Rescheduled due to prom, New Rochelle recognition held for 114 Career Services students
The Recognition Ceremony was hosted in New Rochelle High School's Whitney M. Young Auditorium
When New Rochelle High School’s Senior Prom fell on the same day as the Center for Career Services Recognition Ceremony at the Westchester County Center, leaders from both schools acted decisively. Director Dahlia Jackson contacted New Rochelle’s principal, Dr. Dagoberto Artiles, to see if he would be amenable to hosting a smaller-scale ceremony.
The end result, on Monday, June 16, was a celebration of the 114 New Rochelle students who recently completed a two-year program at Career Services.
During his speech to students, Dr. Corey W. Reynolds, New Rochelle’s Superintendent of Schools, fittingly highlighted the importance of “partnership” and “understanding” while thanking Southern Westchester BOCES for making the additional recognition a reality.
The joyous sendoff for New Rochelle students was held in the school’s Whitney M. Young Auditorium. Members of the administration of both Southern Westchester BOCES and the City School District of New Rochelle were joined by the students and their families. Dr. Brendan Lyons, Southern Westchester BOCES’ COO and Deputy District Superintendent, and Career Services Director Dahlia Jackson, spoke to the crowd following the opening processional and salute to the flag. Danna Zapata, a student in the CISMAA program and future member of the United States Armed Forces, led the salute to the flag, while Emergency Medical Services student Marianna Mena recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Valedictorian Abraham Suarez, a Pre-Engineering student, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2025. He took a moment to ask family members and Career Services staff members in the audience to stand so they could be appreciated by the students.
Culinary Arts student Christopher Johnson introduced a pre-recorded video of student reflections, but first provided his own. He discussed his willingness to learn and chase a dream, and called his experience at Career Services “life changing.”
“The people I met became more than classmates,” Johnson said. “They became my family.”
“This program gave me confidence, purpose, and introduced me to people I will never forget,” he added.
Students in attendance were later presented with their certificates from the Center for Career Services.
The initial Career Services Recognition Ceremony was held on Thursday, June 12. The event paid tribute to students from 25 different programs, all from Southern Westchester BOCES’ component districts.
