Rochester City School Gets Formally Named

By Carlet Cleare

Rochester, NY – Rochester City School No. 10 is named in honor of a former New York State Regent from Rochester.

Dr. Walter Cooper Academy opened its doors in September, but an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday. The honoree himself was on hand for the event.

Cooper says knowledgeable kids help make a viable global economy.

"I would hope that this institution here would set an example for the future, for the future in Rochester, in the future of New York State and this nation," Cooper says. "I dedicate myself to my children here to do whatever is possible to aid and assist them in their education."

Students at the school presented Cooper with books that reflected the schools values: integrity, compassion, perseverance, courage and responsibility. The school is the second of the district's expeditionary learning schools, which put greater emphasis on inquiry-based learning compared to more traditional school settings. The World of Inquiry School No. 58 was the first.

Cooper was the first African-American to earn a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Rochester, and was a founding member of Action for a Better Community and the Urban League of Rochester. Cooper served a Regent from the Seventh Judicial District for almost 10 years. He still serves on Regents committees.