No more drama.
The Rachel Carson High School for Coastal Studies graduated its first students last week.
The graduation ceremony, held at Kingsborough Community College, was a celebration of sorts for the once−troubled school.
“I feel wonderful about it,” said Principal Edward Wilensky, who joined the school in December 2006. “The students have done very well. They went from turmoil to academics. We focused on academics and we all succeeded.”
When Rachel Carson opened in 2005, it made headlines when its founding principal was removed and later arrested for allegedly stealing school money. Parents and students held demonstrations to demand the administrator’s reinstatement. Tensions were so high that city Education Department officials considered closing the school.
Eventually, Wilensky joined Rachel Carson and set a calmer tone, which helped turn things around.
“I credit it to really great teachers, a good administrative staff, and a family−like atmosphere between the students, the parents, our community partners and the staff,” Wilensky said.
