Eleven exceptional seniors from the Rochester City School District were honored during the Michael C. O’Laughlin Recognition Dinner for their leadership and academic success

Spencerport, New York – In a heartfelt celebration of academic excellence, community service, and leadership, eleven standout seniors from the Rochester City School District (RCSD) were honored during the 2025 Michael C. O’Laughlin Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, May 7. The ceremony took place at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES in Spencerport, drawing applause and pride from families, educators, and local school leaders.

The event, now an annual tradition, pays tribute to the lasting impact of Dr. Michael C. O’Laughlin, an admired educator whose passion for public education spanned nearly four decades. In his lifetime, Dr. O’Laughlin served in a variety of roles—from teacher and department chair in the Brockport Central School District to Superintendent of Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES. Following his death in 2009, the recognition dinner was renamed in his honor in 2012 by the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents.

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This year’s honorees represent the very best of Rochester’s graduating class. Each student was nominated based on their academic performance, leadership in and out of the classroom, and their dedication to serving their school and community. The following students were recognized:

• Nuria Mohamud, All City High
• Jessica Conrow, East High School
• Angela Alexander, Edison Career and Technology High School
• Jayquan Weems, James Monroe High School
• Hazel Roberts, Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School Commencement Academy
• Yeremiah Oyola, Padilla High School at the Franklin Campus
• John Corona, Rochester Early College International High School
• Jacob LaDolce, School of the Arts
• Arianna Shapiro-Strickland, School Without Walls Commencement Academy
• Mecca Willis, World of Inquiry School No. 58

Each of these students has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growth and service. Their accomplishments go beyond grades, reflecting a spirit of perseverance, kindness, and integrity that made them stand out among their peers.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their resilience, passion, and leadership. This recognition is a testament to the bright futures they are shaping, and we know they’ll go on to do great things,” said one district representative during the evening.

The recognition dinner not only celebrates individual achievement, but also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education. In honoring these young leaders, the RCSD and the Monroe County educational community continue to uphold Dr. O’Laughlin’s legacy of putting students first and championing excellence in public schools.

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The evening closed with emotional speeches, smiling families, and the kind of encouragement that can only come from a community that believes in its youth. For these eleven students, the night was more than just a ceremony—it was a moment of recognition for years of hard work, and a launching point into the next chapter of their lives.

Will you be following the accomplishments of any of these students as they head into the future?