Mount Vernon City School District holds High School Showcase Night

Students and families from the community gathered in the cafeteria of Mount Vernon High School to learn more about what Mount Vernon’s three high schools have to offer. The district hosted its High School Showcase Night on Thursday, February 2, 2023.  

“As you hear each presentation, take notes of what it is about each school that interests you and motivates you in thinking about your pursuits for college or your career,” said Dr. Waveline Bennett-Conroy, Superintendent of Schools. “Each of our three high schools are unique and successful in their own right. They each have rich and diverse offerings and opportunities. I am confident you will succeed in any of the three.” 

Mount Vernon High School presented its programs such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), Career and Technical Education (CTE), many athletic programs, and more. The Mount Vernon High School campus also has a pool that students and community members can use.  

The CTE program has courses in automotive, cosmetology, television production, and other trade-based professions. These courses can prepare scholars for a career or further education in the trade of their choice. Additionally, students in pursuit of their IB diploma can obtain 36 college credits and a pathway to several of the top colleges in the world.  

CTE students demonstrated haircuts, oil changes, and cosmetology at the showcase. Other programs were highlighted too, with the directors giving information to families to inform their decision. 

“We have everything under our roof,” said Dr. Pearce. “We have a vast number of different programs that no other school in the district has the privilege to present. You will not be sorry if you decide to have your child attend this institution. We are all-inclusive, and we offer something for everyone.” 

Mount Vernon STEAM Academy offers a curriculum that is focused heavily on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The computer science, engineering, and biomedical pathways of Project Lead the Way can prepare scholars for the most rigorous college courses. 

Teachers from Mount Vernon STEAM Academy brought biomedical science equipment, scientific instruments, robots that are used in class, and a forensics display - a mock crime scene laid out in the corner of the cafeteria. At STEAM, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning, project-based courses, and a rigorous academic standard. 

“This school was created to be a strong foundation for the curriculum of math, science and technology,” said Lillian Serret-Morales, Principal at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy. “You have three beautiful schools, and no matter what school you go to, you are going to get an excellent education.” 

Denzel Washington School of the Arts began as a visual arts magnet program in 2015 until it grew and was renamed in 2020. Students in grades six through twelve can attend the school. The school offers courses in music, visual arts, dancing, and more artistic disciplines. There are also several Advanced Placement (AP) courses that scholars can take for college credit.  

Denzel Washington School of the Arts has performed shows such as “Seussical” and “A Soldier’s Play.” The school puts on student performances frequently throughout the year, and the experience gives students a constant creative outlet. There are also technical theater courses for students interested in the behind-the-scenes of a set. 

“We celebrate the arts every single day and in every single class,” said Dr. Evelyn Collins, Principal and Founder of Denzel Washington School of the Arts. “But our kids still have a strong academic program. Understand that you can major in theater and be a lawyer; you can major in dance and go to medical school. If your child is talented or creative, my school is your school.”