Our Students, Now: Pastor Damon Mack

Pastor Damon Mack graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1993. His time in school stoked his passion for the arts, and he decided to become a professional musician. Later, he founded The L.I.V.E. Church and has been the senior pastor for the past five years, serving the community he grew up in as a religious leader.

“Pastor Mack has had a tremendously positive influence on our community since opening The L.I.V.E. Church, and that is no surprise coming from a Mount Vernon High School graduate,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “Thank you for all you do for Mount Vernon; the Mount Vernon City School District appreciates you!”

View the Q+A with Pastor Damon Mack below!

1. What are you doing now with your life and career?

I am currently the founder and Senior Pastor of The L.I.V.E. Church. I established the ministry five years ago. I’ve been in full-time ministry for the last two years. Prior to full-time ministry, I’ve been a professional musician since graduating high school.

2. How has MVHS/MVCSD prepared you for your career?

It prepared me through the arts particularly. I was in the MVCSD during a time when each school had a band and band day was a big event for the entire city. We had ensembles, gospel choirs, etc. throughout the entire district that helped shape my dreams and aspirations in the arts. MVHS/MVCSD also prepared in how to network and value relationships which I believe is a currency in the world today.

3. Who are some people (teachers, counselors, etc.) who inspired or pushed you to be better during your time in the school district?

Wow!! So many teachers and staff inspired and pushed me. My third and sixth grade teachers in Holmes School, Mr. Martin and Mrs. Bryant made school fun for me. There are too many to name in middle and high school, but I have to give a huge shout out to Dr. Frank Abel, the former MVHS Band teacher. His impact changed my life!!

4. What was your favorite part of attending the Mount Vernon City School District?

Spending time with my classmates who have become life-long friends and family. Again, I was in the band so those times when we would have assemblies and talent shows would be exciting for me because I was able to share my musical talents with the entire student body and staff.

5. What is one thing from your time in the Mount Vernon City School District that stuck with you the most or helped you the most in your career?

One thing that stuck with me was the care for me as a student from teachers beyond the classroom. Some of my teachers didn’t just give me lessons in education but they gave me lessons in life, and they were genuinely concerned with making sure I made it in life.

6. What are you most proud of from your school experience?

What I am most proud of from my school experience is watching my classmates and even staff enjoy what I did as a student-musician. I remember when we had the pep band and we would play during the basketball games. To see my friends and classmates dance and sing and enjoy those moments are memorable to me and they are moments that I am proud of.

7. What do you know now that you wish you knew during your time in the school district?

I wish I really understood or knew the power of my potential during my time in the school district. I would’ve taken some things more serious if I really understood then what I was capable of. I would hear my teachers tell me how great I could be but I didn’t always take it serious.

8. What would you tell current students today to help them on their academic and career journey?

I would tell students today to take their life serious and be intentional on preparing and planting seeds in their today for a fruitful and promising tomorrow.