Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Upstate Yearbook Photo: Teen Poses With His Cat, His Principal, Principal's Dog & Lasers
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 29, 2014
Modified Sep 29, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Sep 29, 2014
Modified Sep 29, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Earlier this month, an upstate NY high school student lobbied to have his school yearbook senior class photograph consist of an endearing portrait of himself with his cat Mr. Bigglesworth and some lasers. But the school declined, opting for uniformity. Nevertheless, Schenectady High School ultimately agreed to another compromise photograph. And it's spectacular.
Student Draven Rodriguez had initially argued, "I don’t want to go in the yearbook with the generic ‘I-look-like-everyone-else’ photo. I wanted a ‘He looks great. Only he would try that’ photo." When the photograph went viral, the school reached a compromise with the teen, opting to have him pose with Mr. Bigglesworth with school principal Diane Wilkinson and her dog Vivienne (and lasers).
According to Buzzfeed, "Vincent Giordano, the photographer behind the shoot, [said] Mr. Bigglesworth was very curious about all the lighting and camera gear and Vivienne was a little nervous at first. 'Diane and Draven were all laughs, they really enjoyed the photo session,' Giordano said. 'Vivienne and Mr. Bigglesworth really broke the rules of cats and dogs and got along famously for a trouble free photo session!'"
The photograph will be part of the principal's page and will raise awareness about the ASPCA and rescue animals.
Tagged
Draven Rodriguez
Mr Bigglesworth
schenectady high school
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .