Jamestown Public Schools vision statement is clear: “We see every child learning every day.” Throughout the 2024-25 school year, that learning has come to life in powerful ways across our schools.

From public speaking to statewide leadership initiatives, JHS students demonstrated excellence in academics and civic engagement. Fatima Faridi (1st), Charlotte Baehr (3rd), and Allison MacCallum (4th) placed in the VFW “Voice of Democracy” speech contest, with MacCallum advancing to the New York State finals in Poetry Out Loud. Geovany Brown Ordonez, Jenilisse Cordero Colon, Alejandro Lopez Velazquez, Bianca Rojas, and Angela Santizo Soto represented JHS at the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute in Albany. Districtwide, JPS teachers continued to lead boldly, selecting SAVVAS enVisions as the new math curriculum following an extensive and teacher-led pilot, and further expanded personalized learning strategies to engage students in meaningful, individualized ways.

On stage and in concert halls, creativity and tradition took center stage. The JHS production of Les Misérables: School Edition earned seven Shea’s Performing Arts “Wonder Award” nominations and five JHS students were nominated for Outstanding Leading Performance, including Hayden Langford (Jean Valjean), Brighton Lumia (Javert), Rya Giuffre (Éponine), Matthew Johnson (Marius), and Jolee Schultz (Fantine). Nine students were selected for the NYSSMA Area All-State Festival at SUNY Fredonia, with Brighton Lumia and Eddie Meyer earning All-State honors. Meyer was also named to the All-Eastern Mixed Chorus. In December, over 400 alumni returned to perform at the 100th Anniversary A Cappella Vespers — a landmark celebration of the district’s musical legacy. That legacy was further honored when TSgt. Erik Lundquist, a 2009 JHS graduate and euphoniumist in the U.S. Air Force Band, returned to Jamestown to lead master classes with current JHS band members.

JHS athletes made headlines across New York State. The JHS Boys Basketball Team clinched its second-straight Section VI and Far West Regional titles. The Boys Soccer Team also made a repeat appearance in the Section VI title game, while Red & Green Football returned to Highmark Stadium in the sectional final. In the pool, Conner Dean captured a state title in the 200 I.M., setting new state records in both the 200 I.M. and 200 Free, and anchored three relay teams to state championships. State qualifiers included Emily Cardinale and Jarren Cotter (Indoor Track), Addison Cappalino (Bowling), and Tyler Zwald (Wrestling).

Student generosity made just as powerful an impact. JHS students raised $10,525 for the Anthony Senske Memorial Fund during the 44th Battle of the Classes. Penny Wars collected $6,000–with $4,500 supporting a fellow JHS student undergoing cancer treatment, and $1,500 launching the new RISE Fund (Red & Green In Support of Everyone). Meanwhile, students at Lincoln Elementary raised over $10,000 for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, proving that leadership and kindness are alive at every grade level.

In every building, on every stage, in every classroom and competition — Jamestown students and staff showed what it truly means to learn, lead, and lift one another up every single day.