Isaac E. Young Middle School Graduation

Here comes high school for 349 new graduates of Isaac E. Young Middle School!

Students, faculty, families, and staff enjoyed a graduation ceremony June 22 in New Rochelle High School’s gym. And what an accomplished class it is!

  • Pending final grades, 307 students are on track to receive credit in at least one high-school-level course. 
  • More than 250 students were recognized during Isaac Young’s recent awards night for outstanding achievements.
  • 204 students identify as being bilingual or speaking more than one language.
  • 74 students have completed living environment studies and will enroll in honors chemistry or earth science.

“They excelled in spite of COVID, in spite of school closures, in spite of home instruction and in spite of the many challenges they faced,” said Principal Dr. Tawanda Robinson. “This class is perfectly positioned for high school success.”

Valedictorian Stone Pride, addressing the crowd in the accompanying photo, praised the school’s welcoming culture. “Last year, I made the transition to Isaac, which has been nothing but a super fantastic experience for me,” he said. “Although my first year here was fully virtual, I still loved my experience at Isaac. The teachers and staff are amazing here, and very understanding. This year has been even better since I was finally able to meet my teachers and make new friends in person.”

Superintendent Jonathan Raymond told graduates, “We are so excited to now welcome you to New Rochelle High School. You have worked really hard over these last few years – they haven’t been easy. Nobody could have predicted all the things that have happened, but you have pushed through it all and now here you are. We are so, so proud of you.”

Board of Education member Roshanie Ross also praised students’ perseverance. “I applaud your resilience, your stamina, your perseverance,” she said. “You spent your time during hybrid and here you are on the other side, ready to go to high school.”

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Robinson proudly turned over the Isaac E. Young Middle School Class of 2022 to New Rochelle High School Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles, who gladly accepted the freshman scholars as members of the New Rochelle High School Class of 2026.