Javaughn Somers was honored at African American Men of Westchester event
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (February 6, 2018) – Javaughn Somers, a senior at Mount Vernon High School, was honored by the African American Men of Westchester with the Spirit of Love award at the organization’s 17th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards luncheon.
Somers was selected from 786 applicants to receive the Spirit of Love award for his demonstration of commitment to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was nominated by the Mount Vernon City School District for his community service and involvement in the Trinity Baptist Church. Members of Somers’s church provided a letter of recommendations to accompany the District’s nomination.
“Dr. King is remembered for his legacy of peace, hope and unity and I am proud to see those same virtues embodied in the students of our District,” said Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton, Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent. “Javaughn’s commitment to his school and church are inspiring. He is well-deserving of this award.”
Somers is one of 120 young men to receive a Legacy Youth Award since the event’s inception and was the only Mount Vernon student to be recognized at this year’s luncheon. More than 500 people attended the event, which was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Tarrytown.
In addition to his volunteer position as the sports photographer for Mount Vernon High School, Somers helps his grandmother deliver food to elderly members of their church, volunteers with youth convocation, and assists with Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives.
“It was an honor to receive this award,” said Somers. “I live with my grandmother so she helps me a lot and volunteering with her at church is a way for me to help her in return. This award is something that I’ll include when applying to colleges, so I believe my community services efforts will have long-term benefits to me and my future.”
The African American Men of Westchester presented Somers with a plaque that is inscribed with his name and the name of his award, Spirit of Love. He also received certificates of recognition for his community service from New York State Senators Terrance P. Murphy and Andrea Stewart-Cousins, as well as Mike Spano, Mayor of Yonkers.
About the Mount Vernon City School District
With more than 8,000 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to its children as well as developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.
