Mount Vernon STEAM Academy has recently established an E-Sports Club for students interested in non-traditional competitive sports. The program, led by coach/advisors Ian Smith and Peter Palij, has been running since October 2023 and has around 60 participants.
As Smith explains, E-sports is a great way for students to come together after school and participate in a competitive sport that requires them to strategize, communicate, and collaborate with their teammates. The club teams up to play against other high schools across the country, often on the East Coast. These matches are recorded and can lead to qualifications for playoffs and national-level tournaments.
The club provides an outlet for students who may not be interested in traditional sports, allowing them to engage in a competitive and team-oriented activity. Senior Zuri Jackson, who is part of the E-Sports club, highlights how the experience has allowed her to engage in a different type of gaming environment, collaborate with her teammates, and work together towards achieving their goals in matches. She also notes how the club has helped her build communication skills and provided her with a fun and interactive way to connect with her peers. Overall, the E-Sports club at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy offers students a unique opportunity to participate in a competitive sport that fosters teamwork, strategy, and communication skills.
Mount Vernon STEAM Academy was established as a high school in the city in 2018. One of its unique after-school activities is the STEAM Knights E-Sports club.
