2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)
GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP RULING
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the Supreme Court upholding birthright citizenship:
“Today, the Supreme Court did what the Constitution has demanded for more than 150 years: it affirmed that children born on American soil are American citizens. This is a victory for the rule of law, for the Fourteenth Amendment, and for hundreds of thousands of families across New York and this country.
“The president tried to rewrite the Constitution with the stroke of a pen. The Court told him he could not.
“Had this order taken effect, children born in our hospitals, in our communities, and on our soil could have been denied the basic recognition of their citizenship in the only country they have ever known. The principle the Court upheld today is simple and it is sacred.
“This is a sound rejection of this administration’s lawless overreach, and it should serve as a reminder that our system of checks and balances still holds. But the fight to protect immigrant families and the rule of law is far from over. I will keep fighting in the Senate and alongside New Yorkers to defend the Constitution and the values that make this country worth believing in.”
White Plains High School graduates 567 from Class of 2026 at Westchester County Center
SPECIAL REPORT TO WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER FROM WHITE PLAINS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The White Plains High School Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Westchester County Center Thursday evening to officially graduate from high school and begin their next chapter. The commencement ceremony was marked by hundreds of proud family members and friends cheering on the 567 graduates.
The 129th annual Graduation Exercises began with a joint welcome from co-presidents of student government, Deya Allen and Neela Older. They reflected on their time in the White Plains City Public Schools, all leading up to this moment.
“After four years of studying, making friends, performing and finding new interests, I think we can speak on behalf of our class when I say we found ourselves, and a home, in White Plains,” said Deya.
In a bilingual speech, suited for the diverse student population of the high school, Principal Emerly Martinez recalled the legacy of former Superintendent Carrol Johnson, who led one of the first voluntary desegregation plans in the nation. Today, Dr. Johnson’s legacy lives on through the diversity that can be seen in White Plains schools every day, including classrooms where more than one language is spoken.
“Your story did not begin four years ago,” said Mr. Martinez. “It began long before that, shaped by the schools, the people, the community that brought you here. And in White Plains, that story connects to something larger, a long-standing belief in the power of public education to bring people together.”
Mr. Martinez touted the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as well as cautioning them that the time moves fast and to make the most of their opportunities.
“My hope is that you leave here not only prepared academically but prepared to engage the world with openness and respect,” he said. “You do not need to agree with everyone you meet, but you do need curiosity over judgment and respect over division. Carry forward what White Plains has shown for generations: that community is something we choose, we build together.”
Salutatorian Eliana Lieber connected the Class of 2026’s educational journey to a foundation, akin to the foundation beneath the skyline of New York City or the shifting skyline of the rapidly developing White Plains. The entire class has built their foundation, and now they will continue their development after graduation.
“The skyline around us will continue to grow and shift, as will our futures,” said Eliana. “We don’t know what comes next in our chapters. But we know that our foundation is solid, and we know that we have what it takes to support and be supported by the beautiful city around us. Thank you and congratulations to everyone.”
Valedictorian Nathan Beck highlighted a parable of a farmer who, through life-changing events seemingly good and bad, never made judgments on his life. When his neighbors commented on how lucky or unlucky he was, he just said “maybe.” Instead of making snap-judgements on their lives, Nathan urged the Class of 2026 to just live their lives since no one knows what will happen in the future.
“The stuff that ended up mattering most, the stuff that made us, us, wasn’t the stuff on the schedule. It was everything in between, and most of it, you can’t predict,” said Nathan. “Eighth grade me had no idea he’d be standing here. Zero. That kid couldn’t have imagined any of this. Not the people, not the moments, not even this version of himself. And if eighth grade me was that wrong about the future, then I think it’s safe to say, we have no idea what’s going to come next. And I mean that in the best possible way.”
Following a joint statement of appreciation from class co-presidents Eliana Liber and Alejandro Reluzco, the White Plains High School Symphony Orchestra played a song before an address to the graduates by Board of Education President Rosemarie Eller.
“This class has demonstrated resilience, excellence, and an ability to find joy while lifting one another up,” said Board President Eller. “You give us hope that our future will be bright because of the contributions you will make. As you navigate the next steps of your life, remember to use your voice. Stand up for what is right. Don’t be afraid to engage in difficult conversations. They will strengthen you and prepare you for the challenges ahead.”
Principal Emerly Martinez then presented the graduates to Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, certifying that they have met the requirements for graduation. Dr. Ricca echoed his sentiment that the students were ready and well-prepared from their time in White Plains schools.
“I think you’re fully prepared to lead us into the future,” said Dr. Ricca. “I think that you have the capability and skill set required to continue to learn, grow and improve, and make our world better. I believe in you. I think that you learned to be kind, I think that you learned to be inquisitive, dedicated and proud.”
Dr. Ricca officially accepted the graduates, and diplomas were presented to the students.
Students smiled and let out a sigh of relief as they crossed the stage and became graduates. Students from Rochambeau Alternative High School also graduated as a part of the Class of 2026. Graduates then tossed their caps in the air and began a night of celebration with their families and friends.
Highlands Middle School Class of 2026 moves up to high school
Rising ninth-grade students from Highlands Middle School took a big step on their educational path at the Westchester County Center Thursday afternoon, finishing their middle school journeys and moving up to high school. Five-hundred and eight students from the Highlands Class of 2026 were recognized as eighth grade graduates.
Interim Principal Joseph Spero, referencing the New York Knicks and their championship run, challenged the students to be confident. He explained how these students remind him of the championship team.
“For you, as soon-to-be ninth graders, the lessons, although simple, are very profound.
One, if you believe in yourself, it doesn’t matter who else does or does not believe in you. Two, when the game seems over, sometimes it’s just beginning. Three, if you work well with others, anything can be accomplished. And four, don’t let anyone else define what you’re capable of. Only you can determine your ceiling.”
Mr. Spero also pointed out the wheelchair, left in place for former student GianRaul Moreno Olivo, who passed away earlier in the year. GianRaul was one of the 508 students listed on the program as a graduate of Highlands.
Sophia Reinoso Medina, representing the Highlands Student Organization, spoke of her memories from early days of school at Eastview Middle School and Highlands Middle School.
“These are all memories that are usually forgotten,” she said. “But it is these kinds of minor events that led us here. All of us united at the County Center, to transition into a new, promising environment. I want you to look around. Take in this moment. Remember it and share it. We’ve gone through so much together and there’s still so much more to come.”
Mathew Cuenca Serrano, also representing the Highlands Student Organization, talked about how the past has prepared them to enter high school.
“We already know how to adapt to a non-familiar environment. You know how to bounce back, how to make new friends, and how to balance our time. As we leave middle school behind … Do not be afraid of the chances in high school. Embrace them. We already have shown what we are, so we know how to go. And, I have no doubt that over the next four years, every single one of us is going to absolutely grow. Let us make it our best years.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph L. Ricca talked about opportunities for the students as they become freshmen.
“New beginnings are opportunities, and they’re really pleasant. In fact, every day will bring new opportunities, new academic challenges to pursue, new friendships to make, old friendships maybe to repair or bolster, new faculty and staff members to work with, new opportunities to explore. Every day, every new beginning is an opportunity.”
A video tribute, created by the Video Production Club, played to a chorus of laughs as students remembered the moments leading up to their moving up. Students then received their certificates, officially becoming high schoolers.
