Students at School No. 5 Take Oath of Office as Class Leaders with Mayor Malik Evans
Students at John Williams School No. 5 learned an important lesson in civic leadership on Wednesday afternoon as Rochester Mayor Malik Evans administered the oath of office to newly elected student class presidents during a special ceremony in the school gymnasium.
The student leaders, elected by their fifth- and sixth-grade peers, were sworn in as part of the Rochester City School District’s partnership with the City of Rochester and the Pillars of Hope program, which connects students with local African American and Latinx professionals who serve as mentors and role models.
This gave students a hands-on introduction to the democratic process. With support from the Monroe County Board of Elections, students cast ballots using official voting machines during their class elections. In addition to class presidents, students also elected vice presidents and classroom representatives, reinforcing lessons in civic responsibility and shared leadership.
“I know why some of my friends probably voted for me,” said Zaniyah King, a sixth-grade class president. “They might think I am loyal and a good person.”
“Everyone should know what voting is about, and how they are going to do it when they are older,” said Autum Alexander, a fellow sixth-grade class president.
“It’s important that students understand government and student leadership, and how they can contribute, not only to the school, but also as productive citizens in the community,” said Tiffany Lee, the school’s principal.
Mayor Evans’ visit offered students a firsthand look at local government and public service, reinforcing the idea that leadership begins with accountability and character.
“We know that student leadership extends far beyond what you learn every day in your classes,” said Dr. Eric J. Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “It extends to how you conduct yourselves when someone is looking and when someone is not looking.”
School leaders say experiences like this help prepare students to become engaged, informed citizens, while reminding them that their voices, choices, and actions matter, both inside the classroom and beyond its walls.