DWSA seniors take center stage for College Decision Day

Denzel Washington School for the Arts seniors turned their college commitments into a full-fledged performance during a festive College Decision Day celebration, where dozens of members of the Class of 2026 announced where they will head this fall.

Cheers erupted in the auditorium as each senior was introduced one by one as their baby photos flashed across a large screen, followed by a second slide revealing their chosen college.  

Principal Andrea Thomas addressed the seniors and the audience of freshmen, sophomores and juniors, praising the class for its perseverance and growth while encouraging younger students to stay focused on their own goals.

Adding to the celebratory mood, seniors took to the stage for song and dance performances, showcasing the artistic talent that defines the school community.

Among those recognized was Madison Govia, who will attend the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University to study collaborative arts.

“The school year has been really rewarding,” Madison said before the celebration kicked off. “But I’m really excited to go to NYU, my top school since I was, like, 10 years old. So just being able to go there and knowing that I’m going to be there in the fall — I’m really excited!”

Reflecting on her time at DWSA, Madison credited the school with shaping who she has become.

“I feel like it made me the person that I am today,” she said. “If I didn’t experience a lot of the things I have from seventh grade all the way to 12th, I wouldn’t have gone this far. It’s really rewarding. It’s a privilege.”

Before heading off to college, she plans to savor the summer.

“Probably working, hanging out with my friends a lot before they leave — maybe, hopefully, an internship,” she said.

Other seniors celebrated their next steps as well, including Santaycia Campbell, who will attend the College of Westchester; Tanice Fairclough, who will attend Baruch College; and Noel Harvey, who will attend the University of Connecticut. Many students proudly announced that they had earned full scholarships or substantial financial aid packages.

Mount Vernon City School District Superintendent Dr. Demario Strickland congratulated the seniors and offered words of advice, urging them to stay focused and follow through on their college journeys.

The event served as both a celebration of acceptance letters and a vivid reminder of how far the students have come and how bright their futures can be.