CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2024!
New Rochelle High School (NRHS) celebrated its 126th commencement during a ceremony on McKenna Field on Wednesday, July 26. More than 615 students received their diplomas before a full crowd of cheering families, school staff and teachers, and friends. Commencement speakers reflected on the resiliency of this graduating class, which overcame pandemic closures, school flooding closures, cancellation of their eighth grade moving up ceremonies and more to achieve their proud moment.
NRHS Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles lauded the students’ achievements and encouraged them to embrace change. “You have shown us that nothing will stand in your way of achieving your dreams and your full potential.”
City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey Reynolds addressed the first graduating class of his superintendency, saying, “It is a day of celebration, it is a day of memory, it is a day of sadness for some, a day of joy for others, a day of surprise for some and a day of “it’s finally here” for others. You are now charged with carrying the banner of being a graduate of New Rochelle High School wherever you go next in life.”
Board of Education President William Iannuzzi, a fellow NRHS alumnus said, “I’ve been in your shoes before. I have struggled and have had to make tough decisions and if I can share anything with you today, it is that everything will turn out okay.”
Class Valedictorian Eileen Weisner encouraged her classmates to remain true to themselves. “We faced many difficulties, and there will be many ahead. But through those, we learned more about ourselves and grew more comfortable with ourselves. We made it through many long nights, studying, working, and through losses and tears. From those challenges, we gained friends, victories, fond memories, and lots of laughter. We learned what’s best for us, what works, what highlights our abilities. We will both keep them with us and develop that knowledge further for the future. As you step into your life as a graduate, let yourself shine. Try new things and learn from them. Be bold and embrace the unknown. Showcase the real you, scuff marks and all. Be genuine.”
NRHS class of 2024 graduates have an impressive list of accomplishments. To name just a few:
• This year’s graduates sat for 1,440 Advanced Placement examinations during their high school years.
• 53 graduates received Advanced Regents Diplomas with Honors.
• 194 graduates received Advanced Regents Diplomas.
• 105 graduates are National Honor Society members.
• 1 graduate won a Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair prize from a field of 2000 competitors from over 200 countries worldwide.
• 15 graduates participated in the prestigious Science Research Program.
• 72 graduates participated in the acclaimed Performing and Visual Arts Education Program.
• 78 students earned the NYS Seal of Biliteracy.
• 41 students earned the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness.
Class members have chosen diverse paths for their next chapter in life, including:
• 5 students will attend Ivy League schools: 2 are going to Harvard, 2 to the University of Pennsylvania, and one to Cornell.
• 18 students will attend highly selective schools, including Amherst, Georgetown, New York University, Tufts, Tulane, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wesleyan, and Williams College.
• 2 students were named National Merit Scholar Program Finalists.
• 6 students received National Merit Scholar commendations.
• 12 students received National Hispanic Recognition Program commendations.
• 7 students received National African American Recognition Program commendations.
• 389 graduates will attend four-year colleges.
• 133 graduates will attend two-year colleges.
• 14 will attend trade schools.
• 11 are taking a gap year.
• 7 students have enlisted in the military.
• 1 student is becoming an apprentice.
• 49 students are heading straight into careers.
Congratulations to all graduates and best of luck in your future endeavors. Please remember that there is always a place for you in the City School District of New Rochelle. We are one.