Mt Vernon Teen Wins National Catholic School Honor

From Iona Preparatory School: Mount Vernon resident Jordon Gyapong, a 17-year-old senior at Iona Preparatory School, was recently presented with the National Catholic Educational Association’s Medal of Honor for his selfless service and dedication to changing the world. He was one of only 10 students to receive this prestigious recognition out of more than 1.8 million Catholic school students nationwide.

"Jordon Gyapong is one of the most kind, dedicated and selfless young men I have had the pleasure to teach and serve with, and for his tireless efforts to serve others, he was an excellent candidate for this award," Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North American Advocacy Coordinator Sean D'Alfonso noted. "Despite his accolades, accomplishments and resume, his dedication to listening to and serving others is what is most profound about this young man’s life."

A remarkable leader, Gyapong’s many acts of service include serving the poor in Peru and Ghana; leading the charge to reduce plastic pollution both in the school and beyond; guiding younger students as a Peer Minister at Iona Prep; and championing human rights for all.

One of Gyapong’s greatest passions is aviation. He started The Gael Aviators, one of the fastest-growing and most popular clubs at Iona Prep, where he helped to procure a professional flight simulator to help train himself and the next generation of professional pilots. In fact, Jordon has begun his formal flight training at Westchester County Airport, and he recently flew solo across the country as part of his training.

“It is extremely humbling to win this award, but it also motivates me to do even more,” said Gyapong, who will be studying commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota in the fall. “I’d like to thank everyone at Iona Prep for giving me the guidance and support to achieve so many of my goals. I came here as a freshman and have gotten to experience so much. These are experiences that will last a lifetime, and hopefully will improve the lives of others as well.”

The “Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Awards” program is made possible, in part, through the generosity and support of Cross Catholic Outreach, a Catholic ministry whose mission is to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ.

“NCEA extends its sincere congratulations to all the winners and to all those who have supported the outstanding service and faith witness of these remarkable young people,” said NCEA Chief Leadership and Program Officer Dr. Barbara Edmondson. “Young people in our Catholic schools are truly changing the world, one student at a time.”