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Second Annual MV Hidden Talent and Fashion Showcase brings community together and raises funds for education.

Second Annual MV Hidden Talent and Fashion Showcase brings community together and raises funds for education.

A Night of Celebration and Fundraising

The second annual Mount Vernon Hidden Talent and Fashion Showcase was held on January 10, 2025, bringing together schools from across the District to celebrate young talent and raise funds for education. This memorable evening was filled with excitement, pride and admiration for the talented students and staff who participated.

Click here to view the full photo gallery!

Purpose and Beneficiaries

The event successfully raised funds for:

  • Mount Vernon PTA Council Citizen Award Fund

  • H.E.R (Helping Everyone Rise) event, occurring in March for Women's History Month

  • End-of-Year Dance for ACE students

Event Leadership and Support

The showcase was spearheaded by the MV Hidden Talent and Fashion Show Committee, hosted by Dr. Pauline Peace, Principal of Mount Vernon High School, and generously sponsored by Acting Superintendent of Schools, Dr. K Vernonia Smith. The event was well-supported by administrators, staff, and faculty.

Performances and Participants

The evening featured a diverse range of talents, including:

  • Drumlines

  • Solo Artists

  • Dancers

  • Designers

All performers shared a common goal of impressing the esteemed judges' panel to win monetary prizes in their respective categories.

Esteemed Hosts and Judges

  • Host: Community Activist and DJ Brother Muhammed

  • Judges:

    • Board Trustee Lorna Kirwan

    • Grammy Nominated Granville Mullings Jr.

    • Community Activist and past PTA executive officer Dr. Gerard Leotaud

Contributions and Fundraising

Kareem Matcham volunteered his expertise to ensure the audio for the event was flawless. Funds were collected through:

  • Ticket Sales

  • Direct Donations

  • Raffles

  • Concession Stand Sales, managed by Mount Vernon High School culinary arts instructor Samantha Cohen and her students.

Impact and Acknowledgments

Carrie Smith, Chair of the MV Hidden Talent and Fashion Show Committee, highlighted the room’s energy and the positive impact of music and art in making the world a better place. The judges awarded $250 prizes to:

  • Vocalist: Officer Clarke of MVHS

  • Dance: Sophia Zavala of DWSA

  • Instrumental: Edward Callahan, pianist from DWSA

Each contestant received a certificate of participation, and the audience was entertained by Mr. XPert from future FM as the judges deliberated.

Conclusion

Every dollar raised contributes to preparing the world's next generation of thinkers, doers, and leaders. The Mount Vernon Hidden Talent and Fashion Showcase continues to be a beacon of opportunity and inspiration for the community.

Click here to view the full photo gallery!

Participant being given trophy on stage at talent show
Student playing violin on stage at talent show
Host introducing fashion brand and designer

 

Dr. Smith and Betty Rosa

Today, Friday, February 14, 2025, marks the two-year anniversary of Dr. K. Veronica Smith’s first day as Acting Superintendent. Join the Mount Vernon City School District in wishing her a happy anniversary! In these two years, the District has emphasized its commitment to its scholars. Through the Back to Basics, Forward to Mastery approach, where teachers are getting back to the fundamentals of teaching and learning, the District has seen great academic improvements, leading graduation rates and test scores to trend upward. 

Yanick and Anna Valinda

Yanick St. Cyr and Anna Valinda Mendy, Mount Vernon High School 12th-grade Nursing Assistant Program students, volunteered at the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) SkillsUSA Regional Competition on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Center for Career Services. Yanick and Anna are also in the SkillsUSA Club at MVHS.

Logo for news post

The Mount Vernon City School District’s superintendent search survey, conducted by Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA), has been extended to Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., to allow for further engagement with the community. HYA will present their leadership profile report at the Board of Education on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to submit your responses.