Valedictorians and Senior Scholars Poster Display at Central Library

Rochester, NY - On June 16, 2026, Mayor Malik D. Evans, County Executive Adam J. Bello, and Rochester City School District (RCSD) Superintendent Dr. Eric Jay Rosser honored top scholars from the district by unveiling large window displays at the Central Library celebrating their achievements. Each large, banner-sized poster features a photo of an RCSD valedictorian or senior scholar and is accompanied by a secondary banner recognizing the school and all the top scholars in the Class of 2026.

“Today, we celebrate a generation of young people who represent the very best of our community," said Mayor Malik D. Evans. "The banners featuring these valedictorians in our library windows represent more than a tribute. They invite every student who walks past to see themselves in these achievements, to believe in their own potential, and believe that their own bright future is within reach." 

"The Senior Scholars have distinguished themselves through years of hard work and determination, and Monroe County is proud to celebrate their achievements," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. "As each scholar's banner is displayed at the Central Library, it will serve as a reminder to our community of what is possible with unwavering perseverance. We look forward to seeing the impact these young leaders will have on our community in the years to come." 

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

• Kyle Markham, East High School

• Natalia Newman, Edison Career and Technology 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 

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

“We are incredibly proud of our Valedictorians and Senior Scholars, who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to reaching the top of their class,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “This banner display at the Central Library and the RCSD’s Central Office does more than honor their remarkable high school achievements; it introduces our city’s future leaders to the community they will help shape. I am deeply grateful for this meaningful opportunity to share the achievements of our students with the greater community."

"We are proud to recognize the accomplishments of our RCSD scholars at the Central Library. These teens are leaders among their peers, who have worked hard, and deserve to be celebrated" said Emily Clasper, Rochester Public Library Director. "These banners were so widely celebrated last year, we knew we needed to replicate this event for 2026. We saw students posing with their school banner, alumni from schools posing, and proud families and friends of graduates taking pictures all summer long. Congratulations to the class of 2026, and don’t forget we’ve got plenty of study spaces in the library." 

To learn more about the Rochester Public Library, visit https://roccitylibrary.org/location/central