Early College High School Program students presented with pin and certificate of excellence
On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy celebrated each of the 75 students in the Smart Scholars program. Early College High School Program students were also presented with a pin and certificate of excellence at the board of education meeting.
Dr. Bennett-Conroy stresses the importance of putting students and families first. She discussed how proud she was that these scholars were going above and beyond to stick with these classes.
“When Mercy College came down to register these students, I was at STEAM (Academy) and I stood there like a proud mother,” said Dr. Bennett-Conroy.
During the meeting, students from each school also had the opportunity to speak about what the program means to them.
“When I started this program in the ninth grade, I had no idea what to expect,” said Charlize Polanco, an eleventh-grader at Denzel Washington School of the Arts. “This program has provided a great educational experience and I am one of the great scholars to soon achieve an associate degree.”
“I think that to be a Smart Scholar student you have to be endeavoring and always trying to achieve more,” said Iniesta Williams, an eleventh-grade student at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.
The Smart Scholar grant is a federal grant that funds the Early College High School Program and provides students with an opportunity to take college courses while still attending high school. The program propels students ahead not only academically but also financially. While earning their high school degree, students will have completed 60 college credits that can be transferred to any college.
“When you are a high school student taking college classes your mindset changes,” said Tah'Nyla Greenaway, an eleventh-grade student at Mount Vernon High School. “You think about what is important and your responsibilities.”
“Join me in saluting our committed and diligent scholars,” said Dr. Bennett-Conroy. “They have made us very proud.
To learn more about this program please visit our website at: https://www.mtvernoncsd.org/departments/school-improvement/academic-supports/smart-scholars-program
Principals throughout the district set up tables with brochures highlighting the District’s accomplishments at the Mount Vernon High School cafeteria to showcase their school for potential applicants during the Mount Vernon City School District Community Fair on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Secondary students in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council stood in front of the room and showed off their leadership skills during their presentations on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Each student was given a scenario where they would need to lead, and they presented the methods they would use to reach their goal.
Cheers erupted with every basket made in the Mount Vernon High School gym, as students with disabilities from Mount Vernon High School and Woodlands High School competed in a game of basketball on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The game was held through the New York State Pioneer League, which provides students with disabilities the opportunity to play on a team.
The winners of the Mount Vernon City School District “Biggest Loser” challenge gathered around the Education Center with smiling faces, holding their plaques and checks during the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Another friendly face took place as superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District for a day on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Dr. Colleen Seivright-Crawford, principal at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, fulfilled the position of superintendent for Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith’s “Superintendent for a Day,” series. In exchange, Dr. Smith served as the principal at Mount Vernon Leadership Academy.
The annual Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance hosted by the Mount Vernon PTA Council was a night filled with music, laughter, celebration and a strong sense of community. The event, held on Friday, April 12, 2024, not only raised money to provide scholarships to seniors from all four high schools in Mount Vernon, but also celebrated the accomplishments of 20 exceptional individuals within the District.
Dear PTA Council,
Thank you for hosting the wonderful Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance last week. I am always happy to see the amazing faculty and staff in Mount Vernon schools be recognized, and I am so grateful for the money raised to support our graduates.
Click here to view the remainder of the letter from Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith