Alumni

Harriet Middleton, a 2020 alumna of Mount Vernon, recently graduated from Wake Forest University in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Communication. She has accepted a position with Amwins as an Associate Underwriter, joining their prestigious Underwriter Development Program in Charlotte.

Andrew Lee, a 2019 graduate of Mount Vernon, pursued his education at Texas Christian University. Recently graduated, Andrew is now embarking on an entrepreneurial venture by launching his own clothing brand.

Andrew’s journey from Mount Vernon to entrepreneurship highlights his creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Andrew’s dedication to his craft and his ambition to build a successful clothing brand underscore his commitment to pursuing his passion and making a mark in the business world.

Emery Dikeman, a 2020 graduate of Mount Vernon, recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a Degree in Nursing. She is now set to further her education at Vanderbilt University, where she will pursue her MSN in Pediatric Primary Care with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.

Emery prioritizes patient-centered care, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and ethical decision-making. Her clinical experience spans a wide array of inpatient specialties, including acute pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, labor and delivery, community health, mental health, and geriatrics, as well as various outpatient settings. From her extensive clinical rotations, nurse externships, and employment opportunities, Emery places the utmost value on providing inter-collaborative, quality care for her patients in all environments.

Emery’s journey from Mount Vernon to Vanderbilt reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the field of pediatric healthcare.

Annabel Santoli, a 2020 graduate of Mount Vernon, graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She will soon begin her professional journey in Atlanta as a Territory Sales Lead for the Hershey Company.

Ruthie Roberts, a 2020 graduate of Mount Vernon, recently graduated Cum Laude from Texas Christian University in May 2024. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology.

Ruthie will soon begin her professional career at a law firm in Dallas, TX. Her academic achievements and dedication to her studies have prepared her for this exciting new chapter, where she will apply her knowledge and skills in the legal field.

Katie Jones, a 2020 graduate of Mount Vernon, recently graduated from Florida State University in May 2024 with a Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In June, she will be moving to Charleston to join the Sanctuary Hotel on Kiawah Island, participating in their Manager in Training Program.

Katie’s academic achievements and passion for the hospitality industry have paved the way for this exciting opportunity. Her dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences and her enthusiasm for the tourism sector will be invaluable assets as she begins her career at the Sanctuary Hotel.

Katie Goodwyn, a member of Mount Vernon’s Class of 2020, graduated from Furman University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Educational Studies. She will soon begin her career as an English Language Teacher with Hanam Misa POLY, an opportunity that holds special significance as it allows her to work in her birth country.

Katie brings a wealth of experience working with children and teachers from her high school and college years. Known for her empathy, creativity, and strong communication and collaboration skills, she is well-prepared for her new role. Katie is particularly interested in pursuing opportunities in ESOL or working with elementary students, reflecting her passion for education and her dedication to making a positive impact on young learners’ lives.

Clayton Patnode, a 2020 graduate of Mount Vernon, recently graduated from Clemson University in May 2024. With his Degree in hand, Clayton is set to embark on a new professional journey in Richmond, VA, where he will be working in sales for McKesson Medical.

Dr. Katherine Ward, a member of the Mount Vernon Class of 2015, pursued her academic journey with dedication and passion. She graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, focusing on Nanotechnology. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Dr. Ward recently completed her Doctor of Medicine Degree at Creighton University School of Medicine in May 2024.

Her commitment to serving others extends to her role as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Department. Dr. Ward is set to embark on her residency in general surgery at Oregon Health & Science University, where her blend of academic achievement and military service will undoubtedly make a significant impact. Her journey from Mount Vernon to achieving her medical career aspirations exemplifies her resilience and commitment to making a difference in healthcare and beyond.

Skyler Tiffin, a 2020 graduate of Mount Vernon, pursued her education in the International Business program at the University of South Carolina, graduating in 2024. Throughout her four years at USC, Skyler immersed herself in global experiences, studying semesters in Germany, Singapore, and Brazil. She passionately embraced her time abroad, exploring over 20 different countries during weekends and breaks.

This fall, Skyler will begin her career with Visa in Atlanta, leveraging her international education and diverse cultural experiences to contribute effectively in the dynamic field of international business. Her adventurous spirit and academic achievements reflect her dedication to personal growth and professional success.

Austin Taylor, a 2022 graduate of Mount Vernon, distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, competing in varsity football and varsity baseball during his time at Mount Vernon. Following graduation, Austin enrolled at the United States Naval Academy, where he joined their rugby team.

In an impressive feat, Austin and his team secured the 2023 D1A National Rugby Championship by defeating the California Golden Bears. His dedication, athleticism, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field have remained true long after his time at MV!

After graduating from Mount Vernon in 2017, Mike began his collegiate journey playing Division I Football at Georgia Southern University. After his first year, he transferred to Georgia State University to focus on academics and be closer to home. Mike’s extensive internship path started with a pivotal first internship in IT at Insight Global, a position secured through a Mount Vernon parent. This foundational experience led to several high-profile internships at Fortune 500 companies, including Cox Communications, Boston Consulting Group, Amazon Web Services, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, US Bank, and Adobe.

Now residing in Austin, Texas, Mike works as a Partner/Channel Engineer for Fortinet, the largest cybersecurity company in the world. His role involves consulting with partners and clients to secure their network infrastructures, leveraging his vast experience and expertise in the field.

Maggie Mixon, a 2017 graduate of Mount Vernon, began her academic journey at The George Washington University before moving to France to complete her degree. She graduated in 2021 with a Degree in International Business Administration and Global Communications from the American University of Paris.

Maggie now works as an Account Executive for PlayPlay, an online premium video creation tool that enables Marketing, Communications, and Social Media teams to produce high-quality videos in minutes without the need for editing skills. Brands such as Chanel, Airbnb, Heineken, and Nespresso rely on PlayPlay for creating social stories, news summaries, company announcements, and tutorials. Maggie’s international education and professional expertise help her excel in her role, contributing to the success of these prominent brands.

Alex Alba, a 2015 graduate of Mount Vernon, pursued his higher education at the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Planning, supported by academic scholarships. Following his graduation, Alex became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and now works at The Piedmont Group.

Alex’s passion for financial planning was ignited by the devastating impact of Hurricane Maria on his family and community in Puerto Rico. This tragic event motivated him to gain expertise in the financial services industry to educate clients in a fiduciary manner and help them achieve their financial goals. Specializing in building strong relationships with clients, Alex is dedicated to constructing confident financial plans to ensure preparedness for the unexpected. Raised in Atlanta, GA, he combines his personal experiences and professional knowledge to make a positive impact in his field.

Tres Gonzalez, a 2019 graduate of Mount Vernon, went on to attend Georgia Tech, where he played baseball for the Yellow Jackets. He graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Following his graduation, Tres was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and is now pursuing a professional baseball career.

When he is not playing in the major leagues, Tres returns to Mount Vernon and Georgia Tech to speak to student-athletes and help them train. His commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of athletes highlights his dedication to both his alma maters and the sport of baseball.

After graduating from Mount Vernon in 2013, Corey Knapp pursued his passion for journalism at the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. He graduated with the Bulldog’s Class of 2017, earning a minor in Spanish, which included a study abroad program in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. Corey also received a Sports Media Certificate from the prestigious Grady Sports Media Program. Currently, he works as a Senior Social Media Manager for the Atlanta Hawks.

Corey has returned to Mount Vernon to share his expertise in Sports Marketing with Dr. McCubbin’s Strategic Communications class. His experiences as a sports fan, combined with his college education and professional career, have equipped him with the skills to connect with audiences through various sports media platforms. Whether doing play-by-play for live broadcasts, writing in-depth feature stories, or producing breaking news, Corey’s passion and knowledge of sports have driven his success in the field.