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Denzel Washington School of the Arts presents Peace Through the Arts

Andrea Thomas singing while people hold hands in the background.
Denzel Washington School of the Arts presents Peace Through the Arts

Community members and families of Denzel Washington School of the Arts made their way to the Phylicia Rashad Auditorium at DWSA for a special live performance entitled Peace Through the Arts, with One World Future Ready, a global educational enrichment program connecting students around the world on Saturday, June 22, 2024. 

During this first year partnering with One World Future Ready, DWSA students have had the opportunity to interact with students from China to learn more about each other's cultures. One World Future Ready aims to prepare students for success through character-based, future-ready programs. 

“Our goal is to help K-12 students prepare for the unprecedented opportunities and challenges of our 21st century world,” said Joe Carvin, Founder and Executive Director of One World Future Ready. “We’re thrilled to be working here with Denzel Washington School of the Arts this year! This is our first year here, we’ve already connected their students with students in China.”

Prior to the event, an art gallery with pieces created by students at the school were displayed in the hallways for sale to the public. Many of the art works exhibited different themes from various cultures.

Two students posing with art.

“For this assignment, I liked playing with the colors and different contrasts of the colors,” said Amirah Dawkins, 11th grade student at DWSA going into her senior year this fall. “I’m glad to show my classmates’ work and be able to represent how hard they worked to make their pieces.”

The evening was sponsored by different organizations who hosted tables during the art gallery to share their mission with the community. Some of the sponsors include One World Future Ready, TBS New Direction, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation and Love Your Food.

After the art gallery, individuals made their way to the auditorium to watch students perform dances from around the world. The show opened up with a word from principal Andrea Thomas, each of the sponsors and the Mayor of the City of Mount Vernon, Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

“We want to thank One World Peace for being here and bringing so many sponsors; covering critical areas, not just our world, but our community,” Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said. “We have to understand that world issues are local issues and local issues are world issues.”

 DWSA students showcased a plethora of dances including hip-hop, African and contemporary. The audience was also treated to special video dances from students from around the world including China, Wales, Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador, provided by One World Future Ready. 

Two students posing on stage.
Couple looking at art.
Student on stage dancing.
Students looking at art.
Mayor on stage speaking.


 

Students standing together in front of their work.
DWSA students create artwork for 'StickTogether' project

Last week, several groups of students at Denzel Washington School of the Arts completed collaborative “StickTogether” projects in the Denzel Washington Library. Students worked on the StickTogether, which replicated Vermeer's painting, "The Girl with the Pearl Earring." StickTogether projects promote mindfulness and positive teamwork. Eighth graders Liliana Oliveras and Anna McKoy were two of the many students who worked on these projects.

Judge Coverdale and attorney in front of group of students
DWSA students learn from Mount Vernon City Court Judge and an attorney for Law Day

Juniors and seniors at Denzel Washington School of the Arts engaged in an informative Law Day presentation with a judge and an attorney on Thursday. Mount Vernon City Court Judge Tamika A. Coverdale and City of Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel Brian G. Johnson focused their presentation on the United States Constitution. Law Day is celebrated to recognize the importance of the law in our society, and the presentation shed light on the impact of the Constitution on all Americans.

Mr. Maracle conducting students and Terra String Quartet.
DWSA students learn from and play alongside the Terra String Quartet

Denzel Washington School of the Arts Orchestra majors were visited by the Terra String Quartet, the Yale School of Music’s fellowship ensemble-in-residence, on Monday morning. Learning directly from professionals provides students with enriching first-hand experiences that give them a deeper understanding of their classroom learning by seeing, and practicing, the methods in which experts use their knowledge. 

 
Two students performing at poetry slam.
DWSA students perform in annual Poetry Slam

Denzel Washington School of the Arts students displayed their performing and creative writing skills at the annual Poetry Slam on Thursday afternoon. Students recited their original poems as well as performing songs by a variety of artists in numerous genres. Each performer was met with an applause of claps and snaps.

Congratulations to all the outstanding performers!

Click here to view the full video of the Poetry Slam on Facebook.

Click to view the photo gallery.

3 Students holding books from March Book Madness
Happy School Librarian Day! DWSA students complete March Madness bracket for books

For the month of March, Denzel Washington School of the Arts Library Media Specialist, Diana Wendell, inspired students to get excited about reading with a March Book Madness Challenge! Each week, middle and high school students were encouraged to vote for their favorites in the bracket.  This event started during National Read Across America Week. DWSA’s March Book Madness was part of a national program started by two school librarians: https://marchbookmadness.weebly.com/

Ms. Wheeler on stage with students.
DWSA Gospel Choir performs at Gospel Night

The Denzel Washington School of the Arts Gospel Choir sang their hearts out at Gospel Night last Friday under the direction of Creative Executive Director Angela Hall and Teacher Tanya Mack. Guest artists included Pastor Damon Mack & L.I.V. E. Nation, Joan Myers and Rich Tolbert, Jr. The celebration of gospel music featured soul stirring performances and a spiritual experience which charged the audience with energy!

Click here to view the photo gallery!

Click here to view the full livestream!