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Denzel Washington School of the Arts scholars create dream towers in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts scholars create dream towers in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sixth grade students in Michelle Atterberry’s class at Denzel Washington School of the Arts created dream towers, displaying what they envision for a better world. Students proudly showed off their work on Friday, January 17, 2025.

After spending time reading Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and discussing his powerful message of justice and equality, students were assigned to answer three questions analyzing and thinking critically about his words. These questions included “What would the world look like?”, “What would you like to see in the future?” and “What impact do you think Dr. King had?”

The class focused on Dr. King’s impact on society and how his words continue to inspire others to foster a world that is inclusive and fair for all. The class then took their ideas and turned them into a creative project, building dream towers. These towers symbolize values students believe in and how they would like the future to look.

“We really admire Dr. Martin Luther King,” said Dahneil Samuels, a sixth grade student at DWSA. “So, we did a project of all of our dreams, representing his “I Have a Dream” speech. I wrote about how everybody should be able to afford and go to school. I feel that it’s fair for everyone to have access to a higher education.”

Close shot of student project.

Once the towers were complete, students put their pieces together to create a city that encompasses the beliefs of each scholar for a better world. 

“I was very impressed with their thoughts,” said Ms. Atterberry. “ You think of sixth grade; I’m not really sure what they would’ve come up with, but I let them speak from their heart. For them to talk about women’s rights and poverty, to end world hunger ... I was impressed to see what they wrote and how they expressed it in art.”

Each tower is unique, reflecting the values of the students who created it. Some towers represent peace, with symbols like doves and olive branches. Others focus on unity, captivating words and designs that promote fairness for all, regardless of the color of their skin.

Class smiling for the camera.
Photo of dream towers in classroom.


 

Students on stage for performance.

Last month, students in the Denzel Washington School of the Arts Gospel Choir presented a concert for their Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Hackley School. This concert also intertwined the rich history of gospel music into the performances. The Gospel Choir utilized dance, poetry, and song.

Chris Wragge and Dr. Smith.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts students were featured on CBS’s latest “Class Act” with Chris Wragge. A pep rally was held on Friday, January 24, 2025, featuring drumline, dance, poetry and vocal performances. Students in the crowd cheered on their classmates as they performed for the live broadcast. 

To view more coverage of "Class Act" with Chris Wragge at DWSA click here and here

Read more to view more clips from the show!

Students standing on stage with man.

The Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt took place at Denzel Washington School of the Arts on Friday, January 10, 2025. The Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt is designed to identify and support talented youth across the nation. Students competed in Dance, Vocal, Dramatic Interpretations, Visual Arts and Music competitions. DWSA students took first, second and third place. First place went to Charlize Ford (Vocal), who won $500. Second place went to Lexus Boymandjia (Dramatic Interpretation), and she won $300. Third place went to Eric Buchanan. He won $200.

DWSA celebrates excellence as over 150 students make the honor roll

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Denzel Washington School of Arts students crowded into the large auditorium, sharing excitement with their peers to celebrate those who made it onto the honor roll. Middle and high school levels cheered together as over 150 DWSA students walked across the stage to collect their certificates and stand together in their achievement.