Mount Vernon 'Early College' Students Honored With Special Awards

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The top Mount Vernon school administrators took time recently to pay tribute to a few special students who are already succeeding in college, before leaving high school behind.

Early College High School Program students were presented with a pin and certificate of excellence at the board of education meeting last Wednesday. Superintendent Waveline Bennett-Conroy presented the awards to each of the 75 students.

"Join me in saluting our committed and diligent scholars," Bennett-Conroy said. "They have made us very proud."

Superintendent Bennett-Conroy stresses the importance of putting students and families first. She discussed how proud she was that these scholars were going above and beyond to stick with these classes.

"When Mercy College came down to register these students, I was at STEAM (Academy) and I stood there like a proud mother," the superintendent said.

SEE ALSO: College Course Signup For 'Smart Scholars' At Mount Vernon Schools

During the meeting, a couple of students from each school also had the opportunity to speak about what the program means to them.

"When I started this program in the ninth grade, I had no idea what to expect," said Charlize Polanco, an 11th-grader at Denzel Washington School of the Arts. "This program has provided a great educational experience and I am one of the great scholars to soon achieve an associate degree."

The Smart Scholar grant is a federal grant that funds the Early College High School Program and provides students with this opportunity to take college courses while still attending high school. The program sets students ahead not only academically but also financially. While earning their high school degree, students will have completed 60 college credits that can be transferred to any college.

"I think that to be a Smart Scholar student you have to be endeavoring and always trying to achieve more,” said Iniesta Williams, an 11th-grade student at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.

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"When you are a high school student taking college classes your mindset changes," said Tah'Nyla Greenaway, an 11th-grade student at Mount Vernon High School. "You think about what is important and your responsibilities."

More information about this program can be found here.