Skip To Main Content

menu--popup

search--popup

Find it Fast

MVCSD Knight Logo with Book beneath shield

STEAM Academy senior Hawa Massaquoi spearheads new Eco Club

A young woman and a man in a suit stand on either side of a presentation board about Mount Vernon's trees in a dimly lit room.
STEAM Academy senior Hawa Massaquoi spearheads new Eco Club

Students at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy are tapping into their green thumbs and becoming sustainability conservationists with the school’s newest Eco Club! Created by senior Hawa Massaquoi, members are able to create a positive impact on their school and community while exploring environmental projects and green initiatives. 

The latest club offered at STEAM Academy provides students with the opportunity to learn more about local environmental and sustainability issues occurring in the city. At the club’s most recent event, participants learned about Mount Vernon sewer systems and ways the city repairs them. 

The goal of the event held at the school Tuesday morning was to recruit students to join the club, building an active community of environmentally conscious leaders across all grade levels. Seventh and eighth grade students helped Hawa throughout the event, guiding peers through the interactive stations, eager to bring her idea through fruition.

Hawa was inspired to start the club from her own personal interest in environmental sustainability. Through after-school clubs, STEAM Academy empowers students to explore their personal interests and pursue their passions. Only a short few years ago, students created the school’s Mock Trail club, placing eighth overall in Westchester County last year. 

“I always had a passion for environmental issues specifically,” Hawa said. “Seeing all these different things in my community made me feel just distraught, it doesn't have to be like this. I feel like it can be something else entirely. So, that inspired me to create the club in 11th grade.”

Hawa's personal passion for environmental conservation inspired her to launch the club – a journey that involved over a year of advocacy and meetings with school administration to bring her vision to life. For Hawa, establishing the club was also about finding her voice and learning how to advocate for herself.

“This experience forced me to learn public speaking and advocating for myself on something that I'm really passionate about,” she said when discussing the creation of the club.

Expressing his excitement about the launch of the Eco Club, Assistant Principal Matthew Wibekin highlighted the school's commitment to promoting year-round awareness of environmental sustainability.

“I'm very proud of her,” Mr. Wibekin said. “Plus, it's something that we wanted to do as an ongoing project and an incentive as we move towards Earth Day. We don't want to just wait for Earth Day to happen, I think every day should be recognized as Earth Day.”

By the end of the day, students were lining up to sign up and be members and volunteers of STEAM Academy’s newest club, creating the next generation of environmental activists. 

“My dream is to make the world a better place because I don’t really like seeing trash on the floor,” said Alexander Plasencia, an eighth grader at STEAM Academy who recently joined the Eco Club. “Every time I see trash, I just pick it up and throw it out. The club is very fun and interesting, I would really recommend joining the club.” 

Four students stand behind a table with a presentation board about Mount Vernon's trees in a classroom setting.
A woman wearing glasses and a black t-shirt makes a heart shape with her hands in front of a tri-fold presentation board about Mount Vernon's trees.
A young woman in a white sweatshirt writes on a white wall with a yellow pencil in a room with rows of red theater seats.

 

A young woman and a man in a suit stand on either side of a presentation board about Mount Vernon's trees in a dimly lit room.
STEAM Academy senior Hawa Massaquoi spearheads new Eco Club

Students at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy are tapping into their green thumbs and becoming sustainability conservationists with the school’s newest Eco Club! Created by senior Hawa Massaquoi, members are able to create a positive impact on their school and community while exploring environmental projects and green initiatives. 

Girl standing in front of blue sign reading, "Pre-College Healthcare Academy"
STEAM Academy student Kylie Jewelz Robinson earns coveted spot in inaugural Healthcare Academy

When the Mayo Clinic selected just 100 high school students nationwide for its inaugural Pre-College Healthcare Academy, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy student Kylie Jewelz Robinson earned one of those coveted spots. The rising junior earned a full scholarship to attend the highly selective program hosted by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science at the University of Minnesota Rochester. Running from July 12 through July 24, the academy introduces students to careers in medicine through hands-on learning, mentorship and immersive experiences with healthcare professionals. 

Man in suit smiles for mugshot
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Principal Joseph Engelhardt brings vast experience to new role

Joseph Engelhardt, the principal of Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, brings more than two decades of educational leadership and classroom experience to his new role. He began his career as a teacher in New York City, where he taught mathematics, science and finance to students in Brooklyn and Manhattan while coaching a variety of athletic programs. Those early experiences shaped his belief that strong relationships, high expectations and meaningful opportunities empower students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

A group of smiling graduates in blue gowns and caps pose for a photo in a hallway with large windows in the background.
STEAM Academy graduates encouraged to innovate, lead and shine bright

Members of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Class of 2026 were reminded Thursday that the curiosity, creativity and critical thinking they developed over four years will serve as the foundation for lives of purpose and impact. Families, friends, faculty and administrators filled the auditorium of Mount Vernon High School, where STEAM Assistant Principal Anjanette Brown served as master of ceremonies for a celebration that honored academic achievement, as well as the collaborative spirit that defines the school’s experience.

Three young women in white outfits stand in the foreground holding diplomas, with a white backdrop adorned with blue floral garlands and a neon "Congrats" sign in the background.
STEAM Academy hosts annual Senior Award Convocation

Mount Vernon STEAM Academy scholars recently attended their annual Senior Award Convocation, where 83 students were recognized for their academic achievements and student accomplishments. There was a plethora of awards students received throughout the evening, including the Tau Epsilon Pi Award, Langston Hughes Award, Most Enthusiastic Award, Most Improved Student Award, School Service Award and more.

Young woman in black dress stands smiling in front of colorful backdrop
Finding her voice: STEAM valedictorian Anisah Khan builds a path to medicine

After arriving at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy as an unassuming freshman, Anisah Khan is graduating as a valedictorian with an array of accomplishments, including founding the school's chapter of Health Occupations Students of America.The young scholar’s academic success was built on years of discipline and determination that culminated in her decision to pursue a premed track – with a major in biology and minor in history – at New York University.