(September 27, 2024) The Rochester City School District proudly marked a significant milestone this week by naming two new middle schools. On Wednesday, September 25, students and families gathered at Freddie Thomas Middle School on Scio Street. The following day, they celebrated the ribbon cutting at Andrew Langston Middle School located at the Jefferson Campus on Edgerton Park.
In February of 2024, the Board of Education voted to honor these two remarkable individuals with school namesakes.
Dr. Thomas excelled in numerous fields throughout his lifetime. Hailing from Virginia, he pursued studies at Virginia State University, Wagner College, Albany Medical School, and the University of Rochester. Notably, he made significant contributions to biological research at the Eastman Kodak Company and the University of Rochester.
“Dr. Thomas excelled in more fields in one lifetime than most people would in two or three,” said Principal Stephanie Harris. “The realization of this school is a commitment to the emotional well-being and academic growth of middle school students in the City of Rochester.”
The celebration on Wednesday included Midge Thomas, Dr. Thomas’ widow who encouraged students to pursue careers they love, not just jobs.
On Thursday, students and families at Andrew Langston Middle School paid tribute to Andrew Langston, the founder, Chairman, and CEO Of Monroe County Broadcasting Company and WDKX-FM. Langston dedicated six years to navigating FCC regulations to secure FM frequency 103.9 for this station, which began broadcasting on April 6, 1974 – one of the first Black-owned radio stations in New York.
The celebration included Andre Marcel, Langston’s son, and remarks from Andria Langston, Andrew’s granddaughter. “This school represents not just a place of learning, but a legacy,” said Andria Langston. “A legacy that my grandfather worked tirelessly to build. This school, bearing his name, is such a fitting tribute. It serves as a reminder to every student here that knowledge is power, and their future is full of limitless possibilities.”
Principal Wakili Moore shared that the school is partnering with WDKX to allow students to produce podcasts and make live announcements on air.
