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Our Students, Now: School Counselor Takisha Sales

Our Students, Now: School Counselor Takisha Sales

Takisha Sales, school counselor at Mount Vernon High School, graduated from the school in 1989. This year, she is celebrating her 30th year in the District, committing her entire career to supporting Mount Vernon scholars. She values the opportunity to provide for students in the city she grew up in and where her parents met.

“Ms. Sales is a phenomenal school counselor, and she has been so valuable to our scholars at MVHS,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith. “It is always heartwarming to see someone dedicate their work to lifting up their hometown and helping the children succeed.” 

View the Q+A with her here!

Graduation year: Graduate of Mount Vernon High School, Class of 1989
Current position/past positions held in District: Elementary teacher; School Counselor

What inspired you to come back to the Mount Vernon City School District and become a counselor? 
After I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I was accepted into Fordham University’s Intern Fellowship Master’s Degree program and was fortunate to be placed in Mount Vernon as an intern at Graham Elementary School, where I was appointed as an elementary teacher a year later. I loved teaching and the five years that I spent as a classroom teacher. However, I wanted to expand my audience and support students within the areas of academics, career, and social/emotional learning by becoming a school counselor.

How has MVHS/MVCSD prepared you for your career? 
Working in the MVCSD has provided me with an opportunity to work alongside amazing educators who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of the young people of Mount Vernon. In addition, I have participated in numerous trainings, professional development opportunities, and served as a member of several committees that have been invaluable in my growth and development as a school counselor.

Is there a teacher or mentor that you can remember from your time here at Mount Vernon that inspires you in your work today? What did you take from them and how do you transfer that to your work? 
There were several teachers who I can fondly remember who inspired me to be a life-long learner.

What was your favorite part of attending the Mount Vernon City School District?  
My favorite part of attending the MVCSD was being a student in the Humanities Program when I was in middle and high school. This program provided students with accelerated classes and enrichment opportunities.
                                                                                       
What is the feeling of working in the same District you graduated from? 
It feels surreal to work at the same high school that I graduated from. It is also special to me because my parents graduated from Mount Vernon High School and met in the library.

Are there any unique strategies you use to be successful with your students?
The most important strategy I employ is simply caring for my students’ well-being and encouraging them to do their best.

What would you say to students who want to pursue a career in education in the future? 
I would encourage any student who wants to pursue a career in education to consider the impact they want to have on future scholars and how they can make a difference in their lives. I would also encourage them to work hard and maximize every opportunity that can prepare them for their future aspirations.

What advice would you give to current MVCSD students today to help them on their academic and/or career journey? 
My advice to current MVCSD students is to approach their education with a sense of urgency, and to live by the words of Nelson Mandela- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

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.