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Yonkers School Takes On Former Name To Honor Tradition

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The Yonkers Board of Education voted June 18 to rename Early College High School. The new name is Roosevelt High School – Early College Studies.

“We listened to what the community was saying, which was to honor the history of the school and the legacy of Roosevelt alumni,” board President Dr. Nader J. Sayegh said. “Former students, staff and families wanted the tradition to continue. We believe the new name honors both the school’s past and the rigorous Early College Studies program that has provided a solid academic foundation.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Yazrulo, former principal of Roosevelt High School, said he is happy about the reinstatement of the Roosevelt name.

“There is a tremendous amount of history that resonates throughout the hallways of this building, and I am extremely proud to be a part of returning the school’s namesake,” he said. “In addition, we have seen the instructional benefits of the Early College Studies program and the enthusiastic response of the students who participated in college courses.”

Roosevelt High School was built in 1926. Some of the more famous graduates include Ronald Garan Jr., a former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, and David Halberstam, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

Other well-known graduates of Roosevelt include Jimmy Kennedy and Doug Hogue, who both played in the NFL; and singers Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Mary J. Blige.

It was named a School in Need of Improvement before receiving a school improvement grant and changing the name to Early College High School in 2010. At that time, the school began partnering with local colleges and universities to provide students the chance to earn college credits toward an associate’s degree while still attending high school.

The Early College Class of 2014 earned 831 college credits.

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