May 15th was a day packed with fun and information for six students of St. Philip's Academy (SPA). Verizon Partner Solutions (VPS) hosted several 8th grade students from the Academy's Externship program on Friday, May 15th. The first "Verizon Career Day with SPA" kicked off with a stop at 540 Broad St for a fiber optic demonstration by Manager Mike Verkuilen as well as spending time with Manager Paul Guezze's team of network technicians (Seth Newfield, Mike Ciociola, Cal Gonzalez, Diane Happle, Joe Holian and Doug Nearpass) where the students got to see first hand how our OCO/MCO techs care for Verizon's customers. Jamal Prescod, a student from the Academy, hopes to become a computer technician in the future.

All agreed that the highlight of the day was a tour of the largest NJ Central Office at 95 Williams St in Newark provided by veteran employee Barry Keys. Barry shared his vast knowledge about the central office and his over 20 years experience with Verizon. Supervisors David Brudnicki and Bob Markson gave an overview of how the newest fiber technology is handled in the CO and shared a few stories about the network; especially how the Central Office teams worked together after 9/11 to maintain Verizon's service for the majority of our customers. Director Richard Wright, Manager Steve Cuenca and Team Leaders Valerie Sneed and Roxann Luberecki were on-hand to share in the excitement of the day. Valerie and Roxann hope to make this an annual Verizon tradition with St. Philip's Academy.

St. Philip's Academy is a K-8 independent school located in the heart of Newark, NJ. They are a Verizon Foundation Thinkfinity school of excellence. Through the direct support and guidance of VPS Senior Vice President Kathleen McLean, the NJ Customer Care Team has developed a special relationship with the school and has participated in various events over the past few years supporting the outstanding students of St. Philip's Academy.

Pictured students: Tinaya Henson, Egypt Spencer, Kimberly Miralda, Jamal Prescod, Kawan Koonce and Demetrius Cross.