Eager Students, Parents Attend Annual Lottery For Trenton Charter School
By Natasha Brown
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- It's not the Powerball or the Mega Millions drawing, but the winning numbers behind Thursday night's lottery are worth far more to a group of students and parents in Trenton.
Three hundred students are vying for 80 coveted spaces at the high performing Foundation Academy Charter School.
Falicia Stroye's son, Timothy, is one of them.
"I don't feel as though Trenton's public schools would have a lot to offer as far as what his needs are right now."
"We simply don't have enough seats, there is more demand than there are spaces," said Ronald Brady, Head of Schools.
Anxious parents clinging to hope and luck as their children's educational fate rests in the hands of random lottery balls.
It's not uncommon to hear outbursts of excitement from winning parents.
"She needs a bit more of a challenge and that's what I'm looking forward to," said Bridget Bordeaux Cason, a parent.
Eyewitness News watched as Falicia and her son Timothy waited, and waited for a number that would not be called.
"If I'm gonna get in I'm gone get in. I hope I do but it's just something that's gonna have to happen," said Timothy.
"I'm happy for the kids that did get in so I'm just waiting, I'm gonna be patient."
All hope is not lost just yet, Falicia's son Timothy, who is heading into the 9th grade, is 12th on a waiting list of students still hoping to get into the charter school in Trenton.
