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Celebrating ELOC student ambassadors' success in Albany

Celebrating ELOC student ambassadors' success in Albany

At the invitation of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Environmental Leaders of Color (ELOC) student ambassadors made a notable impact during their presentation in Albany on January 15, 2025. This talented group of nine ambassadors from Westchester County, which included two Mount Vernon City School District students, comprising Kalyn, Ava, Kelvin, K.B., Josiah, and Joseph, showcased their skills, with Hawa, Jahneil, and Maya taking the lead as primary presenters. Together, they delivered an exceptional presentation centered around the "Don't Strain Your Drain" campaign. 

Each ambassador brought unique insights, stressing the importance of recycling used cooking oil and raising awareness about the harmful environmental effects of disposing of oil down the drain or in the trash. Their enthusiasm and commitment resonated deeply with DEC members, Assembly Member Gary Pretlow, and other legislative representatives, illustrating the power of young environmental advocates. The DEC members were so impressed by the student’s knowledge and thought-provoking questions that they expressed a keen interest in further collaboration, recognizing the ambassadors' potential to drive meaningful change.

ELOC extended a heartfelt thank you to Assembly Member J. Gary Pretlow for his unwavering support. His inspiring introduction set a positive tone for the presentation and played a key role in engaging the audience right from the start. ELOC expressed genuine gratitude for his dedication to the organization’s mission since its onset and for his belief in the capabilities of young environmental leaders. This campaign is made possible thanks to the financial support from Restore America’s Estuaries and Con Edison, whose vital contributions have allowed ELOC’s initiatives to flourish.

As the students continue their community campaign in Westchester County, they demonstrate the significant impact that youth can have on their surroundings. They plan to reach out to residents through social media, community events, podcasts, printed materials, local organizations, and word of mouth to collect used cooking oil and guide people on how to dispose of it in barrels located at designated sites listed at https://eloc.earth/dont-strain-your-drain/. Their achievements are a point of pride for students, parents, and guardians, representing a promising future for environmental advocacy.
 

Dr. Smith and Betty Rosa

Today, Friday, February 14, 2025, marks the two-year anniversary of Dr. K. Veronica Smith’s first day as Acting Superintendent. Join the Mount Vernon City School District in wishing her a happy anniversary! In these two years, the District has emphasized its commitment to its scholars. Through the Back to Basics, Forward to Mastery approach, where teachers are getting back to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, the District has seen great academic improvements, leading graduation rates and test scores to trend upward. 

Yanick and Anna Valinda

Yanick St. Cyr and Anna Valinda Mendy, Mount Vernon High School 12th-grade Nursing Assistant Program students, volunteered at the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) SkillsUSA Regional Competition on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Center for Career Services. Yanick and Anna are also in the SkillsUSA Club at MVHS.

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The Mount Vernon City School District’s superintendent search survey, conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), has been extended to Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., to allow for further engagement with the community. HYA will present their leadership profile report at the Board of Education on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

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