Antoine’s journey from community drop-in center participant to GED graduate reflects the power of community, tutoring, and youth opportunity across Union County.

Photo: Antoine, a Hillside Township teen and 2026 Boxwood Learning Center graduate

ROSELLE, N.J. — Boxwood Learning Center is celebrating the achievement of Antoine, a young person from Hillside Township who earned his high school diploma by way of the GED exam just days after turning 16. His success marks a powerful example of what Boxwood describes as a “community of love” — a network of caring adults, tutors, family members, funders, and partners working together to restore opportunity for young people.

Many years ago, Boxwood Learning Center Founder and CEO Marie Thelusma-Chase, CFRE, dreamed that community could be the answer and a source of restoration for youth. Through Antoine and his family that dream has taken on new meaning.

Thelusma-Chase first met Antoine and his siblings about two years ago when they began attending Union County Community Drop-in Centers, a program funded by the county commissioners. While the center offers a safe and welcoming space for games, food, connection, and positive youth engagement, Boxwood’s goal has always extended beyond recreation.

“As the director, I never wanted the drop-in center to be just about games,” said Thelusma-Chase. “I wanted our young people to learn, grow, and thrive. So, we began adding math problems at the start of our sessions. Many of our pre-teens and teens resisted at first, but Antoine was one of the few who did not push back against doing algebra work. Now, our scholars welcome math problems because it means a treat for every right answer or even a small attempt.”

Seeing Antoine’s willingness to learn, Boxwood worked with his family to continue the momentum. Around April 2026, it was mutually agreed that Antoine would enroll in Boxwood Learning Center’s GED program that is funded by AmeriCorp and other state partnerships. He was paired with David, a Roselle resident and Rutgers University freshman and pre-med major who was only two years older than Antoine.

With Boxwood’s graduation scheduled for June 25, Antoine had just a narrow window. He turned 16 — the required age to take the GED exam — only 11 days before the ceremony. The first several days were spent waiting for his paperwork to be processed by GED site, and the week of graduation became his testing week.

By graduation, Antoine had done it: barely 16 years old, he earned his high school diploma by way of the GED exam.

“This is what a community of love can do,” said Thelusma-Chase. “It is about responding to the needs of community members, helping families overcome what may feel like boulders, and creating pathways where young people can see new possibilities for themselves. I have never experienced anything quite like watching a young person blossom and mature in just 60 days.”

According to Thelusma-Chase, Antoine now carries a visible sense of confidence, purpose, and readiness. His growth has strengthened Boxwood’s belief that young people need consistent encouragement, academic support, and access to real opportunities that help them imagine what is possible.

As a homeschooling parent, you are always searching for opportunities that will truly help your child grow. When we found the Community Drop-In Center and learned that it was county-funded, it was a game changer for our family,” said Linda, Antoine’s mother.

“We found people who believed in Antoine and challenged him to reach his full potential. Watching him earn his high school diploma by passing the GED exam just days after turning 16 showed me what is possible when families and community organizations work together.

“I hope our story encourages other parents to keep searching for the path that is right for their child, because sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never expected.”

These opportunities for young people throughout Union County are made possible through technical support, guidance, and funding from AmeriCorps, the Union County Youth Services Commission, and other generous funders. Their support helps county residents access educational pathways, workforce programs, mentoring, and hands-on learning experiences.

In July, Antoine will continue his pathway through Boxwood’s summer programming, which includes FAA drone pilot training and a hydroponic project. The program is designed to introduce young people to innovative fields, entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, and future workforce opportunities.

“There is no telling who Antoine and the other young people in our programs will become,” said Thelusma-Chase. “But the world awaits their coming of age — their contributions to college campuses, trade schools, the workforce, and the communities that helped raise them.”

Boxwood Learning Center congratulates Antoine and all of its graduates and remains committed to supporting champions on their pathway to success.

About Boxwood Learning Center

Boxwood Learning Center is a Union County-based nonprofit organization supporting young people on their pathway to success through education, workforce development, mentoring, case management, community drop-in centers, restorative support, and innovative youth programming. Boxwood serves youth and young adults facing barriers and works with families, community partners, and funders to create practical pathways to education, employment, and long-term stability.

Additional Photos

Antoine celebrates his graduation milestone with family support.

Antoine’s journey reflects the power of consistent support and opportunity