Missed the PCHS Spring Concert or want to relive it? Watch the full performance here, courtesy of PCSTV, the district's official television station.

Congratulations to our talented student musicians and dedicated staff on a fantastic performance. Your hard work and passion truly shined and made this a memorable experience for our entire community.

Dear Ramily,

As we step into spring, a season of renewal and growth, we are reminded of the blossoming possibilities that lie ahead for our students in the Port Chester School District. Just as flowers bloom in vibrant colors, so too do the opportunities for our young learners. It fills our hearts with pride to witness our students earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy this year. With languages such as Polish, Italian, Spanish, and more, our students are not only enhancing their skills but also preparing themselves for a global world that awaits them. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated students, supportive staff, and committed parents for nurturing these talents. We are so very proud of our students and look forward to celebrating recipients this spring.

In the spirit of unity, I’d like to highlight a wonderful example of community collaboration that occurred just this week. Thanks to Santos Avila, Rigoberto Martinez, Victor Hernandez, Dr. Maeva Rich Kennedy, and Dineen LaDore, our very own students represented Port Chester with pride at the Westchester County Youth Leadership/My Brother’s Keeper Symposium in White Plains. Our banner was displayed prominently, and throughout the program, our students truly shone, embodying the promise and potential of our community.

This initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, rests on pillars that guide our mission:
*Mentorship: Providing young men with role models to inspire and guide them.
*Education: Encouraging academic success and lifelong learning.
*Community Engagement: Fostering connections and support networks that uplift our youth.
*Health and Wellness: Promoting physical and mental well-being as foundational elements for success.
*Career Development: Equipping students with the skills and opportunities for future success.

When our community comes together—mentors, students, and families alike—there is no limit to what we can achieve. The influence of positive role models and a supportive environment is vital in helping our young men rise to their fullest potential. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these young men will also serve as mentors this spring to younger Port Chester students, inspiring them to pay it forward and remain committed to one another and the community. The sky truly is the limit!

The following students attended the event to represent Port Chester’s MBK movement:

Shawn Marrero
Selvin Rosales
Isaith Lucero
Emiliano Reyes
Michael Crandall
Allan Alvarez
Hayden Anti
Christopher Zamora
Jah'meer Furman
Michael Moran
Josue Chavarria
Pablo Michaca
Rocco Larizza
Owen Dorsainvil
Elmer Berrezueta
Jason Sanguino
Daryin Pimentel
Ivan Gracia
Enrique Rojas
With warm regards,

Dr. Aurelia Henriquez
Superintendent of Schools

Port Chester High School students recently visited the New York State Judicial Institute in White Plains as part of its Pre-Law Discovery Initiative.

Arranged by School Social Worker Ms. Karina Estrella-Gaspar and Bilingual School Counselor Ms. Paola Arango, the experience introduced participants to a range of legal careers while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. Throughout the day, they met with attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals and learned about different pathways into the field.

A highlight was a hands-on mock trial, where participants analyzed evidence and stepped into the role of lawyers. They also engaged in a panel discussion, asking questions and connecting with peers from across Westchester County.

Many came away encouraged by learning that legal professionals followed diverse educational paths, including starting at community colleges.

The visit provided valuable insight into the legal system while helping participants build confidence, explore career options, and strengthen skills that support both academic and personal growth.

The district has once again been named one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, marking the third consecutive year the district has earned this prestigious recognition.

This national honor reflects a strong commitment to high-quality music education and meaningful arts experiences for all students. Across all grade levels, students participate in band, orchestra, chorus, and performance opportunities that foster creativity, confidence, and collaboration. From concerts and festivals to workshops with professional musicians, these experiences support both academic and personal growth and are made possible through the dedication of educators and the support of families and the community.

Earning this distinction for a third straight year underscores the district’s ongoing investment in the arts and its belief in the power of music to inspire and connect. Congratulations to our students, staff, and community on this outstanding achievement.

Port Chester High School theatre students were recently honored at the Eastern Student Artist Guild (ESAG) Awards, held at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall. The event brought together schools from across the tri-state area to celebrate excellence in non-musical theatre.

The ESAG Awards recognize student achievement in plays and provide feedback from theatre professionals across multiple performance and production categories. This year, PCHS earned high marks, including two Gold with Recognition distinctions and multiple Gold awards for their fall production of Check Please.

A highlight of the evening included a live performance by Alejandro Mojica Meza and Angel Garza, whose scene drew big laughs from an audience of more than 600 attendees.

“Acting on stage in front of hundreds of people was definitely an experience I’ll never forget,” said senior Alejandro Mojica Meza.

Students also valued the opportunity to connect with peers and theatre professionals from other schools.

“Receiving my award and meeting other students, especially fellow stage managers, reminded me that hard work truly pays off,” said junior Amelia Jimenez.

“ESAG was tubular! It was great seeing all of the different students and their talents,” added sophomore Anthony Stark Jimenez.

According to Theatre Director Christina Baurle, the recognition reflects the continued growth and strength of the PCHS theatre program. With its largest cast and crew to date, this year’s production challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones and take creative risks.

PCHS Student Honors:
Amber Funes – Gold, Performance by a Student in a Comedy
Alejandro Mojica Meza – Gold with Recognition, Performance by a Student in a Comedy
Jordan Rivera – Gold, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Angel Garza – Gold with Recognition, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Annalise Gouedy – Gold, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Matias Vega – Gold, Supporting Performance in a Comedy
Cast of Check Please – Gold, Ensemble in a Comedy
Amelia Jimenez & Diego Vega – Gold, Student Directors
Crew of Check Please – Silver, Student Crew
Cast and Crew of The Check Please Trilogy – Silver, Comedy Production

Beyond the awards, the experience offered meaningful opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and growth, reinforcing the program’s commitment to developing confident and creative theatre artists.

Photo by Journalist Peter Kramer