Auditorium’s ribbon cutting ceremony marks another milestone for the District’s 20/20 Vision
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (June 8, 2019) — The auditorium that was once the crown gem of the city of Mount Vernon has been restored to its past glory. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the fully renovated historic Nellie A. Thornton High School auditorium on Friday, June 7, 2019, marking the completion of another milestone for the District’s 20/20 Academic Vision.
“It is thanks to this community’s unwavering support that we can proudly unveil this magnificent auditorium today,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth R. Hamilton. “When you provide students with the environment and support needed to succeed, they rise to the challenge. This performance most certainly demonstrated that!”
Fittingly, the first performance held on the new stage featured the District’s very best performing arts students. It was opening night for the Mount Vernon Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program’s presentation of “The Wiz”. The cast brought down the house with a stellar performance made even more special due to the significance of the momentous occasion and setting.
“Performing on the Nellie Thornton stage is a dream come true,” said Dr. Evelyn Collins, Founder/Director of the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program and principal of Nellie A. Thornton High School. “The performing arts students now truly have a place to call home, and they couldn’t be more grateful for the unique opportunity to be a part of a one of a kind program here in Mount Vernon.”
In the lead roles were: Mariam Saidykhanas as Dorothy; DreySean Haynes as Tin Man; Judah Taylor as Lion; and J’Aire Pearson as Scarecrow.
“This experience is amazing! I’m very glad to be performing in this theatre,” said Taylor. “And hope to be part of many more productions here.”
“To be in one of the lead roles in the first show in our new auditorium is truly being part of history being made!” added Saidykhanas.
Haynes, who is heading to Morehouse College as a biology major and music minor in the fall shared Dr. Collins’ philosophy.
“Dr. Collins’ philosophy is that is that if you immerse children in the arts, they’ll become well-rounded adults, and I’m proof of that,” Haynes explained. “I’ve gone to school here for years and watched Nellie A. Thornton’s transformation and am so glad to have been a part of it!”
The musical was produced and directed by Collins; with musical direction by Alvin B. Waddles; set design by Janet Rush; lighting design by Antoinette “Tee” Tynes; choreography by Monica Johnson and Samuel Reid; vocal direction by Angela Hall; and costumes designed by Gladys James.
Additional performances of “The Wiz” will take place Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 9, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. Nellie A. Thornton High School is located at 121 S. 6th Ave, Mount Vernon, New York.
About 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.
