John H. Emhuff Opportunity Center
The John H. Emuff Opportunity Center prepares our students to be educated, successful, and responsible citizens. We envision our students actively participating in the quality instruction and curriculum designed to meet their diverse needs and interests. We provide our students with the opportunity to question, create, think, and learn mutual respect that will help prepare them for a positive future. View this link for more information.
Opportunity Center Mission Statement
The Opportunity Center is committed to empowering students who face challenges in traditional school settings by providing a supportive, engaging, and hands-on learning environment. We serve students navigating financial hardship, disciplinary obstacles, young parenthood, and family responsibilities, as well as those struggling with attendance, social interactions, and mental health.
Through interactive learning experiences that emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, life skills, and creativity, we strive to build confidence, foster a sense of belonging, and equip students with the tools they need to succeed. By making education relevant and accessible, we aim to improve attendance, enhance social skills, and inspire students to pursue a brighter future.

Meet the director: erica thomas
I have been teaching for 25 years. I have been at Mount Vernon Senior High since 2009. I taught English and Publications until 2025 when I had the opportunity to take over as director of the Opportunity Center.
It is my passion to help all students succeed and feel proud of their accomplishments and it means so much to me to be part of their educational journey. I have lived in Mount Vernon my entire life and am a proud graduate of this high school. Teaching here was a dream of mine and it's thrilling to have it come true.
I have three sons, Samuel, Jackson, and Abram Thomas. They all graduated from Mt. Vernon as well. My husband, Jeff Gibbs, and I live in Mt. Vernon and spend our free time camping, hunting, fishing, reading and enjoying our family.
STEM and Enrichment Activities
To ensure students leave Mount Vernon Senior High Schools with skills applicable to life, students enrolled in the opportunity center will participate in STEM and Enrichment Activities. Some of them include the following:
- Brain Teasers
- Edd Drop
- Cake Wars
- Changing Tires
- Jumping a Car
- Budgeting
- 3D Art
- Culinary Arts
- Tin Foil Boat Challenge
- Spaghetti Noodle Project
- Job Skills Interview
- Rock Painting
- Composer Challenge
- Einsteins Riddle