2025 Observance

The RCSD & Board of Education present the
36th Annual Black History Month Celebration

The Rochester Board of Education and Rochester City School District celebrated Black History Month on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 by honoring more than 60 black high academic scholars from our district.

Each year, students in the Rochester City School District are recognized for their exceptional academic accomplishments, community service, and leadership. During the event, we will honor several special awards, including the Highest Academic Achievement Award, the Volunteer Youth Award, and the Community Service Award.

We extend our congratulations to our scholars for their dedication to education and academic success. A heartfelt thank you to all parents, family members, mentors, teachers, and staff for their continuous support of our students.

Program Agenda

Mistress and Master of Ceremonies
Francine Scott, Office of the Board of Education
Ricky Frazier, Office of Human Capital

Student Performances
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19 Choir
Directed by Paige Lee

Stand Up by Cynthia Erivo

Event Raffle
Keisha Holloman, Director of Parent Engagement

Welcome & Greetings
Camille Simmons, President, Board of Education
Dr. Demario Strickland, Interim Superintendent

High Academic Achievement
Scholar Awards Presentation
Ricky Frazier, Office of Human Capital
View 2024-25 Black Scholars by School >

Academic Achievement Award
Hazel Roberts, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School

Student Volunteer Award
Calonnie Holloway, Padilla High School

Community Service Awards
Delores Radney

Closing Remarks

2024-25 High Scholars

Each year, the Rochester City School District Board of Education recognizes black academic high scholars in our high schools who have an average GPA of 4.0 or better. Congratulations to our scholars on their incredible commitment to their education and academic success. A special thanks to all parents, family members, mentors, teachers, and other school staff who support our students each day.

Congratulations to our 2024-25 Black High Scholars | View Black Scholars by School >

The Rochester City School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status or political affiliation, and additionally does not discriminate against students on the basis of weight, gender identity, gender expression, and religious practices or any other basis prohibited by New York State and/or federal non-discrimination laws in employment or its programs and activities. The District provides equal access to community and youth organizations. NYS CR Part #154 requires the District to provide communications to ELL families in the home language that they best understand. In order to request interpretation or translation services, employees may visit www.rcsdk12.org/translationservices. For emergencies or immediate communication needs, please use the Language Line at 1-866-874-3972. School secretaries in each school or program can provide the access code for this service.