The Champions' Chronicle
A Look into Lodi Public Schools
Sherwyn Cromarty
Sherwyn was selected by Supervisor of Special Education James Lewis, who recognized his growth and contributions over nearly four years at Lodi High School.
“As an active member of the Gaming Club, he has helped foster a sense of community and collaboration among his peers,” Lewis said of Sherwyn. “Beyond his involvement in extracurricular activities, Sherwyn played a pivotal role in running the school's local coffee shop, where he not only practiced his culinary skills but also gained valuable financial literacy knowledge, all while contributing to the smooth operation of a beloved student-run initiative.”
Jonathan Zas, who teaches Sherwyn in the school’s MD Program, remarked at the maturity and confidence Sherwyn has demonstrated this year, boosted by his successful completion of behind the wheel driving hours and the driver’s license exams.
“With that also came the responsibility of operating a vehicle, which I felt helped him mature and take the task seriously,” said Zas. “It also gave Sherwyn a sense of independence, which I feel also added to that newfound confidence. Sherwyn is the first student in my class to successfully pass the written test and road test. He is the first student in my class to get their license. Due to this accomplishment, many of the students look up to Sherwyn and ask him for advice.”
Lewis added that having a driver’s license will aid Sherwyn in his transition to adulthood. Both Lewis and Zas see Sherwyn as a student who commits to a task, and Zas noted how Sherwyn takes his work as seriously as his friendships.
Jerel Johnson
Jerel is described as “simply the best” by his case manager at Springboard, JeanMarie Devoe.
“He is encouraging, kind, helpful, intelligent, and insightful. He wants to make change in the world and shows that it is his purpose and destiny,” Devoe added.
Enrolled in the Springboard program, which supports students ages 18-21 who are transitioning from high school to the workforce or higher education, Jerel is focused on setting and achieving future goals.
“He…is very open about what he wants, what some bumps in the road might look like, and how he maneuvers around those difficulties,” explained Devoe. “Jerel speaking openly about struggles and solutions is one of the most beneficial things for others to hear. It encourages them to stay on their own path and understand that there are ways around the trouble spots.”
Jerel’s advice for others who may face obstacles on the path toward achieving their goals: “Be you and remember that acceptance is importance. By this, I mean you must accept yourself, your disability, any struggles you may have because this allows you to move forward letting your strengths lead the way and that there are supports that can help some of the limitations you may be experiencing.”
While participating in Springboard, Jerel has become a part-time student at Bergen Community College. He will have earned 25 credits by the end of the current semester and be on his way to obtaining an associate degree in social sciences. Then, he plans to work toward a bachelor’s in social work or psychology and, eventually, a Master of Social Work.
“It has been challenging but in the best way and has really changed my perspective on independence as I have worked very hard to manage my courses, form relationships with my professors and classmates, and maneuver around the campus independently,” said Jerel of his collegiate experience so far.
Dalal is a 2017 graduate of Lodi High School.
What is your favorite memory from school?
During my senior year of high school, I spent the whole school year focused on creating what we called “The Senior Video.” In this year in review video, we were motivated to capture all the best moments from the different activities and events held throughout the year. I’m so proud of the video but what is most memorable to me is the time I spent with all of my friends and classmates running around the whole school with a camera and script in hand, all year long.
What was your favorite class and why?
The Lodi Rampage (Digital Journalism) was my favorite class. This class never really felt like a class. It was the best opportunity to openly collaborate with the entire school across different sports and clubs, different classes and subjects. The Lodi Rampage gave me the ability to connect with a variety of different students in our attempt to shine a light on their interests and contributions to the school.
Who was your favorite teacher/staff member and why?
Ms. Sciarra has had a significant influence on my life during and even after high school. She provided a level of support and guidance that I myself and most other students had not experienced before. The most respectable part is that Ms. Sciarra’s guidance was not limited to a few students but to anyone who walked through her door. And after seeing Ms. Sciarra teaching further generations, I’m able to reflect and realize the true impact and confidence she helps build during a time when a student’s future path may seem unclear.
What advice would you give current students to get the most out of their educational experience in the Lodi School District?
I encourage students to take advantage of all the new and available resources that Lodi schools have to offer, especially Lodi High School. Take the time and seek out conversations with teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators. You may find answers or guidance within these simple conversations that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
The week of March 3 at Wilson School was Say Something Week, which is a key initiative of the Sandy Hook Promise program. This program focuses on preventing school violence by encouraging students to be proactive in keeping our school community safe. The core message of Say Something is simple yet powerful: if students see something that doesn’t feel right, they are encouraged to speak up and say something – whether it’s about bullying, concerning behavior, or potential threats.
In addition to promoting safety, Say Something Week emphasizes creating a positive, inclusive school environment where every student feels valued and supported. By fostering an atmosphere of kindness, respect, and inclusion, we aim to ensure every student feels safe and heard.
In September, Wilson School also celebrated Start with Hello Week, another part of the Sandy Hook Promise program. During that week, the school community focused on making connections and ensuring nobody feels isolated. It was a time for the students and staff to come together and show that a simple “hello” can make a big difference in someone’s day.
