Mount Vernon STEAM Academy has recently established an E-Sports Club for students interested in honing their skills in a non-traditional competitive sport. The club offers a unique and engaging after-school activity for participants, allowing them to compete with others across the country.
Established in 2018, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy serves high school students in the city. One of the standout programs at the school is the STEAM Knights E-Sports club, which launched in October 2023 and currently has about 60 participants. The club is led by coach/advisors Ian Smith, a social studies teacher, and Peter Palij, a math teacher.
According to Smith, E-sports offer students an opportunity to come together after school and engage in a competitive sport that requires strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration. Students participate in matches against teams from other high schools, primarily on the East Coast, with match results being recorded. Students also have the chance to qualify for playoffs and a national-level tournament.
For students who may not typically participate in traditional sports, E-sports provide an outlet to connect with peers and build essential communication skills. Senior Zuri Jackson shared her experience, expressing how the club has allowed her to collaborate with teammates and engage in competitive gameplay that is both challenging and enjoyable. Overall, the E-Sports Club at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy offers a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a unique and engaging extracurricular activity.
The STEAM Knights E-Sports club was launched with the aim of providing students with an opportunity to come together after school and engage in a competitive sport that requires strategic thinking, communication
