Bloom Where You Are Planted
HomeGrowing Ceremony at TYWLS Staten Island Sets the Stage for High School
The Young Women’s Leadership School (TYWLS) of Staten Island celebrated the launch of its high school in a brand new space! The beautifully designed building, at The Nicotra Group’s Corporate Commons Three campus, will allow TYWLS Staten Island, which began as a middle school in 2022, to grow to serve grades 6 to 12. With a rooftop farm, brand-new gymnasium, and light-filled classrooms, new and returning students started off their school year with joy and excitement.
Aisha Shepard, Principal of TYWLS Staten Island, welcomes guests to the HomeGrowing Ceremony 
Pin ceremony with sunflower-themed metal pins to commemorate the special day 
Student Leadership Network’s Founder Ann Tisch and philanthropists Lois and Richard Nicotra make the new building for TYWLS Staten Island possible 
TYWLS Staten Island’s Step Team 
Students lead a tour of the school building with elected officials 
Ann Tisch, Aisha Shepard, and TYWLS Staten Island’s inaugural high school students 
A supportive group hug between principals of TYWLS Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn 
Elected officials from the Staten Island community came together to celebrate the new school building for TYWLS students
To celebrate its new home, TYWLS Staten Island hosted a “HomeGrowing” ceremony to inspire students to bloom where they are planted. Principal Aisha Shepard, Student Leadership Network Founder Ann Tisch, and Student Leadership Network CEO Yolonda Marshall, welcomed guests to the event to mark this milestone moment. “Our future depends on your leadership and your voices,” said Yolonda. “What a perfect time for this year’s theme, ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted.’ You are planted in the most wonderful soil, a community that believes in you, supports you, and is ready to watch you thrive.”
HomeGrowing Highlights
Following a powerful performance by the school’s Step Team, ninth grader Ellen, who was part of the inaugural class of middle school students, reflected on why she loves TYWLS and is excited to continue her growth here. “The TYWLS sisterhood is so special to me. Some of my best memories include meeting the singer Ashanti, our eighth-grade prom, and making friends. I am so proud to start ninth grade here.” Following the speeches, Principal Shephard led the students in a pinning ceremony with sunflower-shaped pins and a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the start of their new journey into high school!
We extend our thanks to special community members who joined us for the HomeGrowing ceremony, including Lois and Richard Nicotra, School District 31 Superintendent Dr. Rodrick Palton, Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, NYC Councilmember David Carr, and Principals Catherine Mitchell, Devon Eisenberg, and Colleen McGeehan from TYWLS’ sister schools in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan!
About TYWLS Staten Island
Under the leadership of Founding Principal Aisha Shepard, TYWLS Staten Island has a thriving community culture that extends beyond school walls. Community Affirmation events take place each summer to welcome new families and explore the school’s guiding values of integrity, innovation, and impact. From a highly involved parent association to borough-wide recognition of Principal Shepard’s leadership, TYWLS Staten Island is a public middle and high school for girls and gender-expansive youth to grow, learn, and lead.
