Newark Charter Graduate Takes Center Stage at National Education Conference

Newark native and recent graduate from Great Oaks Legacy Charter High School, Nathan “Miztyk” Duguid performed his original song earlier this month in Boston in front of thousands of attendees at the National Charter Schools Conference, which brings together advocates, educators, and leaders in the national charter community.

Duguid’s song, “Teaching My Soul,” is a tribute to all of the teachers who made a difference in his life and a call for them to continue working hard for students.

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“I wrote ‘ Teaching My Soul ’ as an ode to inspire educators and highlight the role they play in shaping students’ lives. Getting the chance to perform and share my story at the national conference was a profound opportunity to honor those educators who made a difference in my life,” Duguid said. “I hope my song inspires our leaders to recognize the role of educational opportunities in shaping our futures, and our very humanity.”

Duguid believes his charter school experience has been formative to who he is and the success he’s had thus far.

“Great Oaks has given me the tools and the platform to pursue my dreams and make a difference in my community. This experience has propelled me into opportunities I never thought possible. Every child in the state and across the country deserves that chance, and I hope to carve out my own lane to help achieve that goal,” Duguid said.

During his time at Great Oaks, Duguid was the founding editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, president of the student government association, and president of the Student Advocacy Club. In his role in the Student Advocacy Club, he helped to prepare students for leadership roles and participation in educational advocacy.

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Duguid received a full scholarship to Rutgers University-Newark, where he is a member of the Honors Living-Learning Community, a college access program focusing on social justice and community engagement.

Duguid hopes to someday be an educator in Newark, like many of the teachers who inspired him. The Newark and Great Oaks Legacy Charter communities are extremely proud of his performance and the legacy he is creating for himself.

“We are incredibly proud of Nathan and all of New Jersey’s public charter school students who continually demonstrate the value of a great public education,” said Harry Lee, President and CEO of the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association. “Nathan’s passion for music, advocacy, and his community is more than inspiring.”

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