The Mount Vernon School was awarded the Georgia Athletic Directors Association (GADA) Director’s Cup for the first time in the school’s history.
The Director’s Cup is the highest achievement a high school athletic program can receive. It reflects the entire athletic program, with points awarded for each team based on their finish in the GHSA state playoffs, according to a press release from the school.
The school had three state championship team titles in boys basketball, girls tennis, and boys golf and two state finalists titles in softball, and boys tennis. The Mount Vernon 2023-2024 athletics season boasted several individual state champions.
“This momentum is incredibly significant for our school. Success in our athletic programs enhances our school’s reputation and increases visibility,” Athletic Director Brad Dehem told Rough Draft. “This surge in our athletic performance will certainly attract more students who are eager to be part of a vibrant and successful community.”
The achievement signifies growth and elevated standards that, coupled with Mount Vernon School’s “Let’s Do This” capital campaign, will mean more resources, better facilities, and enhanced community and alumni support, he said.
Dehem said the students benefit as success instills a sense of pride and community spirit. More than 80 percent of Upper Campus students participate in athletics, he said. They benefit from teamwork and leadership skills they develop through sports, which are skills that will be invaluable in their personal and professional lives.
Academics will get a boost also.
“There is a positive correlation between strong athletic programs and academic success. The increased school spirit and community engagement translate into a more motivated and focused student body,” Dehem said.
Athletic programs’ success can lead to great financial support, which can be put into academic resources, facilities, and scholarships, he said.
Student success was seen at Mount Vernon School’s recent graduation ceremony when 12 graduating seniors who had signed with colleges to participate in athletics got their diplomas. It was the largest group of seniors in school history to go on to play college sports, the release said.
The Regions Bank Director’s Cup recognizes athletic departments in all GHSA classifications that have excelled and shown superior performance, according to the release. Award-winning schools will receive a Regions Bank Directors Cup Trophy and a wall banner.
The Mount Vernon School serves more than 1,250 students in preschool through grade 12 on its 40-acre Sandy Springs campus.
