Congressman George Latimer, NY State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson & longtime CBS New York Meteorologist Elise Finch Henriques (posthumously) inducted into the Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame
The Mount Vernon City School District (MVCSD) inducted U.S. Representative George Latimer (16th Congressional District), former New York State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson (NYS 36th District), and Emmy Award-winning CBS New York Meteorologist Elise Finch Henriques (posthumously) into the Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Families, loved ones, administrators, educators, colleagues, and community members gathered at Mount Vernon High School (100 California Rd.) to celebrate this prestigious induction.
“I feel so gratified that people have acknowledged me and that I’m on the wall with people who have really given so much to this community,” said Ms. Hassell-Thompson. “To be recognized in this company is awesome.”
Ms. Finch-Henrique’s husband thanked the District for honoring his wife, allowing her legacy to live on in Mount Vernon.
Mr. Latimer deferred to his fellow honorees. “I hope that any of the young girls that come down this hallway look up and they see these two powerful black women,” he said. “I hope they read the stories of their lives and draw strength from them.”
There was a visual presentation for the inductees by Jennifer Cardillo-Rojas. Reflections and Memories for Elise Finch Henriques were made by Amira Finch-Johnson, and Mount Vernon City Council President Danielle Browne presented the award to Grace Henriques and Elise’s husband, Graig. Reflections and memories for Rep. Latimer were made by the Honorable Clinton Young and Auggie DiSeio. Judge Kathie Davison and Tracy Smith gave reflections and memories for the Honorable Ruth Hassell-Thompson.
Mount Vernon High School Principal Pauline Pearce, Acting Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith, and the Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, took to the podium to speak about the lasting impact these honorees will have on students to come and the difference they have made on the Mount Vernon community.
“These three honorees have long track records of accomplishments that I have only scratched the surface of,” said Dr. Smith. “These people have not only had outstanding accomplishments, but they have always shown love and support to Mount Vernon, for which we are eternally grateful. Thank you for putting a shining light on our city, and I hope these Hall of Fame plaques show just how much you mean to us.”
Board of Education trustee Lorna Kirwan spoke about the significance of the Wall of Fame before Denzel Washington School of the Arts student Michael Middleton performed a dance routine for the audience.
“This is more than just a title, it is a legacy,” she said. “To be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Mount Vernon, a city that has raised leaders, legends, change-makers, and champions like yourself — it is not a small thing. It means you have done something extraordinary. It means you have not only achieved success in your own right, but you have done so in a way that uplifts the school district, your city, the community, and the whole country.”
Acting Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Administration Dr. Jamal Doggett and Mr. Mark Raimondi, the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Business, read the biographies of the Class of 2025 Inductees.
U.S. Rep. George Latimer (16th District) was born and grew up in Mount Vernon, graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1970, and graduating with a B.A. from Fordham University in 1974, as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University’s Wagner School in 1976.
Latimer took office as Westchester County Executive in January 2018 and was re-elected to a second term in November 2021. He won the 16th District race in November 2024 and took office in January 2025.
During his tenure as County Executive, Latimer upheld an impressive record of achievements, including three consecutive County property tax cuts and credit rating stabilization. He is also responsible for bringing several long-standing infrastructure projects to fruition, including the historic Elijah J. Miller House, Sprain Ridge Pool, New Rochelle Family Court, and the North and South County Trailways. Latimer broke ground on Memorial Field in Mount Vernon and unveiled the County’s 9/11 First Responders Memorial on the 20th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks, dedicated to the heroes who passed away from 9/11 related illnesses. Over the years, Latimer has received public recognition and awards from numerous Westchester and Hudson Valley organizations for his work, including by the Sarah Neuman Center, the Washingtonville Housing Alliance, Congregation Anshe Sholom in New Rochelle, the Port Chester/Rye Brook Chamber of Commerce, the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, LMC-TV, Council of Community Services in Port Chester-Rye Town, Helping Hands and the NY State Association of School Psychologists.
Ruth Hassell-Thompson graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1963 before she started working as a pediatric nurse and substance abuse counselor for Mount Vernon Hospital from 1963 to 1998. From January 1980 to June 1987, she was executive director of the Westchester Minority Contractors’ Association (WMCA). Before leading the WMCA, she worked for the Westchester Community Opportunity Program for 10 years in a number of management positions. In 1993, Ms. Hassell-Thompson was elected to the Mount Vernon City Council, serving as Council President and Acting Mayor. In this position, she was Vice chairperson of the Urban Renewal Board; a voting member of the Board of Estimate; Vice chairperson of the Real Estate Board, and Chairperson of the Capital Projects Board.
Appointed in 2016 as Special Advisor for Policy and Community Affairs for New York State Homes and Community Renewal, was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2000, where she brought years of public service and community involvement to her post as the Senator of the 36th Senatorial District, representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester Counties during her more than 15-year tenure. During her tenure in the Senate, Ms. Hassell-Thompson served on the following standing committees: Judiciary (Ranking); Crime, Crime Victims, and Corrections (Chair and Ranking); Commerce, Economic Development & Small Business; Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Health; Finance; Rules; Chairwoman, Conference of Black Senators; Chairwoman, Taskforce on Domestic Violence; Taskforce on MWBE. Ms. Hassell-Thompson also chaired the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Caucus.
Elise Finch Henriques was raised in Mount Vernon. She attended the Grimes Center for Creative Education, A.B. Davis Middle School, and graduated as a member of the National Honor Society from Mount Vernon High School in 1989. She had deep roots in the community, her father as a city councilman and public works commissioner, and her mother as a librarian and teacher.
“I’ve worked in this building as a librarian and have done community service programs here with kids, and very often we stop by that wall and look at everybody,” Ms. Finch-Henrique’s mom, Charlette Finch said. “So now to look and Elise will be there, is something truly special.”
The multiple award-winner was also so proud to say she was born in Mount Vernon and that she graduated from Mount Vernon High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, where she received the prestigious President’s Award. She went on to earn a Master of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University.
Finch was an Emmy award-winning meteorologist who joined CBS New York in 2007 and for years mentored children through Jack and Jill Association of America and other programs. She was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority. A sister, mother, and friend to many, Ms. Finch Henriques always shone as a role model and leader from a very young age. Her kindness to those around her was inspired by the kindness of other women in her life, like her mother and grandmothers.
Earlier this month, relatives, friends, and fans gathered at Stuyvesant Plaza on Friday, June 6, for a tree-planting ceremony in her memory.
The Mount Vernon High School Hall of Fame recognizes and honors the positive accomplishments and contributions of Mount Vernon High School alumni who bring pride and inspiration to the Mount Vernon City School District, the community, and society.
Loved ones and colleagues then went up to the podium to reflect on each individual and share memories about their time in Mount Vernon before the recipients unveiled their plaques on the Wall of Fame. The ceremony concluded with Ms. Hassell-Thompson, Mr. Latimer, and Elise’s husband, Graig, each sharing their thoughts and feelings about being recognized by the school district in such a wonderful way.
