City officials held an empowerment rally in the Bronx on Friday to encourage students to stay motivated in the classroom.

The rally came just hours away from the deadline for the vaccine mandate for Department of Education employees and as students continue battle the pandemic in classes with masks.

Teachers, staff and empowerment coaches joined together to empower hundreds of students to strive for success in the classroom and in their personal and professional goals. 

Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter made an appearance at the rally and hyped the kids up ahead of the challenging school year. She encouraged the students to stay true to themselves while also reaching their highest potential.

The rally also came days after two slashings erupted outside of Truman High School in Co-op City.

City Council member Kevin Riely says the event was planned prior to the violent incidents, and he apologized for failing the students when it comes to safety.

Participating students and staff were from Bronx Health Sciences High School, which is one of multiple schools at the Truman High School campus.