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3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

A young boy and an adult man sit in the foreground with tables of snacks and people in colorful clothing in the background.
3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

Young Scholars in grades sixth through eighth, along with their fathers and fatherly figures, congregated in the auditorium at Pennington School for the third annual Gentlemen’s Brunch. Esteemed professionals from across the City of Mount Vernon visited to discuss what it means to be a leader and how to overcome hardships.

Throughout the day, several individuals came to the school to speak with students including: 

  • Dr. Demario Strickland, Superintendent of Mount Vernon City School District
  • Jaevon Boxhill, City of Mount Vernon Councilman
  • Warren Mitchell, Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education Vice President
  • Dr. Chris McDonough, Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education trustee
  • Gregory Addison, Deputy Chief of Police in Mount Vernon
  • Torian Kendall, Mount Vernon City School District Special Education Supervisor

Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland started his session with a positive affirmation, asking the audience to repeat after him saying “I am my brother’s keeper.” He then invited students to think about a struggle they have had and what they will not allow anyone to take away from them. His session concluded with students discussing their responses with the Superintendent.

Leading up to the event, students participated in educational sessions to better understand themes such as no means no, toxic masculinity and what do you do after you fail. During the event, each panelist went up to the podium one by one to speak with students.

A man in a suit and a boy in a polo shirt sit at a table set with plates and cutlery, with a piano and chairs visible in the background.
Two young men are seated at a table with art supplies in the foreground, while other people are visible in the blurred background of a room.
A man in a suit talks to a young boy in a white polo shirt at a table set with plates and snacks, while other children and adults are visible in the blurred background.
Three young men stand in front of a locker and a wall adorned with artwork and inspirational words.
Two men, one in a hoodie and baseball cap, the other in a suit and tie, sit at a table with plates and drinks, while a blurred background suggests an indoor event.
A young boy with glasses and headphones holds a microphone in the foreground, while a man in a suit and tie stands beside him against a backdrop of blue curtains and a stage.


 

A colorful spinning wheel is projected onto a large screen in a room with tables and chairs in the foreground and people seated in the background.
Lottery for UPK-3 hosted at Board of Education

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.

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An end of the year message from Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland

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. 

A group of people stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a white screen, while an audience sits in a dark auditorium in the foreground.
PTA Council awards $1,000 Edith Kaplan Scholarships to 16 students

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. 

A young boy and an adult man sit in the foreground with tables of snacks and people in colorful clothing in the background.
3rd annual Gentleman's Brunch hosted at Pennington School

Young Scholars in grades sixth through eighth, along with their fathers and fatherly figures, congregated in the auditorium at Pennington School for the third annual Gentlemen’s Brunch. Esteemed professionals from across the City of Mount Vernon visited to discuss what it means to be a leader and how to overcome hardships.