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STEAM students in INSPIRE after school program celebrated at Starbound Scholars Celebration

A group of young women and a few men pose for a photo in front of a table with a cake and cupcakes, with a classroom or office setting visible in the background.
STEAM students in INSPIRE after school program celebrated at Starbound Scholars Celebration

They’ve been thoroughly inspired! Students in the INSPIRE after school program at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy wrapped up the year with their inaugural Starbound Scholars Celebration last week. Students were recognized for their accomplishments in the mentorship program, which just completed its first year. 

Students in the program, which is run by STEAM alumni Maame Forson and Heily Gonzalez, were celebrated for their accomplishments this year with a certificate and goodie bags. Maame and Heily also presented about INSPIRE to start the celebration, discussing the mission of the program and recognizing each student in the program. Students ate together, had cake, shared their future goals and dreams at the vision board station, and connected with their fellow students and mentors. 

INSPIRE’s main goal is to promote higher education to students while helping them make their dreams reality through mentorship. You can read more about the program on our website by clicking here.

Three smiling individuals pose for a photo in front of a large screen and a wooden wall.
Three young women pose for a photo in front of a large screen displaying a certificate, with two of them holding awards.
Three smiling individuals stand in front of a large screen displaying a congratulatory message, with two young women holding a certificate and gift bag.
Three smiling women stand in front of a screen and a wall, with the woman in the middle holding a certificate and a gift bag.
Three smiling women stand in front of a large screen displaying "Congratulations, Scholar!" with one woman holding a certificate and a purple gift bag.
A young woman in a red dress holds a certificate and gift bag, while another woman in a light green blazer smiles beside her, with a screen and seating area in the background.
Three smiling young women stand in front of a large screen displaying "Congratulations, Scholar!" with a patterned carpet on the floor.
Two women smile at the camera in front of a decorated cake, with a library setting and other people in the background.
Three people are seated around a white table in the foreground, eating, while in the background, others are gathered in a library setting with bookshelves.
A woman in a light green suit gives a presentation on a large screen displaying "INSPIRE Scholars Stats" in front of a yellow brick wall.
A smiling young woman in the foreground holds up a tube of EOS lotion and a bottle of EOS body spray, with a blurred background of a library.
A white cake with yellow frosting reads "Inspire's 1st Annual Starbound Scholars Celebration" and is surrounded by cupcakes in the background.
Two women sit on a yellow couch with food and drinks on a round table in the foreground, while a Harvard banner hangs on the wall in the background.
A group of people are gathered around a table eating a meal, with bookshelves filled with books in the background.
A group of young women are seated at a long table covered in a purple and gold tablecloth, enjoying a meal with plates of food and drinks, while in the background, balloons and banners suggest a celebratory event.
A person holds a plate of yellow rice, fried chicken, salad, and cucumber slices in front of a gray carpeted floor.
Three young women in the foreground clink cans of ginger beer while colorful artwork hangs on the wall in the background.
Three smiling women stand in front of a projector screen and a wall with a door.
Four young women stand in the foreground holding cans, with colorful artwork displayed on the wall behind them.
Three smiling individuals stand in front of a screen displaying a student's name and grade, with one person holding a certificate and a gift bag.

 

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. 

Young woman in black dress stands before colorful poster
Making her case: STEAM salutatorian DanaMarie Galindo leaves a legacy of leadership

Before she heads to Vassar College this fall, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy salutatorian DanaMarie Galindo can point to a lasting addition to her school community: the Mock Trial Club. As one of the students who helped launch the program, she guided it to a top-eight finish and created opportunities for future students interested in law. The club's success reflects a high school career defined by leadership, initiative and a desire to help others succeed.

A group of people stand in a room with a large wooden table in the foreground and ornate molding and a chandelier in the background.
STEAM Mock Trial team honored at City Council meeting

Mount Vernon STEAM Academy’s Mock Trial team was recognized at City Hall last week for their achievement as a top-8 Westchester team in the New York State High School Mock Trial Competition. Councilperson Andre Wallace invited the students and their families to the City Council meeting as a way to celebrate their accomplishment. He also awarded the seniors a $500 gift to pay for college books and supplies! 

Click here to read more about the Mock Trial team