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RCSD, Mayor, and County Executive Celebrate Valedictorians with Posters at Central Library

(June 18, 2025) The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County is honoring the top scholars from the Rochester City School District’s Class of 2025 with a striking public display.

Large, banner-sized posters featuring the RCSD valedictorians hang outside the library’s South Avenue entrance. Each banner showcases a student portrait alongside a companion banner highlighting the name of the school they represent.

Mayor Malik Evans and County Executive Adam Bello recognized each scholar during a brief ceremony today, where students received certificates from both the Mayor’s Office and the County Executive’s Office.

"Our Valedictorians and Senior Scholars embody the excellence of the Rochester City School District," said Dr. Demario Strickland, Interim Superintendent of Schools. "The Central Library's banner display is a powerful tribute to the dedication and perseverance that have propelled these students to the top of their class. I am deeply grateful for this meaningful opportunity to share the achievements of our students with the greater community."

“The library is not just a place for books, but a wellspring of knowledge, opportunity, and inspiration, always within reach,” said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. “Your great faces on those posters will continue to make that happen.”

“You have set an example for your classmates, showing how perseverance and hard work can open doors for the future,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “You are the future leaders, and we need you.”

"We are proud to celebrate our RCSD scholars at the Central Library," said Emily Clasper, Rochester Public Library Director. "These banners are inspiring to all library patrons and staff. Our entire community is overjoyed to celebrate these incredible accomplished scholars."

The students recognized for being at the top of their class include:

Jessica Conrow, East High School
Angela Alexander, Edison Tech High School
Christabelle Agyeiwaah, James Monroe High School
Egypt Symond, Padilla High School
John Corona, Rochester Early College International High School
Neema Wilondja, Rochester International Academy
Hazel Roberts, Joseph C. Wilson High School
India Tisdale, World of Inquiry High School
Martha Kelley, School of the Arts
May Dar, School Without Walls

Student banners will remain on display at the Central Library throughout the summer.

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.