'This one reaches deep:' Shooting victim Jaquayla Young was beloved leader at East High

In pictures, Jaquayla Young is smiling. Not a toothy smile. More of a grin. Modeling a formal gown for prom. Taking selfies.

The 2019 East High graduate was an Urban League of Rochester Black Scholar, a school ambassador, captain of the cheerleading team and member of the track team.

"She was an incredible young woman," said East High Superintendent Shaun Nelms. "It's so hard. She did everything you would want your own child to do."

Young was one of two teens killed at a house party early Saturday morning in northeast Rochester. Police say both were innocent bystanders in a gunfight between multiple people that lasted over a minute, with more than 40 rounds fired.

Young was attending Monroe Community College.

But her loss was felt deeply at the high school where she remained active. She came back to help with homecoming and had stayed involved with the cheerleading team.

"It's a huge loss for our school. She was so beloved," said Eric Robinson, the athletic director at East. "Our coaches are really struggling right now."

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He points to Young as one of the students who was integral in helping to rebuild the school in recent years from a failing school, facing closure, to one heralded as a model for success. She could be counted on to lead, and was a positive force. She volunteered in elementary schools while participating in East's Teaching & Learning Institute, a program for students interested in a career in education.

At the top of her Facebook profile is written two things: "Maintaining Focus | Positive Vibes."

"She was a person who was pretty soft spoken in the school, but one her peers really looked up to," Robinson said. "This one reaches deep."

Contact reporter Brian Sharp at bdsharp@gannett.com or at 585-258-2275. Follow him on Twitter @sharproc. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.

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