Mount Vernon School District

There will be no school on Friday 9/4/2026 and Monday 9/7/2026 in observance of Labor Day. Have a safe and happy weekend.

Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Heroes' field enshrinee, Carol Koepke. Carol is a former educator at the Mt. Vernon school who made a positive impact on countless students throughout her career!

Time to nominate a HERO to be inducted into our Heroes' Field courtyard. The form is in the link below. Please see the criteria below and submit your nomination per the criteria NO LATER than August 31st! Don't wait!

Mt. Vernon Public Schools

Heroes Field Selection Criteria

A hero can be defined in many different ways. They can be the noblest of the noble and the bravest of the brave. They can also be a diligent, unassuming person who dedicates their life to making the world a better place, but does so behind the scenes. One thing that cannot be overlooked; however, is that we all know of people that we personally view as heroes. Heroes make an impact in the lives of others; either by action or example. They exude class, dignity, and honor and live their lives in a manner that makes us proud to know them. They are courageous, self-sacrificing people that give us strength and make us better by teaching us nobility, diligence, and strength of character. Heroes live a life of substance, and create a legacy that has an impact for many generations.

In appreciation of, and out of respect for, those Mt. Vernon heroes who have given so much, we have named this stadium Heroes’ Field. Heroes’ Field is a place where we practice the ideals of discipline, dedication and selflessness. It is a place where we engage in teamwork in order to honor our families and our community.

The idea for naming Heroes’ Field was born out of the life and untimely death of 33-year-old Navy pilot Lt. Clinton Wermers. Wearing jersey number 33, Wermers was a fierce competitor on the Mt. Vernon football field and a loyal teammate off the field. On January 23, 2010 Wermers and his student pilot’s Navy training plane crash landed into Lake Pontchartrain near New Orleans. Thanks to Lt. Wermers bravery and sacrifice the student pilot was rescued. Clinton was not as fortunate.

To continue with the inspiration surrounded by the naming of “Heroes’ Field,” it has become our mission to continue the recognition of heroes that have made a lasting impression in our community.

All persons selected for enshrinement will have a permanent monument honoring them within the confines of the Heroes’ Field Stadiu

The criteria for subsequent enshrinements at Heroes’ Field – Walk of Fame can be in any of the following areas:

- Must be a Mt. Vernon High School graduate or minimum 15 year member of community/area.
- Life’s work demonstrated courage, service and self-sacrifice which brought honor to their family and community.
- Excelled on the athletic field and was a positive role model in doing so, therefore impacting those who looked at them in admiration.
- Made a positive impact in the lives of many through unselfish commitment to community service.
- Impacted our nation, state, or community through public service
- Excelled academically and/or achieved a high level of post-graduate success.
- Made an impact on our community in a way that will have a positive impact on future generations.
Anyone can submit a nomination to the committee to be considered for enshrinement. In doing so, they must draft an essay explaining how that person meets the criteria listed above, and why they should be considered for enshrinement. If selected, they will also be responsible for providing a bio and photo to be used at the ceremony. Turn in nominations to Jason Helling at the Mt. Vernon School or attach via email at Jason.helling@k12.sd.us.

We will be inaugurating 1member to the Heroes’ Field – Walk of Fame at the homecoming football game on September 25. Heroes’ Field Selection Committee will consist of one alumni that graduated from the time period prior to 1980, One graduate of the years 1981-current, one school official, one school board member, and one community member.

NOMINATIONS ARE DUE AT NOON ON August 31st!