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Student-athletes honored for sportsmanship and academic achievement

Student-athletes honored for sportsmanship and academic achievement

Twenty-eight student-athletes were honored Thursday for their sportsmanship and academic achievement during the Fall Sports Recognition Celebration.

Dr. Gayle White, Director of Pre-K, who welcomed all the honorees and their families, gave a special shoutout to Bob Cimmino, Athletic Director, basketball coach and social studies teacher.

She introduced all the coaches in attendance and thanked them for their dedication in training, inspiring and leading the young athletes.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Demario Strickland also addressed the group.

"As Dr. Gayle White said, one of my big-time visions is that we are always honoring our students, our staff members, and really focusing our energy on those folks who make a difference in our school district,” he said.

“We have three different seasons, and there are students who excel in each of those seasons. I wanted to look at folks who are excellent with community service; they have great sportsmanship; they are upstanding scholars in their school. So, that is why you are all here today,” Dr. Strickland said.

The athletes all received certificates that they can also upload into SchoolLinks for college applications. 

They wrapped up the festive event with their family, friends and coaches by enjoying a sumptuous cake.

For gallery of photos, click here.


 Students Recognized

  • Priscilla Santillan, STEAM, Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Zakariya Fadhel, STEAM, Boys Varsity Cross Country
  • Jesus Valerio STEAM, Boys Varsity Cross Country
  • Janiel Anderson, STEAM, Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Hawa Massaquoi, STEAM, Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Madyson Powell, STEAM, Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Brianna Alves, STEAM, Girls Varsity Soccer
  • Guilherme Pires, STEAM, Boys Varsity Soccer
  • Marcos Ferreira, STEAM, Boys Varsity Soccer
  • Gerald Duxha, STEAM, Boys Varsity Soccer
  • Jason Mendez, STEAM, Boys Varsity Soccer
  • Emmanuella Mathieu, STEAM, Girls Varsity Cross Country
  • Gustavo Cortizo, STEAM, Boys Volleyball
  • Layla Humphrey, STEAM, Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball
  • Anna Santos, STEAM, Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • Shannan Thomas, STEAM, Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • Antonio Hernandez, STEAM, Varsity Football
  • Michael Middleton, DWSA, Boys Volleyball
  • Matthew Samuel, DWSA, Varsity Football
  • Magarita Mendy, MVHS, Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball
  • Amirah Arroya, MVHS, Girls Varsity Cross Country
  • Taj Lovell, MVHS, Girls Varsity Cross Country
  • Nailah Boodie, MVHS, Girls Varsity Cross Country
  • Jahni Rolland, MVHS, Varsity Football
  • Mizzen Bajramoski, MVHS, Girls Varsity Volleyball
  • Desirae Bailey-McCalla, MVHS, Girls Varsity Tennis
  • Sasha Panell, MVHS, Varsity Cheerleading
  • Kaylee Hernandez, MVHS, Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball
Derrick Dunlap's headshot.

Derrick Dunlap, a veteran educator with two decades of experience leading schools, improving student achievement and building strong school communities has been appointed principal of Traphagen Elementary School. Mr. Dunlap brings a diverse background in elementary and secondary education to the Mount Vernon City School District, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in Washington, D.C., Maryland and New York. 

Headshot of Donald Peters.

Donald D. Peters is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in public education, specializing in instructional leadership, school improvement, special education, and student success. He currently serves as the Principal of Graham School, bringing a proven record of strengthening school communities, improving student outcomes, and cultivating a culture of high expectations and collaboration.

Principal Anjannette Brown Headshot

Denzel Washington School of the Arts’ new principal, Anjanette Brown, is a dedicated educational leader with 20 years of service in the Mount Vernon City School District, committed to creating schools where students are empowered, supported, and prepared to achieve their highest potential. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her belief that education must nurture the whole child.

MV PTA members outside a building for their conference

Leaders from the Mount Vernon Parent Teacher Association (PTA), parent liaisons, and school board trustees participated in the New York State PTA Summer Leadership Conference held on July 18-19 in Albany, NY. This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in workshops designed to enhance their skills and collaboration efforts to better support students and families in the Mount Vernon City School District.