One hundred seventy-three students from Mount Vernon STEAM Academy graduate high school

One hundred seventy-three seniors at the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy officially ended their high school careers Wednesday afternoon at Mount Vernon High School to loud cheers, hearty congratulations and words of wisdom from fellow graduates and several speakers, including keynote speaker Maame Forson, STEAM Class of 2021 graduate and Harvard University Class of 2025 graduate. Click here to view photos from the day! 

The master of ceremonies for the graduation was Assistant Principal Anjanette Brown, and it started off with graduate Alma Perdona singing The National Anthem followed by special guest performer Gladys Mitchell performing a rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Afterwards, Class President Ethan Williams-Fertil gave his welcoming address to the audience, talking about the accomplishments the class has achieved in just four years.

Click here to view photos from the day! 

“As you may know, the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Class of 2025 raised over $50,000,” Ethan said. “We made history—breaking records across the District. We offered the lowest-cost prom tickets in school history, became the highest fundraising class, and accomplished so much more. Watching the ideas that my friends, family, and I dreamed up come to life—and actually make an impact—was something I’ll never forget.”

Then, Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith offered the class a few words of advice as they embark on their new adventures during trying times.

“Let the hard seasons remind you that even in the dark, something beautiful is forming. Just as a butterfly breaks free from its cocoon, may you continue to emerge with grace, freedom and purpose - transformed by the journey, not defined by the struggle,” she said.

“This is not just a celebration of an ending, but the beginning of everything still to come. You were created with purpose, for purpose, and your story is far from over,” she added.

The Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, Shawyn Patterson-Howard went to the podium to speak about the skills and lessons they’ve learned throughout their high school careers, that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

“Mount Vernon STEAM Academy is not just a school, it’s a launching pad. It's a place where you not only mastered the intricacies of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, but you've also cultivated critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative spirit,” she said. “They will serve you well into your future. You are the innovators, the problem solvers, the leaders of today and tomorrow. You carry the spirit of Mount Vernon with you. And I know your journey hasn't been easy.”

Click here to view photos from the day! 

Before moving onto the salutatory and valedictory addresses, the school recognized two of their retirees, math teachers Yue Jacobs and Peter Palij, as well as a moment of silence for beloved educator of STEAM Academy, Miram Allen, who sadly passed away this spring. Salutatorian Aidan Forman then began his remarks by comparing the pressures of high school to the process of how diamonds are formed, under immense pressure.

“Now that we’ve made it to this moment, I feel like I’m expected to deliver some kind of deep wisdom—like I’ve cracked the code to life just by surviving high school. I haven’t. But I did come across a quote that stuck with me,” he said.

“Take time for yourself. Pressure creates diamonds, yes, but it also creates rubble. And honestly? That hit harder than I expected,” Aidan said.

“We’ve all been under pressure these past few years—some of it academic, some personal and some just the general weight of growing up in a world that doesn’t come with a guidebook,” he continued. “And while pressure can turn people into high-achieving, polished diamonds—it can also leave us feeling overwhelmed, scattered, like we’re crumbling.”

But he stressed that the feeling is normal.

‘It doesn’t mean we’ve failed. What matters is how we respond. Because whether you feel like a diamond or a pile of rubble today, both are part of something being shaped. It just takes time—and effort,” he said.

Click here to view photos from the day! 

Valedictorian Isaac Alvarado Calderon took to the stage and profusely thanked his friends, classmates and teachers for everything they did to help him on his high school journey. 

“We are here to celebrate one more stage of our lives, to acknowledge the significant growth we have undergone, and to celebrate the fact that we are here, alive, joyful and committed to growing with the ones we love and the ones we will love in the future,” he said.
Alvardo, who hails from Ecuador, took the opportunity to thank his close family.

“And I thank the person I love most in this world: my mother, Loyda Calderon. Thanks to her, I'm standing here with this funny hat, up on this podium, crying with joy,” Alvarado said. “She spent years of her life working and hoping for this moment, and there are no words strong enough to express my gratitude. 

“I also thank my biological dad and stepdad, who have both been great examples and have guided me through life with wisdom and care,” he added.

Alumni Ahira Ziegler, Class of 2024, then performed Rise Up, by Andra Day, inspiring students to rise to any challenges life may throw at them before STEAM Principal Dr. Christopher Pearce gave his address.

Click here to view photos from the day! 

Dr. Pearce referred to the graduating seniors as shining stars and diamonds – using geology and astronomy to describe how they were formed amid pressure.

“Stars and diamonds are formed after going through a process. Stars coalesce from interstellar dust until the density/pressure/temperature are sufficient to begin fusion,” he said.

Dr. Pearce noted that high school can be a high-pressure period in a student’s life, echoing Aidan Forman’s remarks.

 “As a rising star at MV STEAM, you encountered a multitude of pressures, including academic expectations, social dynamics and anxieties about the future,” he said. “However, with grit and purpose, you moved full steam ahead, and today, you shine and sparkle brilliantly like a diamond in the sky in your royal colors of gold and blue.”

The principal assured the fledgling adults that they have nothing to fear “because you possess the potential, energy and mindset to withstand the kinetic pressures of life.”

“So, be your best self and let your light shine like diamonds in the sky,” he concluded.

Click here to view photos from the day! 

The final speech of the afternoon was given by STEAM Class of 2021 graduate and recent Harvard University graduate Maame Forson. She spoke about the importance of taking care of your mental health and coming back for the 2025 - 2026 school year to launch her program I.N.S.P.I.R.E., to help students understand more about mental health and how to take care of themselves.

“It starts with reducing stigma and normalizing talking about how you feel, and also increasing access to mental health resources,” she said. “That's why I created I.N.S.P.I.R.E., a mentorship program that I'm launching this fall, as Ms. Brown said. I.N.S.P.I.R.E. stands for initiative for nurturing student potential through insight, readiness, and education”.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation and declaration of diplomas, with the 173 graduates walking across the stage one-by-one to receive their diplomas and turning their tassels, marking a monumental milestone in their lives. The auditorium roared with applause and cheers and families and loved ones supported them in this unforgettable moment.