fred Miller, 724.777.5918
