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Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

3 students with new sneakers and Jude
Local businessman donates sneakers to four students at Grimes School

Four deserving students left school with new pairs of sneakers thanks to a donation from Jude Sainjour, cofounder of Buttafly, a clothing shop in Mount Vernon. Mr. Sainjour traveled to Grimes School to personally give the students their new shoes on Friday, September 22, 2023.

"The community means everything,” said Mr Sainjour. “Without community, there is no business, there is no infrastructure, there’s nothing. So, giving back to the community is everything. I just wanted to make sure that we made those kids’ days. They deserved to get those shoes.”

While the students attended the giveaway on Wednesday, September 20, they were unable to receive shoes in their size. Nakia Hiland, school liaison and director of Safe Place for our Girls, stepped in with her partnership to Mr. Sainjour, who agreed right away and made sure they received their shoes. 

Once at the school, it was discovered that another student who was on the list for Wednesday's giveaway could not make it because his mother's car broke down. Mr Sainjour went back to his shop and found a pair of sneakers, Timberland boots and fresh socks for the boy. 

Jude entering school with sneakers in tow
Nakia and Jude speaking to students
Jude handing sneakers to students

 

Dr. Doggett speaking to several students.
Elementary Superintendent's Advisory Council meets for first time in 2024-2025 school year

Elementary school students from around the Mount Vernon City School District stepped off the bus at the Mount Vernon Board of Education for their first Elementary Superintendent’s Advisory Council meeting of the school year on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Students met with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Administration Dr. Jamal Doggett, who explained how they would be working together to help improve their schools. 

Ebony Acheampong-Rogers
Our Students Now: Special Education Teacher Ebony Acheampong-Rogers

Ebony Acheampong-Rogers, a Class of 1998 Mount Vernon High School graduate, works at Hamilton School as a special education teacher. After receiving her diploma from MVHS, she decided to give back to her community and come back to teach its students. She has used the knowledge she gained going to school in Mount Vernon to help guide her students, and she is serving as a positive influence for all the children she interacts with on a daily basis.

View the Q+A with her here!

Mount Vernon Knights defeat Yonkers Force in homecoming game 37 - 6
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The stands of Mount Vernon’s Memorial Field boomed with excitement as it was packed with many Mount Vernon Knights Football Team fans. Most people in the crowd dressed in maroon and gold attire, representing Mount Vernon. On October 5, 2024, the Mount Vernon Knights kicked off their Unified Homecoming Football Game, scoring a touchdown not even a minute into the game!  

Students posing with red and gold pompoms.
Mount Vernon City School District unites all four high schools at Unified Homecoming Pep Rally

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Mount Vernon High School gymnasium stands were packed with high school students from around the District, repping their school colors and Mount Vernon pride. Students from all four Mount Vernon City School District high schools joined forces for the afternoon's pep rally, getting hyped for the big Unified Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 5, at Memorial Field. 

Click here to view the full photo gallery!