MVHS senior racks up over $100,000 in scholarships

Sarah Amer is a star student and highly accomplished senior at Mount Vernon High School who shows a great commitment to her academics, community, and future by giving 100 percent of herself wherever she can. She has already earned college acceptances and scholarships ahead of her graduation in June.

“My biggest accomplishment is being consistent with my grades,” said Sarah.  “It was hard, and I had to let go of certain things to keep my grades where they are now.”

Sarah works hard to maintain a GPA of 95.34 and has been a recipient of the principal’s honor roll every quarter since she transferred to MVHS just before her junior year. Students who achieve an average of 95 and above with no grades below a 70 are awarded this accolade. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) student, Sarah takes three highly rigorous courses in History, Literature, and Sports Science. 

“In the beginning, it was very challenging to be an IB student. It was a lot for me at first, but I adapted and I have a schedule that works for me now,” said Sarah. “I kind of like having a lot of work now, and I love the challenge.” 

Before she transferred to MVHS, Sarah was highly involved at her old high school as a member of the Photography Club, Community Service Club, and the Women’s Empowerment Club. As a member, she participated in event planning, fundraising, and fun trips held by the organization. 

Outside of the classroom, Sarah shows devotion to education through her community service as well. Four to five days a week, she teaches students aged five to 13 at an Islamic center in her community. A large part of Sarah’s life is her religion and she enjoys passing valuable information to younger children whilst practicing patience, understanding and responsibility. 

“It's so beautiful to see how such little people can believe in such big things,” said Sarah. “It’s very surprising and unexpected. It’s also challenging because you have to be patient with them.”

In college, Sarah will be majoring in biology on the pre-med track with hopes of going to medical school and becoming a doctor. Right now, she has an interest in studying to become a cardiac surgeon, an obstetrics and gynecology doctor or a radiologist. By talking with established doctors about their work-life balance, daily schedules and experiences, Sarah makes an effort to narrow down her pathway and commit to her dream. 

“Growing up, I’ve always wanted to be someone that helps a doctor,” said Sarah. “There was one incident in my life that made this what I want to do in my life. It was when my Grandpa, who I was very close with, had a serious medical event. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a doctor and that I wanted to help people.” 

Sarah has been awarded over $100,000 in merit and excellence scholarships from colleges based on her hard work and dedication over the last four years. She has applied and been accepted into Hofstra University, Mercy University, SUNY Purchase, Fordham University and Long Island University. Additionally, she was accepted into the Honors College at Hofstra and received a $38,000 yearly merit-based scholarship. 

Sarah is most looking forward to the community and clubs when she goes to college. She plans on getting involved and making a change on her campus in any way that she can. 

Sarah is looking forward to a well-deserved breather once all of her college applications are in. Looking back on her high school experience, she describes the last four years as challenging, adventurous, conflicting, bright and amazing.