In a jubilant ceremony held at the Jane Addams Campus auditorium in the Bronx, hundreds of students and staff gathered on Monday to commemorate the renaming of the largest public charter high school network in New York City. The event marked a significant milestone for the institution, formerly operated by New Visions for Public Schools, as it embraced its new identity, United Charter High Schools.
The renaming initiative, aimed at fostering student involvement and engagement, saw an impressive competition that attracted more than 300 student submissions. Ultimately, three students emerged victorious, each proposing “United Charter High Schools” as the new name for the network. Matthew Carillo (18), Lesly Rojas Rodriguez (16), and DiAndre Chin (16) were honored for their outstanding contributions during the celebration.
The three winners not only earned the pride of having their suggestion chosen but were also awarded $1,500 college scholarships as a token of appreciation for their creativity and dedication. The scholarship presentation was a highlight of the ceremony, showcasing the commitment of United Charter High Schools to supporting its students beyond the classroom.
Carillo and Rojas Rodriguez, both attending Advanced Math and Science II at the Jane Addams Campus, were joined by Chin from the Humanities IV campus in Far Rockaway, Queens, in clinching the top spots in the competition. The triumphant trio symbolizes the diverse and talented student body that United Charter High Schools proudly serves.
“We have people from all around the world in our school communities and we respect everyone’s cultural background, ethnicity or beliefs and that’s what keeps us united,” said Carrillo, a senior from the South Bronx who is a passionate artist with a love for drawing and plans to attend college.
Rojas Rodriguez, a junior who plays on the volleyball team, said she came up with her choice for the network’s name because she saw how students were always working together, whether on sports teams or in class. “By being united we are coming together and making better decisions for our own future and for the next generation,” she said.
Chin reflected on his own definition of unity in his speech during Monday’s celebration. “We as a school promote achievement, success, acceptance, and humanity. Our school is about promoting leaders no matter who they are,” he said. “I picked United because I wanted to show people that humanity is about teamwork and collaboration.”
The celebration was further enriched by a spectacular performance from the renowned Brooklyn United Marching Band, captivating the audience with their musical prowess. The electrifying atmosphere in the Jane Addams Campus auditorium echoed the excitement and enthusiasm of the students, staff, and community members present.
United Charter High Schools, with a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, currently serves over 3,000 students across campuses in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. The network’s shift towards a new identity reflects its dedication to innovation, growth, and providing an enriching educational experience for its students.
The Jane Addams Campus, serving as the venue for this momentous occasion, houses two co-located schools from the United Charter High Schools network: Humanities II and AMSII. As the institution looks towards the future, the renaming event serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of purpose and pride within the United Charter High Schools community.
