A Global Vision Realized

In 2020, Mount Vernon embarked on an ambitious partnership with The Dewey Schools (TDS) in Vietnam, driven by a forward-thinking vision: by the fall of 2024, students from Vietnam would be thriving alongside our Upper Campus students. This moment, years in the making, is the culmination of intentional planning, foresight, and a series of meaningful connections, including the 2023 Summer Cultural Immersion program and two impactful Interim trips to Vietnam. Today, we celebrate a pivotal milestone that marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for our school and our new international students.

To dive deeper into this transformational experience, we spoke with Thamara Trematerra, Associate Director of Global Initiatives/Upper School Teacher, and Ben Potter, Dean of Students for Mount Vernon School Online, who both shared insights about our visiting students and what their presence means for them and our community.

MV: Thamara, who do we have on campus this year?

Thamara: We’re thrilled to have four incredible students from Vietnam with us this year—Kayla, Evelyn, Anh, and Lee (our only male student in this group). They’re all here to complete their senior year and graduate with us at Mount Vernon. These students are not only academically focused but also deeply excited about experiencing life in the United States. They’re eager to succeed in this environment, make new friends, build connections, and learn about the college search process. And yes, they’re also very enthusiastic about discovering American culture—Target (the store) has already become a favorite!

MV: We understand that there are also several seniors from TDS enrolled in Mount Vernon School Online (MSVO). How many online students are joining us?

Ben: This year, we are welcoming six seniors from Vietnam, among other students in the United States, who will be participating in our online program.

MV: For those who arrived in Atlanta, when did they get here?

Thamara: The students arrived on Monday, August 5, after nearly 24 hours of travel. They landed at Atlanta International Airport late in the evening, where Mrs. Dickerson and I were there to greet them. We brought them to campus, where they were warmly welcomed by their host families.

MV: Are the host families from the Mount Vernon community?

Thamara: Yes, the host family search was open to the entire Mount Vernon community, and we are fortunate to have Upper School families hosting our students. These families span three different grades—a current senior, two sophomores, and a rising freshman. It’s wonderful to see how our community has come together to support this initiative.

MV: Did Kayla, Evelyn, Anh, and Lee know each other before coming to Mount Vernon?

Thamara: Yes, they’re all from the Ho Chi Minh City campus of TDS and were acquainted before their arrival.

MV: Will these students stay with their host families for the entire academic year?

Thamara: Absolutely, they’ll be with their host families through graduation and will not be traveling home during breaks. The goal is for them to experience a complete cultural immersion.

MV: Will they participate in any Interim programs?

Thamara: Yes, they’ll be engaged in CORE, where they’ll participate in internships or other local opportunities within the U.S.

MV: We heard that Lee had a memorable moment during the senior retreat. Can you tell us about it?

Thamara: During the senior retreat, we had a paintball competition, and Lee made it to the final rounds. The class all cheered for him. It was a significant bonding moment for him and the senior boys. Initially, our new students were quite shy, dealing with culture shock and adjusting to a new time zone. But it was heartwarming to see them open up, and even more so to see how welcoming our MV students were. The senior retreat, a fun and emotional start to the year, really brought everyone together. I’m incredibly proud of how our Mount Vernon students made the TDS and other new students feel welcome and included.

MV: How are the host families connecting with the students’ families in Vietnam?

Thamara: Our host families have been amazing, going above and beyond to make these students feel at home. They’ve also done a fantastic job communicating with the families in Vietnam. We have several group chats going, and it’s great to see the cultural exchange and support happening between the families.

MV: Will the TDS students have opportunities to connect with our Lower and Middle School students?

Thamara: Definitely. These students will be fully immersed in our community—they’ll participate in the Mustang Rally, be paired as Alphas and Omegas, and engage in various activities, including their first American football game (watching the Mustangs on Ron Hill Field)! We also hope to partner them with Lower and Middle School students on projects. For now, our focus is on helping them settle into their new environment.

MV: Since they are seniors, will they be working with the College Counseling team?

Thamara: Yes, Aerial Dickerson, the other Associate Director of Global Initiatives, and Associate Director of Academic & College Counseling will guide both the Upper School TDS students as well as the six MVSO TDS students through the college search process, both in the U.S. and internationally. This aspect of their time here is crucial as they explore potential college paths, write essays, and complete applications.

Our partnership with TDS reflects Mount Vernon’s commitment to global educational outreach and offers unique benefits to our students. By engaging in this cross-cultural exchange, our students gain exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching their educational journey and preparing them for success in an interconnected world.