Board members and administrators honored nine students in recognition of exemplary citizenship at the meeting's opening Pittsford Pride ceremony.
Superintendent Puro framed the program, describing the district's selection process and saying the district serves about 6,000 students. He explained that building-level committees nominate students and that the recognized students'names and photos would be shared on the district website and social channels.
Board President Robin Scott read the first nomination, honoring Sage Bell (Barker Road Middle School) for sustained kindness, empathy and volunteer service; Scott said Sage "consistently and effortlessly displays the core principle of kindness and empathy in the classroom and in the Rochester community." Other students recognized included Mila Berno (Allen Creek Elementary), Delaney Pascaux (Mendon Center Elementary), Andrew Hovey (Sutherland High School), Presley (Calkins Road Middle School), Aylin/Eileen Jacobs (Mendenhall High School), Charles McConachie (Park Road), Quinn Morissette (Thornell/Thornhill area first grader) and Isabella (Jeff Road Elementary).
Presenters cited a range of examples: volunteering to help a family move, leadership in student council and school safety teams, advocacy on social-justice topics, participation in unified athletics and peer support programs such as Best Buddies. After all nine recipients were announced, the students collected framed certificates and posed for photos behind the board.
The board noted that students are also recognized in other building-level ways (morning announcements, plaques, special privileges) and thanked families, staff and nominating teams for their work.