LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL

For the Class of 2025, May 1 marked more than just a date on the calendar — it was National College Decision Day, the official deadline for high school seniors across the country to accept their college admission offers.

𝐀𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

𝐀 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞

National College Decision Day, observed annually on May 1, is when most colleges and universities require admitted students to make their final decision and submit enrollment deposits. But at Linden, it’s about more than just deadlines — it’s about declaring your dreams out loud and being cheered on by the entire school community.

The gymnasium was alive with excitement as many of the school’s 455 graduating seniors packed the bleachers and floor, proudly wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the names of colleges, universities, trade schools, and branches of the military. From Rutgers to Rowan, from Seton Hall to the U.S. Navy, the sea of logos reflected a diverse range of pathways — all pointing toward one shared goal: the pursuit of purpose.

𝐓-𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

“This is a very proud day for all of us,” said P𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐊𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞. “Our seniors stood tall today and publicly declared where they’ll continue their journey—whether it’s college, trade school, or the military. It’s a moment of reflection, celebration, and most importantly, purpose.”

The ceremony was a full-circle moment for many students. Adding to the joy, Linden alumni currently succeeding in college returned to speak with the seniors — sharing real-life insights, personal struggles, and the victories they’ve earned since graduating.

“These alumni came back to show our current students what’s possible,” Koonce added. “That kind of connection is priceless.”

𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗽: 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀

As the event unfolded, Principal Koonce reflected on the meaning of the day and the greater role education plays in shaping futures. Known for his approachable leadership and strong ties to the Linden community, Koonce emphasized the importance of preparation, purpose, and pride.

Now in his third year as principal, he also took a moment to reflect on his own educational journey—from the College of New Rochelle to Long Island University and Adelphi University, as well as what he affectionately refers to as the “school of hard knocks” in Brooklyn.

“I love this school. I love this city. And I’m blessed to work with such incredible staff, teachers, and students,” Koonce said. “This is home.”

𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗶 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻, 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝗹𝗲

One of the most powerful moments of the day came as former Linden students returned to the gymnasium to pay it forward. These alumni, now thriving in colleges and universities across the country, took the mic to share what they’ve learned and encourage the Class of 2025 to stay focused, work hard, and be confident in their next steps.

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀: 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗚 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻

Credit for the event’s success goes to Laura Golebiewski, college and career counselor, who led the event’s planning in collaboration with the Student Council. The celebration included university representatives, members of the armed forces, a photo booth, music, and snacks — all aimed at creating a festive, welcoming atmosphere for one of the most important days of a student’s high school experience.

“Miss Laura G poured her heart into this,” said Koonce. “It showed in every detail.”

𝗔 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝗢𝗳𝗳

Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins delivered a message that resonated deeply with both students and families, reminding them that the journey ahead is about more than a school name or a destination — it’s about purpose, integrity, and growth.

“Today marks not just the end of high school, but the beginning of countless possibilities,” Dr. Perkins said. “Whether you choose college, the military, a trade, or the workforce—your path is uniquely yours, and success takes many forms.”

She continued: “What truly matters is not where you go, but what you do when you get there. Your community has invested in you, and we look forward to seeing how you will invest in your communities and our world.”

𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Fittingly, the event coincided with National Principals’ Day, giving students and staff a chance to celebrate Principal Koonce’s leadership and commitment to their success. His pride was evident as he looked out across the sea of seniors wearing shirts that told stories of acceptance, determination, and ambition.

𝗔 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗽𝗮𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲

College Decision Day at Linden High School wasn’t just about where students are going. It was a celebration of where they’ve been — and the promise of everything they’re about to become.

From classrooms to college campuses, from workshops to basic training, every decision made that day marked a bold step into the future — a future built on Linden pride, personal purpose, and the unshakable belief that no dream is out of reach.