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DWSA student-artists perform on "Class Act" with Chris Wragge for DWSA feature story

DWSA student-artists perform on "Class Act" with Chris Wragge for DWSA feature story

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. 

“The excitement that filled the room was incredible,” said DWSA Principal Andrea Thomas. “The energy and passion that the students displayed on stage were well worth it. The support of the staff and parents were unparalleled. The memories will be long lasting, especially for our seniors.” 

During the pep rally, pieces from past productions such as “West Side Story” and "Annie," were shown to highlight the work of the student-artists. Students in DWSA’s drumline, the DWSA Chorale, and the DWSA Gospel Choir all showed off their talents as Chris Wragge highlighted the different programs at the school. Students also gave individual performances in singing, dancing and poetry

“The one beautiful thing about this school is the fact that we have arts integration into the academics,” Ms. Thomas told Chris Wragge. “That enables the children to enhance their critical thinking, their recall, and gives them the stage presence they need for future endeavors.”

While there is an artistic focus at DWSA, academics are the top priority. The balance of academics and the arts leads to well-rounded students that are able to manage whatever they have on their plates. The academic standards at DWSA were also featured on “Class Act.” 

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

Check out some behind the scenes footage from the filming here!

And view clips from the show here:

Andrea Thomas and Chris Wragge.
Chris Wragge and Dr. Smith.
Student singing.
Principal Thomas and Chris Wragge and students.
Student singing
Students drumming
Students singing
Chris Wragge standing with parent and child.
Students holding out hands and dancing.
Students cheering for pep rally.
Students holding up their hands and singing.
DWSA students holding up signs.
AP Wright speaking with Chris Wragge

 

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.