State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Congressman George Latimer and the late Elise Finch-Henriques get inducted into the MVHS Hall of Fame

The Mount Vernon City School District inducted former State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Congressman George Latimer and the late Elise Finch-Henriques into the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame Saturday morning. Families, loved ones, administrators, educators, colleagues and community members gathered at Mount Vernon High School to celebrate this prestigious induction.

Senator Hassell-Thompson joined the Mount Vernon City Council at the beginning of her political career, working to support the city that raised her. During that time, she served as council president, a vice-chairperson on several boards, and even acting mayor. She brought her experience to the New York State Senate chambers in 2000, working on several committees including Judiciary, Crime, Economic Development & Small Business, and the Conference of Black Senators.

Congressman Latimer is a 1970 Mount Vernon High School graduate who represents Mount Vernon and other Westchester communities in the 16th District of Congress. In Washington, he fights for the interests of the community, working to secure legislation that will benefit individuals across the country. Additionally, he was the County Executive for Westchester from 2018 to 2025, helping to reopen Memorial Field, a landmark to the Mount Vernon community. 

Elise Finch-Henriques was an Emmy Award winning meteorologist at WCBS, a dedicated community advocate who sadly passed away in 2023. She was a proud member of the Jack and Jill Association of America and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. A sister, mother and friend to many, Ms. Finch Henriques always shined as a role model and leader from a very young age. Her kindness to those around her was inspired by the kindness of other women in her life, like her mother and grandmothers.

"I’ve worked in this building as a librarian and have done community service programs here with kids, and very often we stop by that wall and look at everybody,” Ms. Finch-Henrique's mom, Charlette Finch said. “So now to look and Elise will be there, is something truly special.”

The master of ceremonies for the event was Associate Superintendent of Operations and Accountability Mark Raimondi, who opened up the event with the presentation of the flag and the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by Class of 2026 scholars Damien Wright, Matthew Taylor and Vanessa Thompson. Student Matthew Samuels performed the Star Spangled Banner and student Laura Reid sang Lift Every Voice before opening remarks were made.

Mount Vernon High School Principal Pauline Pearce, Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith and the Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, took to the podium to speak about the lasting impact these honorees will have on students to come and the difference they have made on the Mount Vernon community. 

“These three honorees have long track records of accomplishments that I have only scratched the surface of,” said Dr. Smith. “These people have not only had outstanding accomplishments, but they have always shown love and support to Mount Vernon, for which we are eternally grateful. Thank you for putting a shining light on our city, and I hope these Hall of Fame plaques show just how much you mean to us.”

Board of Education trustee Lorna Kirwan spoke about the significance of the Wall of Fame before Denzel Washington School of the Arts student Michael Middleton performed a dance routine for the audience.

“This is more than just a title, it is a legacy,” she said. “To be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Mount Vernon; a city that has raised leaders, legends, change-makers and champions like yourself — it is not a small thing. It means you have done something extraordinary. It means you have not only achieved success in your own right, but you have done so in a way that uplifts the school district, your city, the community and the whole country.”

Mr. Ramondi and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Administration Dr. Jamal Doggett then read biographies of each of the recipients. To read about each of these remarkable individuals, click here. 

Loved ones and colleagues then went up to the podium to reflect on each individual and share memories about their time in Mount Vernon before the recipients unveiled their plaques on the Wall of Fame. The ceremony concluded with Ms. Hassell-Thompson, Mr. Latimer and Elise’s husband, Graig, each sharing their thoughts and feelings about being recognized by the school district in such a wonderful way. 

“I feel so gratified that people have acknowledged me and that I’m on the wall with people who have really given so much to this community,” said Ms. Hassell-Thompson. “To be recognized in this company is awesome.”

Ms. Finch-Henrique's husband thanked the District for honoring his wife, allowing her legacy to live on in Mount Vernon. 

Mr. Latimer deferred to his fellow honorees. “I hope that any of the young girls that come down this hallway look up and they see these two powerful black women,” he said. “I hope they read the stories of their lives and draw strength from them.”