“When I came for my first day at Mount Vernon, I didn’t know anyone or have any friends, but things started to change. I started to make friends and got to know people better. Then I started to realize how much more awesome this school is than I’d originally thought. I don’t think I would be that connected to this school if it wasn’t for my classmates and teachers.“
Prior to the end of the 2020-21 school year, Grade 5 students were recognized and celebrated during two Bridging Ceremonies, commemorating their move from the Lower Campus to the Upper Campus.
Representing Mrs. Emily Edwards’ class was new Mustang, Henry Irvin. In his speech to his fellow classmates, he shared how they made his first year at Mount Vernon so special, helping him feel part of the MV family quickly and almost seamlessly.
“Hello, my name is Henry Irvin. This was my first year at Mount Vernon. I want to talk about my class and how they have meant so much to me this school year.
“When I came for my first day at Mount Vernon, I didn’t know anyone or have any friends, but things started to change. I started to make friends and got to know people better. Then I started to realize how much more awesome this school is than I’d originally thought. I don’t think I would be that connected to this school if it wasn’t for my classmates and teachers.
“We went through everything together; from going virtual to wearing masks in person. I’m just so happy that I was able to share this experience with you guys. We worked on projects together, worked collaboratively to solve escape rooms, completed awesome science projects, joined book clubs, worked together to find the surprise to win spirit week, became teammates playing for the Mustangs on the field and on the court, and now… here we are.
“Thank you to my classmates: Parker Arnold, Sara Castro, Cotton Dull, Sam Gibbs, Maylee Hosch, Lyndi Kurtz, Parker Landt, Dean Langford, Hayes Middlebrooks, Jack Newsome, Connor O’Nan, Blake Peaden, Elise Putnam, Skyelar Richards, Julie Scotchie, Vedika Soni, and Oliver Spalding.
“Thank you to Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Schoerner, Mrs. Fennelly, and all of the other fifth grade teachers.
“Finally, I want to give a very special thank you to Mrs. Edwards. Thank you for letting me be part of the Mount Vernon family. Let’s go Mustangs!”
While this may have been Henry’s first year at Mount Vernon, it’s no surprise that the Mustang spirit runs through his veins. His father, Eric Irvin, attended Mount Vernon in the 1980’s. In 1986, Eric was awarded the Mustang Spirit Award. Feeling inspired after seeing photos of the Upper School Honors Celebration, Eric found his award and sent it to school with Henry to show his classmates.
To all of our newest Mustangs, welcome to the MV family. We hope you find your home at Mount Vernon, like Henry did.
And to all of our veteran Mustangs, thank you for always making our newest students and families feel welcome into our community. We are Mount Vernon, and we are better together.
