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Mount Vernon STEAM Academy seniors chart diverse paths on College Decision Day

Boys and girls holding sings on staircase in front of large building
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy seniors chart diverse paths on College Decision Day

At the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, College Decision Day reflected a wide range of post-graduation plans, with students committing to four-year colleges, community colleges, trade schools and military service.

Boys and girls holding signs

Assistant Principal Anjanette Brown praised the Class of 2026 for embracing different paths to success.

“This is what it looks like when students find what works for them,” she told the class, encouraging graduates to take pride in their individual journeys.

Senior Madyson Powell will attend the University of New Haven, where she plans to study psychology before pursuing law school.

“Senior year is hard. It’s definitely one of the hardest years,” Madyson said. “It’s easy to get sidetracked by all the sentimental aspects of it. But overall, it was hard, probably because I took a lot of AP classes, but it’s definitely all worth it.”

For Janiel Anderson, the next step will be service. She has committed to the U.S. Army as a 92 Alpha, an automated logistics specialist.

Red College Decision Day poster on wall

“I made the decision since my sophomore year,” Janiel said. “I went to every college fair, but the college route just wasn’t appealing to me.”

She will swear in shortly and begin boot camp in August.

School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland also addressed the students, offering encouragement and reminding them to stay the course — especially those pursuing higher education — to ensure they complete their programs.

The event stressed that success is not one-size-fits-all, and that each student’s path forward is worth celebrating.

After the brief remarks in the auditorium, the students gathered for group photographs in the main hallway near a large mural created for the event and outside on the stairs to take advantage of the bright sunshine.

Boys and girls holding up signs on large staircase
Boys and girls holding up signs
Boys and girls holding up signs
Boys and girls holding up signs

 

 

 

Boy wearing beige cap speaks into microphone
STEAM Academy students get lesson on importance of civic engagement and the vote

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A group of people, some wearing colorful clothing and accessories, are gathered in what appears to be a performance or rehearsal space, with musical instruments and decorations visible in the background.
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Click here to view the full photo gallery!

A group of students gathered in a classroom, with various posters and displays on the walls, and a teacher standing at the front of the room.
Alumni come back to Mount Vernon STEAM Academy for INSPIRE after school program

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