NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Jan, 25, 2017) – Jefferson Elementary School fifth-graders got to see an inauguration ceremony Wednesday when Sen. George Latimer came to visit. Latimer was re-elected to a third term with the New York State Senate in the fall election.
Principal Kimmerly Nieves started the ceremonies by explaining to the students how a state senator helps make laws that govern the state and a senator’s role in the community. She said Latimer has always been an advocate for the school and the City School District of New Rochelle. The 37th district is comprised of Bedford, Bronxville, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, Tuckahoe, White Plains and Yonkers.
Fifth-grade students Ember Stevens and Elijah Brown also spoke before the crowd.
“Your dedication to Westchester County has made this community a wonderful place to live and work,” Stevens said. “Your accessibility as a representative of our community is well known.”
“As Jefferson students, we have enjoyed having your presence at our school,” Brown said. He commended Latimer for coming to his classroom last year to answer questions and for taking part in the school’s summer reading challenge.
New York State Assemblyman Steven Otis (91st District) and New Rochelle Council Member Jared Rice also attended the inauguration and spoke. After the oath of office was administered, Latimer made a couple of points – to both the students and to the adults.
“You have certain responsibilities as kids, right? Later in life, you will have responsibilities too,” Latimer told the students. “What I just did by putting my hand on the Bible is I just agreed to do certain things. I am committing myself that I will do my very best to do those things.”
To the adults, Latimer said, “We’ve just seen in Washington the inauguration. … No matter how we voted on Election Day, we are one nation. That doesn’t mean we have to agree with things we don’t agree with. But it does mean we have to remember we are Americans. We have more in common than what separates us.”
The Jefferson Chorus concluded the program by singing the Beatles song, “All You Need is Love.”
Sen. George Latimer and fifth-grade students Elijah Brown and Ember Stevens.
About the City School District of New Rochelle
With nearly 11,000 students in 10 schools, the City School District of New Rochelle, through an active partnership amongst community, parents, staff and students, provides a high-quality and challenging education for every child, in a safe, nurturing environment that embraces rich diversity and drives success.
