2024 Honorees
This year we are honoring Donna Brown and Mervyn Francis
Coach Wall
Coach Troye Cornwall, affectionately known as Coach “Wall”, is a consummate athlete, a humble man, a Coach, an Educator and a Mentor!
He is currently a Physical Education teacher for the Mount Vernon Central School District at the Graham School. As a runner-turned-coach, he has seen first-hand the benefits of health and well-being in student-athletes.
Coach Cornwall attended Delaware State University on a football scholarship. Prior to college he volunteered in his community as a coach-in-training to give back to the community that supported him. He graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelor’s Degree. He continued to further his education by pursuing a Masters’ Degree in Physical Education and a Masters’ Degree in Sports Administration.
During this time, Coach “Wall” turned his passion for sports into a career. He coached the two sports he loved best: Football and Track & Field. He effectively assisted in leading the HACKLEY School Football Team to a Metropolitan Independent Football League (MIFL) Championship. Additionally, his athletes at the Pleasantville High School broke 23 Track & Field individual school records.
Coach “Wall” served as a volunteer with the Special Olympics and the Senior Olympics.
After returning from the grueling effects of COVID-required Zoom gym classes, to in-person classes, Coach Wall saw the need to provide the children with an opportunity for physical movement. He heartily accepted the responsibility as the Head Coach for a modified Track Team which was approved by the Board of Education. Coach “Wall” invited all the children within the district to try out for the team. More than 100 children showed up for the initial Try-Outs at The Steam Academy Track. This was a testament to the connections he has with the students and how much of a genuine need the children had for movement. Coach “Wall” created a program of intensive training which led his student-athletes to an undefeated season. The discipline, important skills, and the quest for speed he teaches his student-athletes are the necessary tools they need for their future endeavors. He stands as a beacon of hope for young student athletes, and sparks inspiration within all as a Coach, an Educator and a Mentor.
Karen Carr
Karen Carr was born and raised in The City of Mount Vernon, New York. She began her
education at Grimes Elementary School, then continued on to Sacred Heart Catholic School, and graduated from The Mount Vernon High School. She is a proud mother of two boys and four girls and grandmother to eleven beautiful grandchildren. When Karen’s children were very young, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom. In addition to doing so, she opened her home to other young mothers who couldn’t afford the rising cost of daycare and took care of their young children along with her own.
Karen is a family matriarch and plays an important role in the daily care of her grandchildren. A graduate of Westchester Community College, Karen has been employed as an Enrollment Specialist/Representative at Affinity for over two decades where she continues to serve and represent individuals seeking health insurance enrollment. Karen is an accomplished, respectful and dedicated employee who over the years has become an invaluable asset to Affinity.
Karen’s employer had a challenge at work to get the employees motivated to get healthy. The challenge was called “The Biggest Loser”. Karen joined the challenge, became competitive, motivated other employees to join the challenge and won. Karen met our very own Nelda on one of her many challenge walks and became an early member of We Run Mount Vernon during its inception in 2018. She enjoys walking with her fellow walkers and has done so for the past few years.
Karen suffered a severe ankle injury which required surgery. This injury required months of rehabilitation. Karen was persistent and unwavering and refused to allow this injury to keep her incapacitated for an extended period of time. She worked excessively hard during months of physical therapy to gain strength in that ankle so she could go back on the trail to walk with her group. She overcame that giant hurdle with flying colors and was walking with WRMV in record time.
Not only is Karen walking the trail but she trained tirelessly for weeks and has accomplished one of her many goals by completing a marathon (26.2 miles) on September 11, 2022. Karen has become a role model for many of her friends whom she has inspired to move more. Karen’s accomplishments, inspiration and motivation mirrors WRMV’s very purpose. The positive vibes she brings to WRMV makes us all proud to call her one of our very own.