Nathaniel Rochester Middle School renamed Dr. Alice Holloway Young School of Excellence

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Nathaniel Rochester Middle School has been renamed the Dr. Alice Holloway Young School of Excellence in honor of Dr. Alice Holloway Young.

Dr. Young was one of the district’s first black teachers.

She went on to become the district’s first black vice-principal and principal.

She also played a role in early integration programs like the urban-suburban program.

Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small said she has looked up to young since she was in grade school.

"You said my dear, don’t aspire to be me when I grow up because I’ve lived my life and I’ve done my thing, I want you to be the best version of you that you can be," Myers-Small said.

To make the day even more special, Young celebrated her 97th birthday.

When the name change was announced in July, RCSD said it renamed the middle school after a petition with more than 100 signatures was presented to the superintendent. A community forum was held as a result and seven speakers participated.