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Harvard Law School dean of students speaks to STEAM Academy students

Mr. Ball speaking to students.
Harvard Law School dean of students speaks to STEAM Academy students

Stephen L. Ball, the dean of students at Harvard Law School, spoke to a crowd of Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students and explained the intricacies of pursuing a law career on Thursday, April 25, 2024. 

Students in crowd listening to presentation

Mr. Ball explained the commitment required to be a successful lawyer and spoke to students about the steps they would need to take to get there. At the end of his presentation, he answered questions from students.

“Being a lawyer is about being able to help people navigate the law and oftentimes argue and understand both sides of an issue,” said Mr. Ball. “I just want to make it clear; a lawyer can look like so many different things. Yes, it can be people that wear suits every day or judges, but it can also be people that wear t-shirts to work every day or work outside. There are so many different applications of the law, and really there is a place for everyone regardless of what they want their lives to look like.”

Mr. Ball also serves on the board of directors of the Mount Vernon Star Scholars, which he encouraged students to join. Students who join the program receive mentoring and assistance in getting admitted to top colleges and universities across the country. 

Mr. Ball speaking to students.

As the crowd left, Mr. Ball stayed to speak to a few students who were particularly interested in law and helped advise them.

“I learned today that the path to becoming a lawyer may seem daunting, but it is certainly something that I would look into,” said Shannan Thomas, 10th grade student at STEAM Academy, “When I was younger, I did want to be a lawyer, so I would get a lot of LSAT practice books and stuff like that. I think that Mr. Ball certainly opened my eyes to possibly becoming a lawyer.”

Mr. Ball's colleague speaking to students.
Dr. Pearce handing a student a microphone.

 

Kyle Mason's senior portrait.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy senior displays academic, athletic, and civic excellence

Kyle Mason, a senior at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, has thrived while committing himself to his academics, athletics and community service during his four years of high school. Kyle will graduate from the STEAM Academy with an advanced high school diploma, as he is currently enrolled in both high school and college courses. 

Students, lit by green neon lights, play on the computer.
Approximately 60 participants competing in the STEAM Knights Esports Club

In the lower level of Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, students can often be found afterschool collaborating digitally and competing in an unconventional way. The STEAM Knights Esports Club began in October 2023, with an official ribbon cutting on December 18. Now in April 2024, the club has approximately 60 participants and is providing students with an engaging and competitive afterschool activity. 

Click here to the LoHud feature on Mount Vernon STEAM Academy's Esports club!

Presenter speaking to students.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy hosts motivational speaker Shaun Derik

A presentation filled with music, games and jokes was held at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy on Friday, April 19, 2024. Shaun Derik, a motivational speaker, visited the school to inspire students to chase their dreams and reconnect with their passion and natural-born gifts. Mr. Derik's presentation was courtesy of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, who have worked with him for years. They invited him to Mount Vernon STEAM Academy to interact with and motivate the students.

STEAM Junior Achievement
STEAM Academy hosts Verizon engineers for Junior Achievement Career Speaker Series

On Monday, April 15, 2024, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy hosted the Junior Achievement (JA) Career Speaker Series with Verizon. The JA Career Speaker Series, which is a part of the JA Work and Career Readiness Pathway, provides students with firsthand knowledge from professionals about their career, work and education experiences.

Margaret Djamongue's senior portrait.
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Margaret Djamongue, a senior at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy, has been excelling academically since her freshman year and has continuously made principal honor roll. Currently, Margaret is a part of the Smart Scholar program, a program through Mercy University that allows students to earn college credits while in high school. 

Students looking at resources from a college.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy holds spring college fair

College seals and colors lined the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy gymnasium, as the school hosted its spring college fair on Friday, March 22, 2024. Students spoke to representatives from approximately 40 colleges, universities, trade schools and United State Military branches.