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Four MVHS become certified nursing assistants

MVHS Nursing Assistants outside Sarah Neuman facility
Four MVHS become certified nursing assistants

Four outstanding Mount Vernon High School students became certified nursing assistants after completing the school's Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) this year. Ryan Castillo, Anna Valinda Mendy, Kimora Morrison and Sienna Regman are now certified nursing assistants as of June 20, 2025.

"This program is important to Mount Vernon High School students, as it allows an entryway into the health career pathway," said Bonnie Ball, nursing instructor. "Students gain the experience needed to work in the health profession immediately following high school and during college."

Students are able to work as Nursing Assistants while attending college. Kimora and Sienna will be attending SUNY Stonybrook; Ryan will be attending Mercy College and Anna will be attending Marist University.

The NATP course follows the mandated training and competency for individuals performing nurse aide duties in accordance with state and federal regulations. The program, which is part of MVHS’s Career and Technical Education classes, is regulated by both the New York State Education Department and the Department of Health to ensure the program meets industry standards. Students sit for the Prometric exam, which includes written and clinical testing, at the completion of the program. Students completed over 108 hours of clinical at Sarah Newman, The New Jewish home.

Dr.DemarioStricklandSuperintendent
Community Message: Welcome Address from Dr. Demario A. Strickland, Superintendent of Schools

Greetings Mount Vernon, 

Thank you for entrusting your children’s education to me as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Over the past few weeks, I have spent time getting to know the community of Mount Vernon, and I am impressed with the pride that fills the city. I am looking forward to making sure that residents are filled with that same pride for the schools that their children attend. I am excited to step in and get right to the important work of improving our District and achieving our shared vision of success. 

Inductees during hall of fame ceremony.
State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thomspon, Congressman George Latimer and the late Elise Finch-Henriques get inducted into the MVHS Hall of Fame

The Mount Vernon City School District inducted former State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thomspon, Congressman George Latimer and the late Elise Finch-Henriques into the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame Saturday morning. Families, loved ones, administrators, educators, colleagues and community members gathered at Mount Vernon High School to celebrate this prestigious induction.

Photo left to right: Dr. Smith, Trustee Lorna Kirwan, Trustee Adriane Saunders, In-House Counsel Royce Russell, Trustee Helene Thompson Njenga
Community Message: Thank you message from Acting Superintendent to outgoing trustees

Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent:

As their terms as trustees of the Mount Vernon City School District come to an end, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Trustee Adriane Saunders, Trustee Lorna Kirwan, and Trustee Helene Thompson-Njenga for all they have done for our District during their time in office. They served as champions for education, always making decisions to better serve the children of Mount Vernon. Our District will wear the mark of the work they have done for years to come, and I am so appreciative of everything we were able to accomplish together for our scholars.

Valedictorian giving speech at graduation.
MVHS and RTA graduate 274 from the Class of 2025 at Memorial Field ceremony

Graduates from Mount Vernon High School and Rebecca Turner Academy walked the stage at Memorial Field on Wednesday evening, as 274 from the Class of 2025 received their diplomas. Students waved and smiled to their families and friends in the packed stadium as they took their places at the front of the ceremony, accompanied by percussion from the Ice Cold Performing Arts, a group made up of Mount Vernon students.

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