Scholars celebrated for academic and extracurricular merit at the STEAM Senior Awards Convocation

Families of senior scholars assembled in the auditorium of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy on Thursday evening to celebrate their students' accomplishments and feats from the school year.  During the Senior Awards Convocation, over 85 students received awards and scholarships for their outstanding commitment to academics, extracurricular activities, and community service. 

View the full gallery here! 

Opening remarks were given by Assistant Principal Anjanette Brown, Principal Dr. Christopher Pearce, and the president of the STEAM PTSA, Jeanine Fertil. As students walked up to collect their awards, which were announced by their school counselor, they posed for a picture and shook hands with the assistant principals. 

“I'm so proud of our scholars, and what I can say is that hard work pays off,” said Dr. Pearce. “I am confident, more than confident, that all of our scholars will make it in the next round of their educational journey, whether they intend to go to college, the military or a career. These students are well-prepared and will be highly successful. I am going to miss them when they leave, but I wish them all the best.”

Last night, over $50,000 in scholarships was awarded to students. $19,000 of that amount was provided by the Edith Kaplan Mount Vernon PTA Council Scholarship. This money was raised by donations accrued during the Edith Kaplan Scholarship Dinner Dance held in April and used to award $1,000 to 19 students. 

Several students were recipients of the Mount Vernon Federation of Teachers Scholarship with an amount of $250. This scholarship was given to individual students proficient in one of nine subjects: English, mathematics, social studies, science, Spanish, art, music, physical education and health.  

Several scholarships from outside the District were granted to STEAM students as well. Twelve girls who participated in the Her Honor mentoring program were awarded $2,000 towards their college tuition. Many students left with scholarships that can be used to help with the costs of books and course materials, supplies and tuition. 

The valedictorian and salutatorian were also recognized during the ceremony. STEAM has named Isaac Alverado Calderon and Aidan Forman as its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025.

“It's been an honor to be able to receive such an important position in this school and in our graduating class,” said Isaac. “I recognize a lot of my friends for every single one of their abilities. There's not only intelligence for numbers or thoughts or grades, intelligence is focused on what one person is committed to doing to go forward, either in art, science or math – everything.”

Many seniors won more than one award, a testament to how STEAM pushes every student to be the best that they can be through rigorous courses and excellent teaching. 

“I feel really satisfied,” said Isaac Amouzou, a senior at STEAM and a winner of several awards.  “Finally, in my four years, it feels good to be recognized by everyone and have a night for yourself. I am really proud of everyone. The community that we built up since we were freshmen, it's good to see that we all leveled up and that we get to enjoy ourselves now that the four years have finally passed.”

View the full gallery here! 

View the full program with awards and award winners here!