Learning in Action Day showcases strength, opportunity at White Plains High School

White Plains High School opened its doors to local leaders for Learning in Action Day on Monday, offering city and school officials a comprehensive picture of the building through presentations, student voices and a tour of classrooms in session.

Mayor Justin Brasch joined members of the City Council and Board of Education, along with other community and school leaders, for the visit, which was designed to show WPHS from a broader perspective than a typical state report card can provide.

Also welcomed were White Plains Teachers’ Association President Kara McCormick-Lyons and Douglas Cronk, president of the White Plains Administrators and Supervisors Association.

An overview by the principal

Principal Emerly Martinez opened the event by telling the group that the goal was not simply to review data, but to understand the school in a deeper and more complete way.

“This is really a chance to see learning in action in White Plains High School and to look at it in a different perspective than I think we’re used to seeing, which is your typical standard New York State report,” Mr. Martinez said in the Media Center.

“I think you will see that vision and mission threaded throughout today’s conversations because I believe it’s a living thing. It’s not just on paper,” he said, framing the event as an opportunity to show how WPHS stands out as a large and diverse institution that serves a broad range of students.

He noted that the school is the second-largest high school in Westchester County and said that size brings both complexity and opportunity.

“So you can see that we are a pretty diverse community, and we’re really proud of that diversity,” he said. “Because that’s what makes us a great school. Our diversity, our community, the support that we have for our Tigers, as well as the opportunities that we have.”

He urged visitors to look beyond test scores and consider the broader picture, including counseling support, advanced coursework, arts, STEM offerings, athletics and outcomes across student groups.

“We can walk and chew gum at the same time,” he said to chuckles from the audience. “We can do it all. And we do it well.”

Mr. Martinez described the school’s structure, in which each house has administrators, counselors, social workers and a community liaison to help ensure students are known and supported. He pointed to the school’s 53 college and Advanced Placement courses, 16 STEM, engineering and computer science offerings and 24 fine arts courses, along with an extensive athletics program and strong partnerships with colleges and community groups.

He also highlighted the district’s continuing investment in the future, including the new addition rising along North Street that will house career and technical education spaces, including culinary arts, robotics, multimedia and science classrooms.

“The big picture is that the strength of White Plains is not just its outcomes,” Mr. Martinez said, “but it’s in the commitment to serving every student while providing meaningful opportunities for all.”

Student panelists address visitors

A centerpiece of the event was a panel of seven seniors introduced by Assistant Principal Gaetano Vitiello. The panelists were Brandon Archer, Francis Fokue-Nkoutche, Nicole Mera, Neela Older, Deya Allen, Eliana Lieber and Emanuel Vanegas-Ocampo. Their remarks gave the audience a student-level view of the school’s academic, extracurricular and personal impact.

Asked what experience at White Plains had the greatest lasting impact, Francis pointed to science research.

“The first thing that comes to mind, I’d probably say the science research program,” he said. “It allowed me to kind of explore a little bit more on the technical side of things.”

He said the program exposed him to competitions, new people and a wide variety of interests in science.

“It also exposed me to a big diversity of thought,” Francis said. “I got to see projects and people who were really passionate about a lot of different areas in science.”

Neela said her leadership experiences in student government, Key Club and the Student Athletic Leadership Team helped build independence because students are expected to truly carry out their responsibilities.

“They definitely make sure you’re in your position,” she said. “The adults don’t do it all for you, and I think it helps my independence.”

Emanuel said the school’s support systems have been especially meaningful to him.

“As a first-generation student, classes like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) really are of great help to guide you through what college is, what comes with it,” he said. “The school offers great support and great resources for us to navigate life.”

Brandon said White Plains has been shaped by a strong menu of extracurricular opportunities, especially through White Plains Youth Bureau programming.

“I just love all the different programs that they have offered for people from all the way up to my age in high school,” he said. “And I think that experience has helped me know what I want to do in the future as an adult.”

Eliana reflected on beginning in the district’s dual language program at Post Road Elementary School and being able to continue Spanish studies through high school, eventually taking AP Spanish.

“It’s something that I’ve been able to follow since elementary school, which is definitely going to help me in the future as well because I know two languages now,” said Eliana, the 2026 salutatorian and National Merit Scholarship Semfinalist.

Nicole, who said she was born and raised in White Plains, emphasized the community’s diversity and openness.

“I think the great thing about White Plains is that it’s a very diverse community and that we have so many opportunities, no matter whoever you are,” she said.

 The students also spoke about specific opportunities that have opened doors for them.

Emanuel described My Brother’s Keeper as a major influence, saying it has helped him build leadership and public-speaking skills. Francis and Eliana both highlighted community service opportunities, with the latter noting that students can earn transcript credit for every 60 hours of service and that the program helps connect students to meaningful work in the community.

Asked how WPHS has prepared them for what comes next, students pointed to both formal programs and the broader experience of being part of such a large and vibrant school community.

Nicole credited AVID with helping her develop academically and personally while also exposing her to college visits and future planning. Emanuel said the school’s large curriculum helped him discover his interests by allowing him to try different areas, including engineering before deciding on business. Neela said attending a large, spirited high school helped her realize she wanted a similar atmosphere in college.

The students’ answers also underscored what makes them proud of the school. Brandon said the diversity of its community is one of its greatest gifts.
“I think something that makes me proud to be a White Plains High School student is the amount of diversity we have here,” he said. “We are able to have discussions with people of multiple backgrounds.”

Francis said that same diversity allows students to be exposed to many walks of life and also praised the school for encouraging open discussion of serious topics in class.

Nicole pointed to the school’s extensive offerings and said friends in other districts are often surprised by the number of classes, programs and clubs available.

Deya said she feels supported by staff, teachers and fellow students, while Eliana praised both the size of the student body and the ability students have to pursue interests and even start new clubs.

When city officials asked students what government leaders could do better, Nicole offered a thoughtful call for officials to listen carefully to young people.

“We are the future,” Nicole said. “We are your future Board of Ed, your future lawyers, your future doctors, your future teachers and your future council.”
She urged leaders to listen not just to high school students but also to younger children.

“Listen to 17-year-olds here on the student panel, listen to your younger ones in the elementary school,” she said. “We may be young, but we are the people who are building the future.”

Mayor Brasch responded by thanking the students and explaining the relationship between city government and the school district.

“We’re here to listen and you’re inspiring us to work harder and to do better,” the mayor said.

He also noted that the city and school district are separate entities, telling students that municipal government oversees departments such as police, fire, sanitation, the Youth Bureau and parks, while the school district is led independently by the superintendent and Board of Education.

Teachers, administrators describe their roles

After the student panel and a tour of several classrooms in session, Assistant Principal Raegan Figueroa introduced a panel of school leaders and staff members: science research teacher Kim Fleming; Assistant Principal Sara Hall; AVID teacher Jen Stein; house administrator Monique Adams; Rochambeau Alternative High School Director Khali Murrell; community service coordinator Amy Geiger; and Assistant Athletic Director Mike Chappas.

Ms. Figueroa, who said she has been an administrator in the building for about 15 years and oversees special-education programs, said the school works every day to empower students through its many opportunities and supports.

Mr. Chappas spoke about athletics as an extension of the school’s educational mission, saying the department is about far more than wins and losses.

“At its core, our department is more than scores and trophies and game-night lights,” he said. “It’s education in action.”

He said students learn resilience, teamwork, discipline and leadership through sports, and noted that more than 1,000 students in grades 7 through 12 took part in interscholastic athletics this fall. He also highlighted the district’s summer academy, scholar-athlete recognition and the many facility upgrades made possible through district support, from turf fields and tennis courts to scoreboards and live-streaming capabilities.

“Our goal remains clear: to increase participation across all demographics, continue recruiting and retaining outstanding coaches, improving facilities, enhancing our summer programming opportunities, ensuring every Tiger feels they belong on a team,” he said.

Ms. Geiger described a longstanding community service program that, while not required, is deeply encouraged and woven into the life of the school. Students can earn nonacademic community service credit on their transcripts, and many use those experiences to strengthen college and job applications while also helping others.

“Our students have worked in many different areas in our community,” Ms. Geiger said, citing partnerships with PTAs, neighborhood associations, White Plains Hospital, the White Plains Library and City Hall.

She said the program benefits both students and the wider community.

“Our students are enthusiastic. They are fun. They are very willing, and I’m told they arrive on time,” she said. “What else could we ask for?”
 Ms. Murrell offered a window into Rochambeau Alternative High School, describing it as a small but successful program built on relationships, individualized attention and flexible pathways to graduation. She said many of its students face substantial challenges, but the school remains highly focused on helping them succeed.

“Relationships really are the foundation of Rochambeau,” Ms. Murrell said.

She noted that last year, 16 of 17 seniors graduated and said the school expected another strong graduation rate this year, while also celebrating student scholarships and college acceptances.

“We really are the little engine that could,” she said.

Ms. Adams spoke about My Brother’s Keeper, explaining that White Plains was among the first communities in New York State to answer the call of the Obama-era initiative focused on improving outcomes for boys and young men of color. She said White Plains is approaching its 10th year as an MBK community and has earned national certification through the Obama Foundation.

“There really isn’t a better sign of how well a community is doing than how well its children are doing,” Ms. Adams said.

She said MBK is part of the district’s work to ensure that “all the children are well,” offering mentorship, fellowship and leadership opportunities for students.

The event also included real-time examples of students applying their learning to civic issues.

In the hallway, student Amanda Ramos stopped the mayor to ask for feedback on a team project tackling affordable housing through a proposed “smart green residential hub” that would include apartments, a community center and educational and training services.

Amanda later said the chance encounter was especially valuable because her team, preparing for a Business Olympics presentation at Iona University, had been hoping to get the mayor’s thoughts but were unsure whether time would allow it.

“That was actually perfect for us,” Amanda said. “We really wanted to get something from the mayor.”

Dr. Joseph Ricca cites 'permanent smile'

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Ricca closed the morning by praising the students and staff and reflecting on what the visit revealed about White Plains High School and the district as a whole.

“I have a permanent smile on my face when I walk in here,” Dr. Ricca said. “What a wonderful opportunity for our students and our staff.”

He said the “golden thread” of the morning was the district’s effort to make education as meaningful and individualized as possible.

“We really do strive to make an individualized experience,” Dr. Ricca said. “It’s not a cookie-cutter approach to education.”

He also praised the White Plains Board of Education for quietly but effectively supporting the work of schools and said the district is constantly seeking to improve.

“We know we’re not perfect,” Dr. Ricca said. “But at the same time, we’re always striving to be perfect for that individual child.”

He closed by connecting the strength of the school district to the strength of the city itself.

“The reason why the White Plains City School District community is so special is the same reason why the city of White Plains is so special,” Dr. Ricca said. “It’s the people.”