A digital publication of Mindful Awareness Academy for Children
Two MAAC Scholar Alumni Hit the Campaign Trail
As America and the world closely follow the campaign trail for the US presidential election, MAAC scholar alumnus Logan Richberg is helping deliver the news, less than two miles from the White House. Richberg is covering national events for the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper, The Hilltop, run by Howard University. Her article reporting on September’s presidential debate spotlighted the topics of debate, the candidates’ responses, and perhaps most importantly, feedback from Richberg’s peers at the event.
Richberg has written several articles covering the election, as well as features on policy agendas that will empower young Black Americans, concerns regarding Project 2025, and issues surrounding governmental influence and social media.
A resident of Montclair, Richberg is an honors student at Howard studying sociology and political science. She's a member of her university’s mock trial team and competed for the first time at this season’s regional competition. She plans to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney.
MAAC scholar alumni and Temple University sophomore Sydney Humas had the rare opportunity to share space with—and hear from—US presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris. The event was held at Temple in partnership with the National Association of Black Journalists.
“My professor, Denise James, was the announcer for Kamala Harris’ NABJ-moderated conversation and she selected some Temple students to attend. We were able to be in the WHYY newsroom while the conversation took place,” said Humas, who is a journalism major.
"It was a great experience being in her presence and watching her speak," she added. "I feel very lucky to have been able to witness such a significant event in this historical election."
Editor's note: Both of these MAAC scholar alumni attended MAAC's Summer Boot Camp, and Logan has served as a MAAC tutor. This is why we are here—to provide holistic college readiness support to the next generation of leaders!
Back to School for Andrea Smith-Morgan!
After a 30-year teaching career in the Montclair Public Schools, MAAC executive director Andrea Smith-Morgan now commits much of her time to overseeing and growing her nonprofit organization and mentoring and supporting her MAAC scholars. But did you know she is a scholar herself, working toward her doctorate in teacher education and teacher development at Montclair State University
To boot, she recently learned she was selected for an assistantship at MSU.
The Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy, a partnership between MSU, Newark Board of Education, and the American Federation of Teachers, is designed to support students who are working toward careers in teaching. The program begins in high school, where students can earn stipends and college credits toward their teaching degree at MSU. Students who earn their teaching degree are guaranteed preliminary teaching positions in the Newark Public Schools.
“RHR Teacher Academy is a wonderful program. The problem is this: There is very little support at the college level for these students. They got the support in high school. They have the job offer waiting. But first they have to get through college—and they face many obstacles. Financial, emotional, logistical. This assistantship is to create the model for a RHR Teacher Pathway, which will bridge the gap in support for these students,” said Smith-
Morgan.
Support at the college level will include career mentoring by MSU graduates teaching in Newark, test preparation, stipends, and support to apply to teacher education.
Let's wish our MAAC leader a rewarding experience and successful assistantship!
MAAC wishes to acknowledge Dr. La’Tesha Sampson, who generously donated to MAAC’s 2024 Summer Boot Camp. Her name was not listed on the original list of donors.
“Dr. Sampson is a key supporter of the MAAC mission," said Smith- Morgan. "In addition to her financial support, she is a diversely successful businesswoman who has served as an inspirational guest speaker to our scholars, and provides insight and kinship as one of my MAAC Villagers—my inner circle of wise advisors.” Thank you to Dr. Sampson and all of our donors who make it possible to help our youth achieve great things!
MAAC Board Members
Yanira Amadeo LeShae Daniel Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara * Tanya Isler-Horne
Ramel Meekins Julian Pinnix-Odrick Nadine Verna * Tamara Williams
Sent to: patty@themaac.org
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Mindful Awareness Academy for Children (MAAC), PO BOX 338, Montclair, NJ 07042, United States
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