TRENTON -- For students arriving at Foundation Academies Friday, the welcome they received was anything but routine.

Dozens of men -- fathers, businessmen, city leaders, activists, college students and others -- lined the entrance, greeting the students with cheers, applause and high-fives.

"Do well in school!" one man shouted. "Keep it up!" "A's and B's, we don't want C's!"

Natasia Shuford, the charter school's primary school principal, said the "100 Man Welcome" was a way to celebrate the 100th day of school and let students know that people care about them.

"In our community, oftentimes the male figure is not always viewed in a positive light so I think it's really important for our kids to see positive men of color specifically ... come out and show them that education is very important."

'100 Man Welcome' encourages students at Foundation Charter Academies in Trenton

Edward Bullock, president of the Trenton Literacy Movement, was joined by some of his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity brothers and said he hoped they made a lasting impression.

"It's important for us as men to be present -- present in the moment, present in the lives of our children and present as role models for those who have to come behind us," he said. "We want to show these young people ... that we love them, that we believe in them and that they can and will do well."

Rev. Jose Rodriguez and Damien Malave, who are part of the city's Puerto Rican Civic Association, said they wanted to reiterate the importance of education, community and unity.

"I think it should be done around the city and hopefully this can be contagious," Malave said. "I saw joy in their faces this morning and that's great to see something like that."

Mayor Eric Jackson urged the students to continue striving for excellence.

"Keep doing all that you can do," he said. "Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better becomes your best."

Foundation Academies opened in 2007 and now has about 1,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12 at its two campuses.

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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