Dear Students, Staff, Families, and Alumni of Stuyvesant High School, 

My name is Seung Yu, and I am so excited and proud to have the opportunity to join this extraordinary school community. To serve as the next principal of Stuyvesant High School is to assume the responsibility of upholding the exemplary qualities that define this unique institution and a calling to build on a school culture that nurtures and prepares our young people to make their mark on the world. It is a great responsibility I pledge to fulfill. 

Our school's mission “to instill the intellectual, moral and humanistic values necessary for each child to achieve his/her maximum potential as a student and as a caring citizen of the world" resonates deeply with me. It is my aspiration to see our young people serve as scholars engaged in spirited interactions that broadens their perspectives and leads to them being kinder, more empathetic individuals. Moreover, I believe that the indelible experiences provided by Stuyvesant serve as a springboard for leadership and future success. Our students can explore their interests through clubs and activities, participate in competitive athletics and team sports, cultivate their artistic talents, and stimulate their intellect among peers. My goal is to ensure that every student has the confidence to excel in every endeavor they pursue and to take advantage of the opportunities Stuyvesant offers by surrounding them with caring adults who foster the conditions for excellence. 

While I am excited to begin this journey at Stuyvesant, I am sensitive to the myriad of emotions you may be feeling due to the uncertainties of the new school year and the overall unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19. My singular focus in the coming weeks will be to listen and learn from you as we lay the foundation for our partnership. Furthermore, during this leadership transition, I will work closely with Superintendent Orlen and the entire Stuyvesant staff to continue preparations for the new year. I want to thank Principal Contreras for his leadership in guiding our school community for the past four years and appreciate his contributions to Stuyvesant High School. 

In the coming weeks, as you learn more about me, I am confident you will see that we share similar values. Like many of you, I am a parent who wants my children to have educational experiences that help them develop into independent thinkers, caring citizens, and self-sufficient adults. Like many of you, I am a lifelong student who continues to deepen my own knowledge and stay intellectually curious. Like many of you, I am an educator who believes in the power of teaching and learning to help young people pursue a fulfilling, purposeful life. Our