The Class of 2028 is Headed to New Rochelle High School
Rising 9th graders from Isaac E. Young Middle School (IEYMS) and Albert Leonard Middle School (ALMS) celebrated their moving-up ceremonies in June. The students are looking forward to their freshman year at New Rochelle High School this fall.
IEYMS’s 426 students held their ceremony in the morning with a full crowd of supporters at the NRHS gymnasium, and even more watching via live-stream in the Whitney Auditorium.
Board of Education Trustee Valarie D. Williams, a fellow IEYMS alumna, addressed the students. “You actualize our school district vision…as our district moves on, we will make our vision clearer, and that takes all of us working together. This graduating class has forged strong friendships and peer relationships that will last a lifetime. Your curiosity and zest for knowledge will bode well for you as you go out into the world and make the world a better place – make the world more like our beloved New Rochelle.”
Class Valedictorian Krista Arena marked the milestone in remarks to her classmates. “Today we are graduating. We are no longer little sixth graders in masks. Instead, we are mature eighth graders ready to take on the high school. Without the help of our teachers, counselors, and administrators and the support of our classmates, we would not be ready for the new challenges the high school will present. Growing up is scary, and change is even scarier but IEY prepared us to face these new adventures head-on.”
Before presenting the class to NRHS Principal Dr. Artiles, IEYMS Principal Dr. Tawanda Robinson bid farewell to the Knights. “This class is allowed to celebrate. They have learned how to understand and manage their moment, their emotions, they have learned to advocate for themselves and others, they have used the language of a leader to slow down and think about their next choices,” she said. “Over 200 students will leave Isaac with three or more high school credits. They have volunteered in the community and supported initiatives at the Castle. High school is about the next 40 years; not the next four. As your soon-to-be former Principal, I wish you all the best life has to offer.”
ALMS students gathered outside their school later in the morning to share in the joyous celebration of their achievements with an inspiring song from the school chorus. Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds addressed the 371 members of this year’s ALMS class with advice for high school.
“Think of what your priorities are,” he said. “Think about in which direction you want to move. Think about how you are going to get there.” To parents, he said, “When we are celebrating young folk, when we are celebrating our students, our expectation always will be bigger, will be with pride, will be loud, will be with heart, because they need to know how proud we feel about them.”
ALMS Principal Dr. Camille Edwards-Thomas addressed the students, noting fondly that they were the first class to return to in-person learning after the pandemic. “You’ve shown incredible strength and adaptability navigating uncharted waters with grace and determination. You’ve proven that you can overcome anything and I couldn’t be prouder,” she said. “Beyond academics, we’ve shared lessons that go far beyond the classroom. We’ve learned about friendship, patience, kindness, resilience, and the immense power of a supportive community.”
Board of Education member Makeda Lewis – also a graduate of ALMS – spoke of what lies ahead for this year’s class. “There will be so many more amazing experiences waiting for you these next four years. To prove it, I will share that I am still friends with my high school friends.”
ALMS Valedictorian Lia Selenfreund reflected on the class’s time at ALMS, saying, “Change is inevitable; it’s a normal part of life. It cannot be helped and often cannot be controlled. But being willing to adapt will lead to success. When we started sixth grade, COVID-19 was running rampant. It was something no one was prepared for, but as it dragged on, we persevered.”