Congratulations are in order for four staff members of Mount Vernon High School.

Special Education Department Chair Danni Torres, Math Teacher Russell Roache (ROE - Chay), Assistant Principal Karen Boyd and MJROTC Major Melvin Burch-Bynum have been recognized by the Mount Vernon High School Pyramid for their dedication and support efforts to the MVHS Community. The pyramid is comprised of the seven elementary schools (Fort Belvoir Primary & Upper, Mount Vernon Woods, Riverside, Washington Mill, Woodlawn & Woodley Hills) and Whitman Middle School which all feed directly into Mount Vernon High School.

Ms. Torres has been teaching for 11 years. Before arriving at MVHS in 2020, she previously taught at Fort Belvoir Elementary and Whitman Middle Schools. In supporting autistic and special education students along with expertise in student crisis management, Ms. Torres’ contributions are valued and appreciated by students and staff alike.

This is Mr. Roache’s 13th year in teaching and year nine at Mount Vernon High School. Although teaching math has been the focal point of his career, Mr. Roache also spent a year teaching TV production before arriving to MVHS. In addition to his current math responsibilities, Mr. Roache took and accepted the challenge of serving as the lead teacher for the three levels of the MVHS Leadership course.

Mrs. Boyd currently serves as the lead sponsor/administrator for the Class of 2023 and supports all students with last names from A to Der. She also supervises the English and ESOL Departments. Prior to her arrival to MVHS, she was an assistant principal at Whitman Middle School.

Major Melvin Burch-Bynum previously served in the United States Marine Corps before arriving to MVHS. Teaching is a second career for him. He currently teaches all MJRCOTC course levels at MVHS and helps to insure our Cadet program provides the best experience for those looking to continue with the Marines after high school. 

Each staff member will continue as a finalist in their respective categories for regional recognition. If selected for regional recognition, each will proceed to an opportunity to be acknowledged at the county level during the annual FCPS Honors Event held at George Mason University at the end of the school year.

Congratulations to the following staff member who was also recognized by peers at the school level.

Akua Boamah - Mount Vernon HS Outstanding Operational Employee