The Islamic Weekend School in Voorhees, an educational arm of the Muslim American Community Association (MACA), hosted its annual graduation ceremony on Oct. 27.
The event brought together students, parents, faculty and community leaders to celebrate the academic and personal achievements of the graduating class at the school’s main hall. On hand were Congressman Donald Norcross, state Senator Jim Beach, township Mayor Michael Mignogna and school principal Aqil Khan.
Speaker not only lauded the graduates but emphasized the significance of Islamic education in fostering strong, positive leaders.
Khan opened the ceremony by reflecting on the Islamic Weekend School’s mission and the importance of education, both Islamic and academic.
“This graduation ceremony is a symbol of the hard work, dedication, and commitment our students have shown over the years,” he said. “It is a moment of great pride not only for the students, but for the entire community. It signifies that we are building the future generation of respectful, peaceful, and responsible citizens.”
Khan also addressed the 40-year-old school’s mission and commitment to provide a well-rounded education for Muslim children the township and in Marlton, Gibbsboro and Sicklerville.
“Our mission here is to provide a vibrant and engaging Islamic education experience,” he explained. “We aim to teach the core principles of our faith, the five pillars of Islam – faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage – while also instilling strong moral character, respect for others and a sense of social responsibility.”
The elected officials in attendance at the graduation, according to Kahn, also underscored the important role the school plays in the broader South Jersey community and how it contributes to breaking down misconceptions and fostering understanding.
“Having elected officials, like Congressman Norcross and Mayor Mignogna, attend our ceremony is not just about celebrating the academic accomplishments of our students,” Kahn noted. “It’s about showing the community – and the wider public – that we are raising our children to be upstanding citizens: respectful, peaceful and hardworking.
“We want our students to see these leaders as role models, to inspire them to work hard and aspire to greatness.”
Stella Sytnik, a long-time supporter of MACA and the township’s Community Affairs Commissioner, shared her personal connection to the school and the community.
“I have a very special relationship with the American Pakistani community,” she observed. “It is an honor to be invited every year as a panelist to their annual graduation ceremony to share my background. I take pride and feel honored to be able to address the students about the importance of education …
“Seeing smiles on their faces while presenting gifts to the teachers makes my heart melt.”
The school’s students learn the teachings of the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and core subjects like math and science. Khan pointed out that the graduates not only excelled academically, but also developed a deeper understanding of their faith and how it applies to everyday life.
“The unique aspect of our curriculum is that we blend the study of Islamic principles with academic subjects in a way that prepares our students for the future,” he said. “Our teachers are highly educated and volunteer their time to teach, ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education.
“The results are clear: Our students are well-prepared for the next steps in their educational journey and in life.”
Looking ahead, the school’s leadership has ambitious plans for the future.
“Our goal is to expand our educational offerings and build a full-time school that serves the entire community,” Khan stated. “We want our students to have access to the best education, one that balances academic rigor with spiritual development.
“Our vision is for the Islamic Weekend School in Voorhees to become a center of excellence for Islamic education in South Jersey.”
