Honoring the Class of 2026 Through Banners, Videos, and Live Streams

The Rochester City School District is celebrating the incredible achievements, resilience, and bright futures of the Class of 2026. This June, the RCSD is shining a spotlight on its graduating seniors through three special initiatives designed to honor their individual journeys and seamlessly connect families to every milestone.
Valedictorians and Senior Scholars Honored at Central Library
Earlier this month, the RCSD, city, and county unveiled window banners at the Central Library honoring the Class of 2026’s valedictorians and senior scholars. Each large, banner-sized poster features a portrait of an RCSD scholar, flanked by a secondary banner honoring their specific school. The banners will remain on display at the Central Library throughout the summer, inspiring everyone who walks or drives past.
The students recognized for being at the top of their class include:
- Kyle Markham, East High School
- Natalia Newman, Edison Tech High School
- Lisneris Bermudez Franco, James Monroe High School
- Warren Gildea, Joseph C. Wilson High School Commencement Academy
- James Pichardo, Padilla High School at the Franklin Campus
- Ronan Schaefer, Rochester Early College International High School
- Malek Alghadab, Rochester International Academy
- V Burack, School of the Arts
- Khalid Haji, School Without Walls Commencement Academy
- Nadia Lewis, World of Inquiry School No. 58
Countdown to Graduation
What does it truly mean to be an RCSD graduate? Our Countdown to Graduation video series gives seniors the microphone. Graduates share their favorite high school memories, thank the educators, mentors, and family members who lifted them up, and give us a glimpse into their exciting next chapters.
If you missed any of the Countdown to Graduation videos, there is a playlist available on the District’s YouTube page.
Live Stream Every Ceremony: Don’t Miss a Second
Families, friends, and loved ones want to share in the unforgettable moment when students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. To ensure no one misses out, the RCSD is live-streaming every single graduation ceremony. No matter where anyone is in the world, they can cheer for the Class of 2026 live. Click the links below to access the live broadcast and help us celebrate!
East High School, Friday, June 26, 6 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
Edison Career and Technology High School, Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. Watch Live Stream Here
James Monroe High School, Thursday, June 25, 3 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
Padilla High School, Friday, June 26, 11 a.m. Watch Live Stream Here
Rochester Early College, Thursday, June 25, 6 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
Rochester International Academy, Friday, June 26, 10 a.m. Watch Live Stream Here
School of the Arts, Friday, June 26, 6 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
School Without Walls, Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
Wilson High School, Monday, June 29, 5 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
World of Inquiry, Friday, June 26, 6:30 p.m. Watch Live Stream Here
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! You have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, and the entire RCSD stands behind you.
