Student-athletes awarded at 2024-2025 Sports Awards Celebration
![Student-athletes awarded at 2024-2025 Sports Awards Celebration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749843246/mtvernoncsdorg/xxwic1tzvej94l9dwllp/MVHSAwards-2025-30.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749843246/mtvernoncsdorg/xxwic1tzvej94l9dwllp/MVHSAwards-2025-30.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749843246/mtvernoncsdorg/xxwic1tzvej94l9dwllp/MVHSAwards-2025-30.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749843246/mtvernoncsdorg/xxwic1tzvej94l9dwllp/MVHSAwards-2025-30.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749843246/mtvernoncsdorg/xxwic1tzvej94l9dwllp/MVHSAwards-2025-30.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1749843246/mtvernoncsdorg/xxwic1tzvej94l9dwllp/MVHSAwards-2025-30.jpg","width":2200}])
Student-athletes awarded at 2024-2025 Sports Awards Celebration
After a year of competing in sports and balancing their academics, Mount Vernon City School District student-athletes were recognized for their achievements at the 2024-2025 Sports Awards Celebration on Thursday evening. You can view the full ceremony on Facebook by clicking here.
Click to view the full photo gallery!
Athletic Director and Coach Bob Cimmino and Mount Vernon High School Principal Dr. Pauline Pearce welcomed families to the ceremony, where there was food available for everyone to enjoy while they celebrated the student-athletes.
“It is with great pride and heartfelt enthusiasm that we welcome you to this year’s annual sports awards ceremony: a celebration of dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and the incredible spirit that defines our athletic community,” said Dr. Pearce. “Tonight, we honor not only the victories on the scoreboard, but the character, growth and resilience shown by our student athletes throughout the year.”
Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith congratulated the athletes and recognized the boys and girls track and field teams, who will be competing at Nationals in North Carolina from June 20-22. You can read more about their Nationals trip on our website by clicking here.
“Being an athlete is a beautiful thing; it develops character, sportsmanship, helps students go to college, and I’m so proud of you for all of that,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith.
The entire Pioneer League team, which is a part of the New York Special Olympics, was recognized while wearing their medals from the season. Coach Jared Dendy announced the winner of the Coach Rocky Alianiello Overall MVP Award, Aaron Santino.
Coaches for each fall, spring and winter sport then came up to the podium to recognize all of their players and announce the awards for their team.
View the full list of awards below or by clicking here to view the full program.
Special Awards
Tony Veteri Coaches Award (leadership, determination to succeed, hardworking): Tavien Tyler and AvaAllen
Ed Williams Memorial Sportsmanship Award (exceptional sportsmanship): Mehki Pinkney and Mia Vazquez
Gloria T. Coleman Memorial Award (determination to succeed, history of community service & academic achievement: Ivan Irigoyen and Ellie deGrandpre
The Linda Gordon and Andy Butler Scholar Athlete Award (combination of outstanding academic & athletic achievement): Isaac Amazou and Tianna Patten
Dave Rider Track & Field Award (selected by boys/girls track coaches): D'Andre Shephard and Kimora Morrison
Arthur Sean Rose Memorial Football Award (selected by football coach): Dwight Findlay
Marcquis Abney Memorial Football Award (selected by football coach): Edward Ababio
Lloyd & Shirley Wallace Memorial Basketball Award (selected by girls basketball coach): Tiandra Martin
Shamoya McKenzie Memorial Basketball Award (selected by girls basketball coach): Tianna Patten
Marcquis Abney Memorial Basketball Award (selected by boys basketball coach): Dwight Findlay
William Davis Basketball Award (selected by boys basketball coach): Tavien Tyler
Donny Dendy Memorial Award (willingness to help others, community service, academic success) (Selected by track coach): Elijah Holman and Amanda Fevrier
Julie Feldman Memorial Scholarship Award (outstanding sportsmanship, determination to succeed, works to her greatest potential): Tianna Patten
Friends of Julie Feldman Memorial Scholarship Award (outstanding sportsmanship, determination to succeed, works to her greatest potential): Kimora Morrison
Kayla Green Memorial Cheerleading Award (selected by cheer coach): Sara-Marie Wells
Team Awards
Boys Varsity Football
Outstanding Performer – Deshawn Terry
Sportsmanship – Edward Ababio
Scholar Athlete – Edward Ababio
Most Improved – Naquann Keitt
Boys Varsity Cross Country
Outstanding Performer – Elijah Holman
Sportsmanship – Jesus Valerio
Scholar Athlete – Ivan Irigoyen
Most Improved – Edward Robinson
Girls Varsity Cross Country
Outstanding Performer –Najylah Aarons-Barksdale
Sportsmanship – Amanda Fevrier
Scholar Athlete – Kimora Morrison
Most Improved – Emmanuella Mathieu
Boys Varsity Soccer
Outstanding Performer – Brian Alves
Sportsmanship – Alinson Santos
Scholar Athlete – Isaac Amouzou
Most Improved –Thokozani Sambakunsi
Girls Varsity Soccer
Outstanding Performer – Tanya Henry
Sportsmanship – Jahia Huttson
Scholar Athlete – Hawa Massaqoui
Most Improved – Karen Hernandez
Girls Varsity Volleyball
Outstanding Performer – Anna Santos
Sportsmanship – Jailyn Smith
Scholar Athlete – Mizzen Bajramoski
Most Improved – Shannan Thomas
Boys Varsity Volleyball
Outstanding Performer – Elijah Salcedo
Sportsmanship – Kyhiem Massaquoi
Scholar Athlete – Alexander Jones
Most Improved – Raheem Morgan
Varsity Cheerleading - Fall
Outstanding Performer – Payton Baxter
Sportsmanship – Sara Marie Wells
Scholar Athlete – Sasha Panell
Most Improved – Jailah Rice
Girls Varsity Tennis
Outstanding Performer – Carol Fuentes
Sportsmanship – Arionna Strong
Sportsmanship – Kaitlyn Leslie
Scholar Athlete – Carol Fuentes
Most Improved – Alaa Farea
Girls Varsity Swimming
Outstanding Performer – Ellie Degrandpre
Sportsmanship – Nevaeh Manning
Sportsmanship – Natalie Medina
Scholar – Ellie Degrandpre
Most Improved – Emily Negrete
Boys Varsity Basketball
Outstanding Performer – Tavien Tyler
Sportsmanship – Dayshawn Staggers
Scholar Athlete – William Robinson
Most Improved – Chase White
Girls Varsity Basketball
Outstanding Performer – Tiandra Martin
Sportsmanship – Shannan Thomas
Scholar Athlete – Tianna Patten
Most Improved – Naari Davis
Varsity Wrestling
Outstanding Performer – Deshawn Terry
Sportsmanship – Eric Rodrigues
Sportsmanship – Amari Coakley
Scholar Athlete – Mehki Pinkney
Most Improved – Caiden Hylton
Girls Varsity Indoor Track and Field
Outstanding Performer – Honesti Ellis
Sportsmanship –Taj Lovell
Scholar Athlete – Najylah Aarons-Barksdale
Most Improved – Dameish Mitchell
Boys Varsity Indoor Track and Field
Outstanding Performer – D’andre Shephard
Sportsmanship – Jasten Johnson
Scholar Athlete – Ivan Irigoyen Rojas
Most Improved – Elijah Holman
Varsity Cheerleading - Winter
Outstanding Performer – Eryn Marie Webb
Sportsmanship – Madison Bennett
Scholar Athlete – Isabel Ferriera
Most Improved – Hailee Norwood
Boys Varsity Swimming
Outstanding Performer – Jayden Martes
Sportsmanship – Shea Santana
Scholar Athlete – Roscoe Browne
Most Improved – Roscoe Browne
Boys Varsity Tennis
Outstanding Performer – Sebastian Kulik
Sportsmanship – Dylan Perez
Scholar Athlete – Carsten Kattick
Most Improved – Felipe Da Fonseca Parmezani
Girls Varsity Softball
Outstanding Performer – Ava Allen
Sportsmanship – Tanice Fairclough
Scholar Athlete – Leylani De Los Santo
Most Improved – Mizzen Bajramoski
Most Improved – Ashley Moreno
Boys Varsity Baseball
Outstanding Performer – Adriel Vasquez
Sportsmanship – Nay-Quon Gardner
Scholar Athlete – Adam Acevedo
Most Improved – Gabriel Vidaurre
Flag Football
Outstanding Performer – Tianna Patten
Sportsmanship – Tiandra Martin
Scholar Athlete – Natalie Medina
Most Improved – Heyli Marte
Boys Varsity Outdoor Track and Field
Outstanding Performer – Elijah Holman
Sportsmanship – Joshua Elliot
Scholar Athlete – Isaac Amouzou
Most Improved – Jahmari Johnson
Girls Varsity Outdoor Track and Field
Outstanding Performer - Emmanuella Mathieu
Sportsmanship – Nailah Boodie
Scholar Athlete – Amirah Arroya
Most Improved – Kayla Williams
![Dr. Demario Strickland]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751562975/mtvernoncsdorg/hggisf4sw8umvyly7sct/DrStricklandPhotos-191.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751562975/mtvernoncsdorg/hggisf4sw8umvyly7sct/DrStricklandPhotos-191.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1751562975/mtvernoncsdorg/hggisf4sw8umvyly7sct/DrStricklandPhotos-191.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1751562975/mtvernoncsdorg/hggisf4sw8umvyly7sct/DrStricklandPhotos-191.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1751562975/mtvernoncsdorg/hggisf4sw8umvyly7sct/DrStricklandPhotos-191.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1751562975/mtvernoncsdorg/hggisf4sw8umvyly7sct/DrStricklandPhotos-191.jpg","width":2200}])
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demario Strickland was named June 26 as the inaugural recipient of Canisius University Alumni Association’s Emerging Leader Award, which recognizes accomplishments of alumni 40 years and younger.
![MVCSD Summer Reading 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749841817/mtvernoncsdorg/c7wprucc7xnzb41sje0z/MVCSDSummerReading2025.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749841817/mtvernoncsdorg/c7wprucc7xnzb41sje0z/MVCSDSummerReading2025.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749841817/mtvernoncsdorg/c7wprucc7xnzb41sje0z/MVCSDSummerReading2025.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749841817/mtvernoncsdorg/c7wprucc7xnzb41sje0z/MVCSDSummerReading2025.png","width":940}])
![Superintendent at BOE meeting]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751486165/mtvernoncsdorg/bntusplukbjnz3ncmwoh/BOEmeeting-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751486165/mtvernoncsdorg/bntusplukbjnz3ncmwoh/BOEmeeting-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1751486165/mtvernoncsdorg/bntusplukbjnz3ncmwoh/BOEmeeting-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1751486165/mtvernoncsdorg/bntusplukbjnz3ncmwoh/BOEmeeting-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1751486165/mtvernoncsdorg/bntusplukbjnz3ncmwoh/BOEmeeting-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1751486165/mtvernoncsdorg/bntusplukbjnz3ncmwoh/BOEmeeting-3.jpg","width":2200}])
At the most recent Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, Dr. Demario A. Strickland was officially sworn in as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Three new board trustees joined the Board of Education as well as a new student trustee.
![Dr.DemarioStricklandSuperintendent]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1747263649/mtvernoncsdorg/o3thkoqmmjekhfvrndqe/DrDemarioStricklandSuperintendent.jpg","width":2200}])
Greetings Mount Vernon,
Thank you for entrusting your children’s education to me as Superintendent of Schools for the Mount Vernon City School District. Over the past few weeks, I have spent time getting to know the community of Mount Vernon, and I am impressed with the pride that fills the city. I am looking forward to making sure that residents are filled with that same pride for the schools that their children attend. I am excited to step in and get right to the important work of improving our District and achieving our shared vision of success.
![Inductees during hall of fame ceremony.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751145178/mtvernoncsdorg/kzezouz1dlx8z0i0oedj/WallofFame-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751145178/mtvernoncsdorg/kzezouz1dlx8z0i0oedj/WallofFame-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1751145178/mtvernoncsdorg/kzezouz1dlx8z0i0oedj/WallofFame-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1751145178/mtvernoncsdorg/kzezouz1dlx8z0i0oedj/WallofFame-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1751145178/mtvernoncsdorg/kzezouz1dlx8z0i0oedj/WallofFame-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1751145178/mtvernoncsdorg/kzezouz1dlx8z0i0oedj/WallofFame-4.jpg","width":2200}])
The Mount Vernon City School District inducted former State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thomspon, 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.
![One Mount Vernon Thumbnail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715964023/mtvernoncsdorg/i9ubu0f5iwmdwvjg9xk7/OneMountVernonThumbnail.png","width":1400}])
![Photo left to right: Dr. Smith, Trustee Lorna Kirwan, Trustee Adriane Saunders, In-House Counsel Royce Russell, Trustee Helene Thompson Njenga]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1751029917/mtvernoncsdorg/bnz5tw353dlut1lzh0gw/IMG_7702.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1751029917/mtvernoncsdorg/bnz5tw353dlut1lzh0gw/IMG_7702.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1751029917/mtvernoncsdorg/bnz5tw353dlut1lzh0gw/IMG_7702.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1751029917/mtvernoncsdorg/bnz5tw353dlut1lzh0gw/IMG_7702.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1751029917/mtvernoncsdorg/bnz5tw353dlut1lzh0gw/IMG_7702.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1751029917/mtvernoncsdorg/bnz5tw353dlut1lzh0gw/IMG_7702.jpg","width":2200}])
Dr. K. Veronica Smith, Acting Superintendent:
As their terms as trustees of the Mount Vernon City School District come to an end, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Trustee Adriane Saunders, Trustee Lorna Kirwan, and Trustee Helene Thompson-Njenga for all they have done for our District during their time in office. They served as champions for education, always making decisions to better serve the children of Mount Vernon. Our District will wear the mark of the work they have done for years to come, and I am so appreciative of everything we were able to accomplish together for our scholars.
![Valedictorian giving speech at graduation.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750941650/mtvernoncsdorg/uhquqtzc4e1gaahajxsz/MVHS-25Grad-js-14.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750941650/mtvernoncsdorg/uhquqtzc4e1gaahajxsz/MVHS-25Grad-js-14.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750941650/mtvernoncsdorg/uhquqtzc4e1gaahajxsz/MVHS-25Grad-js-14.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750941650/mtvernoncsdorg/uhquqtzc4e1gaahajxsz/MVHS-25Grad-js-14.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750941650/mtvernoncsdorg/uhquqtzc4e1gaahajxsz/MVHS-25Grad-js-14.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750941650/mtvernoncsdorg/uhquqtzc4e1gaahajxsz/MVHS-25Grad-js-14.jpg","width":2200}])
Graduates from Mount Vernon High School and Rebecca Turner Academy walked the stage at Memorial Field on Wednesday evening, as 274 from the Class of 2025 received their diplomas. Students waved and smiled to their families and friends in the packed stadium as they took their places at the front of the ceremony, accompanied by percussion from the Ice Cold Performing Arts, a group made up of Mount Vernon students.