Kaitlyn Leslie-Smith, named Mount Vernon Youth Poet Laureate Winner
![Headshot of Kaitlyn]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1705607540/mtvernoncsdorg/epd3vnusietzwb71uze8/headshot.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1705607540/mtvernoncsdorg/epd3vnusietzwb71uze8/headshot.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1705607540/mtvernoncsdorg/epd3vnusietzwb71uze8/headshot.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1705607540/mtvernoncsdorg/epd3vnusietzwb71uze8/headshot.jpg","width":1168}])
Kaitlyn Leslie-Smith, named Mount Vernon Youth Poet Laureate Winner
Kaitlyn Leslie-Smith, a rising junior at Denzel Washington School of the Arts, was announced the 2024-2025 Mount Vernon Youth Poet Laureate on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Kaitlyn is the CEO of her own company, Kaitlyn Cares Designs, hosting a plethora of events for the community such as Boss-Up Through Entrepreneurship and Teens-to-Seniors Breakfast. She is a high-achieving student at DWSA, demonstrating proficiency in acting, singing and the visual arts. However, it is her talent for creating and reciting poetry that has recently garnered attention.
In 2023, she secured a silver medal in the Performance Poetry category at the Westchester Regional NAACP ACT-SO competition with her poem "A Black Woman Introduced." The following year, she achieved gold for her poem "And We Are Just Girls" and received a bronze in Dramatic Performance.
These accomplishments have helped paved the way for numerous public speaking and performance opportunities across New York, including engagements at the Westchester Region NAACP-ACT-SO Fundraising Luncheon, Post Chester Juneteenth Celebration, the NAACP-Mount Vernon’s Men Who Make A Difference Gala, the 37th Annual Black Scholars Recognition Reception, The Robert S. Brown & M. Paul Redd Freedom Fund Luncheon and more.
Kaitlyn's commitment to compassion and leadership is evident in both her entrepreneurial endeavors and her poetic expression. With the support of her family, she continues to make a difference in her community, spreading kindness and inspiring others to do the same.
![One Mount Vernon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1687178913/mtvernoncsdorg/dqzz5k31grbdwvctjloj/SmoreNewsletterHeader-June19.png","width":1400}])
![Doris Dapaah - Principal, Dr. Melissa White – Principal, Stephanie Harris – Christian – Reading Specialist, Maria Falco – Reading Specialist]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741962271/mtvernoncsdorg/a0x3ah4p7yvpwopf7ql6/YoutubeThumbnailCancerWorldDayEvent555x336px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741962271/mtvernoncsdorg/a0x3ah4p7yvpwopf7ql6/YoutubeThumbnailCancerWorldDayEvent555x336px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741962271/mtvernoncsdorg/a0x3ah4p7yvpwopf7ql6/YoutubeThumbnailCancerWorldDayEvent555x336px.png","width":555}])
Mount Vernon City School District was highlighted for its outstanding achievements, particularly focusing on Benjamin Turner Academy and Pennington School at the Impact in Action Symposium on Tuesday Mach 11 and Wednesday, March 12. These schools have demonstrated significant progress through their meticulous iReady implementation plan.
![Student demonstrating use of torque wrench.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741268810/mtvernoncsdorg/lhmxqgplncs40zhkbzvs/FORDACEAfterschoolprogram-6.jpg","width":2200}])
The Mount Vernon City School District’s Career and Technical Education Automotive Program has secured two articulation agreements, where students can transfer credits to a post-secondary institution, in the past four weeks. Students will now be able to earn college credits for Lincoln Technical Institute and Rockland Community College through the program.
![Logo for news post]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1676045645/mtvernoncsdorg/mxqb393gnn11kr3i3ng4/Logofornewspost1.png","width":940}])
Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith presented the first 2025 State of the District Address via Zoom to Mount Vernon City School District faculty and staff on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Dr. Smith gave updates about the upcoming building reconfiguration, how it affects employees, and where the District stands in the process of closing schools.
![DWSA entrepreneur uses skills to maintain high grades and community engagement during senior year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741635283/mtvernoncsdorg/yls54kopwwh4q7ldgkem/DWSA-SeniorSpotlight-Jhaelyn.jpg","width":2200}])
Jhaelyn Jacobs is a senior at Denzel Washington School of the Arts who shows amazing character and dedication to her academics and school community every day. During her time at DWSA, she has chartered two clubs, earned outstanding grades, and run a business selling crocheted items.
![Students smiling and posing with superintendent.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741802160/mtvernoncsdorg/ogrf1wf84akm3zbckwz8/March-StudentAdvisoryCouncil-4.jpg","width":2048}])
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, students in the Secondary Superintendent’s Advisory Council met at The Education Center to discuss and review a survey that will be sent to all students in the Mount Vernon City School District. The survey addresses concerns about curriculum, school leadership, social-emotional learning, instruction, and other topics
![One Mount Vernon Thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":1400}])
![MVHS senior displays high achievement in IB courses and sports]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741270047/mtvernoncsdorg/tdjzca1w2gwuezhnqmxp/SeniorSpotlight-Franyeli.jpg","width":2200}])
Franyeli Fabian Rojas is an exemplary Mount Vernon High School senior whose focus towards her academics, extracurriculars and sports has created her into an all-star student. As a student of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, Franyeli has spent countless hours committed to being the best student she can be. In June, she will be earning a distinguished IB Diploma and an Advanced Regents Diploma.