Two RCSD students earn recognition as finalists for prestigious Young Women of Distinction Scholarship award

Rochester, New York – Two students from the Rochester City School District are stepping into the spotlight, earning recognition that reflects years of hard work, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. Nadia Lewis and Jazmarie Cruz Rivera have both been named finalists for the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s 26th annual Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards, placing them among a select group of high school seniors celebrated for leadership and community commitment.

The honor is not simply about academic success. It highlights young women who have shown initiative, resilience, and a willingness to give back—qualities that often develop quietly over time but stand out when measured on a larger stage. The scholarship program itself is built on a simple but powerful idea: that the leaders of tomorrow are already shaping their communities today.

For Nadia Lewis, a student at World of Inquiry School No. 58, that journey has been marked by both academic focus and athletic achievement. Balancing schoolwork with sports, she has made a name for herself on the volleyball court while also competing in bowling. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed—she earned First Team All-City honors in volleyball, a recognition that speaks to both skill and consistency.

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Outside the classroom and the gym, Nadia has also stepped into the working world. As a sales associate at Foot Locker, she has gained experience that goes beyond textbooks, learning responsibility, communication, and time management. Looking ahead, she has set her sights on higher education, with Fordham University, Stony Brook University, and the University at Buffalo among her top choices. Her long-term goal is to pursue a career in psychiatry, a field where empathy and understanding are just as important as academic knowledge.

Jazmarie Cruz Rivera, a student at Edison Career and Technology High School, brings a different but equally compelling story. Known for her strong academic performance, she has built a reputation as a focused and driven learner. But her achievements extend beyond grades. According to her school counselor, Jazmarie stands out for her proactive approach and her desire to make a meaningful difference.

That commitment is evident in her actions. She has demonstrated a genuine interest in helping others, reflecting a philanthropic mindset that aligns closely with the values behind the scholarship. Her efforts have already opened doors—she has been accepted into the highly competitive nursing program at SUNY Brockport, setting the stage for a future in healthcare where compassion and skill go hand in hand.

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Both students now await the final outcome, which will be announced during an awards ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 4. Four winners will be selected, and one of those recipients will be either Nadia or Jazmarie. Regardless of the result, reaching the finalist stage already places them among the most promising young leaders in the region.

The Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards, modeled after the Athena Awards, aim to recognize students who embody leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement across the nine-county Finger Lakes region. For Nadia Lewis and Jazmarie Cruz Rivera, this recognition is more than an accolade—it is a reflection of their journeys so far and a signal of what lies ahead.

As they prepare for the next chapter, both students carry with them not only ambition, but also the kind of grounded determination that suggests their impact is only just beginning.