Great things are happening in Albany's public schools!

Our students are doing extraordinary things.

There’s no shortage of great kids taking part in the great programs offered by the City School District of Albany. That’s why we highlighted 24 outstanding students in the 2012-13 school calendar.

Carlos Walker, pictured at right, is just one example. He’s a whiz at science and computers, which is fitting since he’s a student at the district’s themed elementary school with a focus on science and technology -- Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology, or TOAST.

The students were chosen by their principals because they stand out in a variety of ways. Some excel in academics. Others lead onstage, on the athletic fields or in the community. Some do all of the above.

All are successful – some despite extraordinary challenges they face on a daily basis – and serve as role models for their fellow students.

Choosing one student, or a few, to represent each school proved a challenge. In the end, though, we are proud to recognize these 24 outstanding young people for being part of what makes our schools great places to learn and grow.

To find out what makes each student extraordinary, click on his or her name below. 

• Albany High School

  • Natasia Brown

  • Alexis Cooley

  • Justin Dimase

  • Philo Germano

  • Shaiyah Lev

  • Miguel Mercedes

  • India Terrell

• Albany School of Humanities (ASH)

  • Will Bulmer

• Arbor Hill Elementary School

  • Nadira Taylor

• Delaware Community School

  • Leah Gonzalez

• Eagle Point Elementary School

  • Carly Ryan

• Giffen Memorial Elementary School

  • Lee Reh

• Montessori Magnet School

  • Dabar Zarzuela

• New Scotland Elementary School

  • Amina Hassy

• North Albany Academy

  • Faith Williams (elementary school)

  • Tasir Brown (middle school)

• Pine Hills Elementary School

  • Ferit Brace

• Schuyler Achievement Academy

  • Umama Kaurejo

• Sheridan Preparatory Academy

  • Howard Burden

• Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School

  • Misael Amaro

  • Marlesia Timmons

• Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST)

  • Carlos Walker

• William S. Hackett Middle School

  • Mitchell Ringwald

  • Bianka St. Juste