Celebrating MV Seniors: Saleh Going For BA, Accelerated MA

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Many senior students in the Hudson Valley were expecting to celebrate their final year with prom, graduation, and other milestone events. However, the new coronavirus crisis has meant that dreams and long-awaited celebrations have been put on hold.

Patch would like to shine a light on these amazing young people and their accomplishments; a new series "Celebrate Your Senior," inviting proud parents and others to spotlight the young people whose accomplishments can't be derailed by the pandemic.

Mount Vernon school officials nominated Abdulla Saleh, a senior at the Mount Vernon High School.

Here's what the district had to say about Saleh:

The Mount Vernon High School senior Abdulla Saleh recently received his acceptance letter from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) to pursue a bachelor of science and an accelerated master of science degree in computer science.

While school buildings across the nation may be closed at this time, the Mount Vernon City School District is using every avenue to connect with and celebrate its students and their achievements. In addition to the District’s transition to digital learning, many members of the Knights community are using online resources to engage with one another and share updates such as college acceptances from the Class of 2020.

“My passion has always been to learn about machine working and gaining experiences that will enable me to make substantial contributions to the current developing technologies including robotics, machine learning, augmented, and virtual reality systems,” said Saleh. “As a computer science enthusiast who advocates progress and innovation, I believe that pursuing such a career will offer me the opportunity to assist in improving the developing technologies and learning more about this highly diversified technology field. After becoming a qualified computer scientist, I would want to specialize in human-computer interaction designs and add my knowledge to this rich technological space.”

The senior notes a book that influenced his interest in the field of computer science: “Thinking in System: A Primer” by Donella H. Meadows. The book outlines ways in which computers and technology can help solve many problems facing our world today.

“The modern age of computers and the advancement of knowledge especially in computer science might just be the first steps in discovering solutions that would help the world in addressing global-based challenges.” said Saleh.

Saleh, a native of Yemen, immigrated to the U.S. as a child and entered the District in second grade. Saleh admits he struggled early in his school years with learning the English language and connecting with his teachers. However, the summer before his freshman year at Mount Vernon High School, Saleh took advantage of the many online resources offered by the District and worked hard to better himself and his academic studies. His efforts are apparent in his academic success these past four years and recent acceptance to NYIT.

“I have had the pleasure of watching this reserved young man really acclimate to our country, our community, and our school in a way that is truly impressive. Abdulla has real potential, drive, and resilience to match,” said Peggy Williams, a guidance counselor at Mount Vernon High School.

Saleh credits many of his teachers for his academic accomplishments. Mount Vernon High School English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher Mr. Ceballos provided guidance as Saleh composed his college admissions essays. Mrs. Solomon, an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher at the school, helped Saleh prepare for and transition into the school’s Honors English course which he completed his sophomore year.

“Abdulla engages with his passion, however and wherever he can. This includes his participation on the MVHS Mobile App Team, enrollment in our IT Essentials course, every Advance Placement and Syracuse University Project for Advancement course that could fit into his nine-period day, every Regents’ exam we offer and the quest for the NYS Advance Regents Diploma with Honors which will result in the sharpening of his skills in his third spoken language,” Williams added.

Beginning in fall 2020, Saleh will join NYIT’s Dean of Engineering Honors Program and enter the first leg of his five-year journey to obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science.

To be included in "Celebrate Your Senior!" send photos and a description of why you're nominating a senior to be featured in a Patch post to Lanning.Taliaferro@patch.com. Tell them why you're proud of them and all they've accomplished.