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Barbara Abbey is proud to serve as Principal of Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School, bringing more than 30 years of educational experience — including more than two decades in the Mount Vernon City School District — to the role. Ms. Abbey is excited to return to the school and build on the strong relationships she has established with students, families and staff. She believes every child can succeed when supported by caring educators, engaged families and a school community that fosters high expectations, belonging and opportunity.

When the Mayo Clinic selected just 100 high school students nationwide for its inaugural Pre-College Healthcare Academy, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy student Kylie Jewelz Robinson earned one of those coveted spots. The rising junior earned a full scholarship to attend the highly selective program hosted by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science at the University of Minnesota Rochester. Running from July 12 through July 24, the academy introduces students to careers in medicine through hands-on learning, mentorship and immersive experiences with healthcare professionals. 

We are excited to share that the Mount Vernon City School District has been awarded a New York State Smart Scholars Grant, providing a unique opportunity for a select group of students to participate in the Smart Scholars Early College High School Program.

Joseph Engelhardt, the principal of Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, brings more than two decades of educational leadership and classroom experience to his new role. He began his career as a teacher in New York City, where he taught mathematics, science and finance to students in Brooklyn and Manhattan while coaching a variety of athletic programs. Those early experiences shaped his belief that strong relationships, high expectations and meaningful opportunities empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

For the sixth year, the Mount Vernon City School District is offering prekindergarten for three-year-olds (UPK-3). A lottery was held on Thursday afternoon for the upcoming 2026-27 school year to occupy the 60 spots available.

After two years of intensive classroom instruction, clinical training and countless hours practicing patient-care skills, a group of Mount Vernon High School graduates can now proudly call themselves Certified Nursing Assistants. The recent grads have passed the rigorous Prometric Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Exam, earning New York State certification and receiving their coveted pins following the completion of the school's two-year Career and Technical Education nursing assistant program.

They’ve been thoroughly inspired! Students in the INSPIRE after school program at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy wrapped up the year with their inaugural Starbound Scholars Celebration last week. Students were recognized for their accomplishments in the mentorship program, which just completed its first year. 

My first year as superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District has been unforgettable, thanks to the support and dedication of our families, students, faculty, and staff. It has been my honor to serve this community and work toward building a brighter future for all of us. This was a successful year, and I want you to know that every bit of it was felt and heard. We faced real challenges and grew stronger because of them, and the progress we made together touched me deeply. It belonged to every family, student, teacher, and staff member who showed up and gave this district their best. 

Under the evening sky and a brisk breeze at the Stadium at Memorial Field, Mount Vernon High School celebrated its 148th commencement ceremony on Thursday as 196 graduates marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another. The graduates made their way to the field for a ceremonial walk in front of the reviewing stand, where district leaders, school officials and guests looked on. Check out photos from the day here! 

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! This week, we honored all of our high school graduates in a memorable and meaningful way. This monumental milestone is one to be immensely proud of, and I know our students will continue on the path of success.
#MtVernonShines

Members of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Class of 2026 were reminded Thursday that the curiosity, creativity and critical thinking they developed over four years will serve as the foundation for lives of purpose and impact. Families, friends, faculty and administrators filled the auditorium of Mount Vernon High School, where STEAM Assistant Principal Anjanette Brown served as master of ceremonies for a celebration that honored academic achievement, as well as the collaborative spirit that defines the school’s experience.

The Denzel Washington School of the Arts celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Wednesday, sending a talented group of young artists and scholars into the next act of their lives with cheers, music and heartfelt gratitude. The commencement ceremony was as much a performance as it was a celebration, blending artistic expression with academic achievement in a way that has become the hallmark of the Mount Vernon school. Family members, friends, faculty and community leaders filled the auditorium, cheering each graduate as they crossed the stage after years of honing not only their artistic talents but also their voices, confidence and resilience.

Thirty-six Mount Vernon City School District educators were awarded with tenure at the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday. These three administrators and 33 teaching staff members earned their tenure through four-plus years of dedicated support of their students and colleagues. 

Sixteen students from the Class of 2026 were awarded with $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships from the Mount Vernon PTA Council at the Board of Education meeting this Tuesday. The scholarships, raised through the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance, will help support the students' college goals, which were highlighted as they received the scholarships. 

Last week, Grimes School celebrated Father's Day with their Donuts for Dads event! Fathers and father figures enjoyed a fun-filled morning with their children, including donut painting activities and a lively trivia competition. The dads were highly competitive, bringing lots of energy, laughter, and excitement to the event.