The Paterson Arts and Science Charter School recognized Assemblyman Gary Schaer during its fourth annual Garden State International Heritage Festival.

“It brings me great joy to see the continued support we receive from state officials and the surrounding community during these times of learning and celebration,” Nihat Guvercin, head of the North Jersey Arts and Science Charter Schools, said.

Schaer has been a friend of charter schools which earned him the school’s 2015 Legislator of the Year award.

“Assemblyman Schaer believes in the unparalleled learning opportunities that charter schools provide the children of this state,” Christine Bautista, Schaer‘s community affairs coordinator, said in his absence. “I know that it is an absolute honor to him that he has been acknowledged for his unwavering support.”

Students display their work at the festival.

The annual event held at the charter’s Paterson campus on June 10 included a variety of performances and presentations from the network’s schools. “This event continues to get better and better each year,” Guvercin said.

The North Jersey Arts and Science Charter Schools has campuses in Paterson, Passaic City, Garfield, and Hackensack.