Universal Audenried’s graduating Class of 2023 endured worldwide challenges during its high school journey, but still managed to achieve collective history in college scholarships.
Audenried held its graduation ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania’s Irvine Auditorium on May 31, capping a four-year stretch that included a freshman year that experienced the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These seniors were resilient, despite starting their high school years during a pandemic,” said founder and chairman of Universal Companies, Kenny Gamble. “I applaud each of them and share that everyone should acknowledge the accomplishments of our future leaders and extend congratulations to the 2023 senior class. Education is truly the passport to our young people’s future.”
Audenried’s Class of 2023 was made up of 97 graduates, including 45 seniors who earned competent or advanced levels on the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute certification, an American certifying body that tests students on their abilities to perform the skills needed in a career. Collectively, the senior class made history with $3.8 million in academic scholarships.
Audenried High School became a Universal Companies-managed school in 2011 under the School District of Philadelphia Renaissance Initiative.
The class of 2023 is the 12th graduating class under Universal management. More than 91 percent of its graduates have continued their education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, trade schools or careers in their respective fields of study.
Senior class standouts and co-valedictorians, Masama Bility received a partial academic scholarship to Drexel University and Dominic Herndon received a full academic scholarship to Widener University. Salutatorian Zaara Akhtar is headed to Temple University on a partial scholarship.
“I am extremely proud of my senior class of 2023 for the obstacles faced over the last three years and excelling beyond measures,” Audenried principal Joshua Anderson said. “More importantly, I want to acknowledge the great work they did academically in receiving close to $4 million in scholarships. I am doubly honored and appreciative of the many organizations, corporations and nonprofits that have awarded scholarships to my seniors.”
