City of Mount Vernon celebrates Rai Benjamin at Olympics watch party
![Rai Benjamin getting ready for race.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1723066296/mtvernoncsdorg/o1xsk1jptduljdmz8eki/IMG_2072.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1723066296/mtvernoncsdorg/o1xsk1jptduljdmz8eki/IMG_2072.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1723066296/mtvernoncsdorg/o1xsk1jptduljdmz8eki/IMG_2072.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1723066296/mtvernoncsdorg/o1xsk1jptduljdmz8eki/IMG_2072.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1723066296/mtvernoncsdorg/o1xsk1jptduljdmz8eki/IMG_2072.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1723066296/mtvernoncsdorg/o1xsk1jptduljdmz8eki/IMG_2072.jpg","width":2200}])
City of Mount Vernon celebrates Rai Benjamin at Olympics watch party
City of Mount Vernon residents gathered in the theater at The Doles Center with pride and enthusiasm to cheer on Class of 2015 Mount Vernon High School graduate Rai Benjamin for his semifinals race at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Benjamin won his heat of the 400-meter hurdles with ease and jogged through the finish line.
"I am ecstatic to see Rai compete in another Olympics and wish him the best of luck in the finals on Friday," said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. "It's wonderful to see the community come together and support him in such a big way. I hope Rai knows that the city of Mount Vernon will always be here to support him in all of his endeavors, and that we are immensely proud of all that he has accomplished thus far. Go win gold!"
During the event, spectators from all over Mount Vernon watched as each of the 100 and 400-meter relays played on the big screen. The last heat of the event was Rai’s turn. Benjamin spent the majority of the race at the front of the herd, earning first place and qualifying for the finals on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 3:45 p.m., where he will compete for the gold medal. Watch live on NBC and Peacock TV.
![Student-athletes honored for sportsmanship and academic achievement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1763147265/mtvernoncsdorg/hezbgq7thhoci0x6aeqk/FallsSportsAwards-20.jpg","width":2200}])
Twenty-eight student-athletes were honored Thursday for their sportsmanship and academic achievement during the Fall Sports Recognition Celebration.
![Pioneer League Kickoff game]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763143050/mtvernoncsdorg/vkgblwknhtlvfuhxzmjz/Pioneergame2025-2.jpg","width":1920}])
Yesterday marked the exciting opening game of Mount Vernon City School District's Pioneer League! Our team faced off against Mamaroneck’s Tigers in a thrilling soccer match. Congratulations to all the players for their hard work and sportsmanship—what a fantastic start to the season!
![Junior Achievement students from STEAM Academy teach financial literacy at NMZH]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1763140621/mtvernoncsdorg/oxom9tyjryoz6y2sxqit/JuniorAchievement-NM-8.jpg","width":2200}])
Students at Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School received valuable lessons in financial literacy Friday morning — taught not by their teachers, but by their older peers from the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.
![Mount Vernon's Jewel Box - Fall Festival]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752855455/mtvernoncsdorg/ueg85owfvyjytanmmczs/MountVernonsJewelBox.png","width":1920}])
Our Parent Resource Center located at Graham School is a one stop shop for families, providing them with the tools to exceed professionally and personally. The center, which opened during our Fall Festival last week, offers a variety of educational and engaging workshops to help the Mount Vernon community. We look forward to seeing you at the Parent Resource Center throughout the year, utilizing tools such as our computers to assist with job searches, resume building, and registering your children. #MtVernonShines.
![STEAM Academy senior Leonard Oduro turns talent into leadership on Board of Education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763135172/mtvernoncsdorg/ht6iflq9fytu8bm9qzry/MeetTheCreativePeopleInstagramPost800x445px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763135172/mtvernoncsdorg/ht6iflq9fytu8bm9qzry/MeetTheCreativePeopleInstagramPost800x445px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1763135172/mtvernoncsdorg/ht6iflq9fytu8bm9qzry/MeetTheCreativePeopleInstagramPost800x445px.png","width":800}])
As student ambassador on the Mount Vernon City School District Board of Education, STEAM Academy senior and fledgling author Leonard Oduro views his role as representing the voices of his classmates – as well as spreading the word about educational opportunities.
![MVCSD hosts annual Fall Festival]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762638105/mtvernoncsdorg/seoc9iycsucgxsvrqxyi/Fallfest2025-9.jpg","width":2200}])
Families throughout Mount Vernon spent Saturday afternoon at Graham School, engaging in fun-filled activities together at the district-wide Fall Festival. Community members learned about resources throughout the city, such as the Mount Vernon City School District Parent Resource Center (PRC).
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), plays an integral role in students’ habits of mind and skills such as collaboration, communication and critical thinking. These skills help students succeed in school and beyond. #MtVernonShines.
![State of the District Address delivered to faculty and staff]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1762444166/mtvernoncsdorg/wzyxyin84olhk1hpzupq/IMG_9136.jpg","width":2200}])
Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland addressed staff, teachers and administration during his State of the District yesterday, celebrating accomplishments and highlighting challenges during his first 125 days leading the District.