A Decade of Dialogue: Pittsford Students Participate in 10th Anniversary ROC2Change Summit 

On March 19, 2026, 15 dedicated students from Mendon and Sutherland High Schools joined over 350 student leaders from 40 Rochester-area schools to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ROC2Change Student Summit on Race. Pittsford participants included Mendon High School students Taylor Cates, Leiraliz Marcano, Omarria Phillips, Analiyah Rivera, Leilani Robles, Michayella Touloute and Katherine Warne; and Sutherland High School students Carlisia Clark, Rayah Duval, Rihan Gebreegziabher, Kayla Pierre, Evelyn Lin, Jade Litchfield, Aniyah Matthews, and Nariah Newton. 

Organized by students for students, the summit’s purpose is to empower youth to use their voices for change by equipping them to build anti-racism movements in their homes, schools, and broader community. “We are proud of our students for choosing to lead, listen, and persist in the work of creating a more inclusive community,” said Pittsford Schools’ Superintendent Shana Cutaia. 

This year’s theme, “Celebrate. Belong. Persist.” was brought to life by host districts West Irondequoit, East High/RCSD, and Gates Chili. The summit is held twice a year, in spring and fall.