LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Students in Linden High School’s I Am Beautiful program recently took a trip to New York City to attend the Tony Award-winning MJ: The Musical, an experience organizers said was designed to connect the arts with personal growth.

Before departing, the group gathered for breakfast at Kitchen 27, an early moment of connection that helped set the tone for the day. They were then greeted outside the school by Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y Perkins, Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas and Principal Charles Koonce before boarding a coach bus for New York City.

At the Neil Simon Theatre, 22 students watched a production centered on Michael Jackson’s creative process and career, gaining a firsthand look at professional performance and storytelling.

“The purpose of this trip was to provide our girls with meaningful exposure to the performing arts while reinforcing the core values of the I Am Beautiful program—self-confidence, self-expression, resilience, and empowerment,” said Shamona Patterson, a school social worker and one of the program’s lead advisors.

Patterson said the performance “served as a powerful platform for the girls to witness excellence, discipline, and artistic storytelling at the highest level.”

The trip also encouraged reflection beyond the stage. “Through this experience, the girls were encouraged to reflect on perseverance, identity, and the importance of believing in one’s abilities,” Patterson said. “The trip was designed not only for entertainment, but as an opportunity to inspire our students to dream bigger and connect what they see on stage to their own personal growth and aspirations.”

Students were accompanied by a group of advisors and district staff, including Patterson, Ms. Davis, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Carter-Blocker, Mrs. Anderson, Ms. Campo, Mrs. Moreira, Mrs. Mannuzza, Dr. Tripp, Ms. Rodriguez, Ms. Armstead, Ms. Danzy, Dr. Mitchem, Dr. Kayla Lott, Ms. Thomas and Ms. Dixon, along with Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas.

The trip took place April 15 and included 22 student participants.

“Overall, the experience was impactful and memorable for all who attended,” Patterson said, “and it aligned strongly with our mission to uplift and empower young women through meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.”

The program’s affirmation this year is: I Am Enough. I Am Powerful. I Am Beautiful.