Students at School No. 5 step into leadership roles as Mayor Malik Evans administers the oath of office during a special school ceremony

Rochester, New York – The gymnasium at John Williams School No. 5 felt more like a civic hall than a typical school space on Wednesday afternoon, as students gathered for a ceremony that blended learning, leadership, and real-world democracy. Rows of fifth- and sixth-graders watched closely as their classmates stepped forward, ready to accept new responsibilities as elected class leaders.

The moment carried added weight with Rochester Mayor Malik Evans standing at center court, administering the official oath of office to the newly elected student class presidents. For many students, it was the first time they had seen a mayor up close, and even more meaningful to be sworn in by one.

The ceremony was part of a broader effort by the Rochester City School District, working in partnership with the City of Rochester and the Pillars of Hope program. The initiative connects students with African American and Latinx professionals who serve as mentors, offering examples of leadership that feel both attainable and personal. Organizers say the goal is simple but powerful: help students see themselves as future leaders long before adulthood.

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What made the experience especially impactful was how closely it mirrored real elections. With assistance from the Monroe County Board of Elections, students didn’t just talk about voting — they practiced it. Ballots were cast using official voting machines, giving students hands-on exposure to the mechanics and seriousness of the democratic process. Beyond class presidents, students also elected vice presidents and classroom representatives, reinforcing the idea that leadership is shared, not carried by one person alone.

For sixth-grader Zaniyah King, being elected came with both pride and reflection. “I know why some of my friends probably voted for me,” she said. “They might think I am loyal and a good person.” Her words echoed a theme repeated throughout the afternoon — that character matters just as much as popularity when it comes to leadership.

Another newly sworn-in leader, Autum Alexander, focused on the bigger picture. “Everyone should know what voting is about, and how they are going to do it when they are older,” she said. For school staff, comments like these show that the lesson reached far beyond the ceremony itself.

Principal Tiffany Lee emphasized that understanding leadership early helps students connect school life to the wider world. “It’s important that students understand government and student leadership, and how they can contribute, not only to the school, but also as productive citizens in the community,” she said.

Mayor Evans’ presence helped bridge the gap between classroom lessons and real public service. By administering the oath himself, he showed students that local government is not distant or abstract, but made up of people who care about responsibility, fairness, and service. School officials noted that seeing an elected leader in action can make civic roles feel real, not just something found in textbooks.

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Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eric J. Rosser reinforced that message by reminding students that leadership is measured by everyday behavior, not just titles. “We know that student leadership extends far beyond what you learn every day in your classes,” he said. “It extends to how you conduct yourselves when someone is looking and when someone is not looking.”

Educators say experiences like this plant important seeds. By voting, campaigning, and taking an oath, students learn that their voices matter and that leadership carries responsibility. As the ceremony concluded and students returned to their classes, school leaders expressed confidence that these early lessons will shape how students engage with their communities long after they leave School No. 5.