DWSA students compete for spots on Playmakers E-gaming team

For Denzel Washington School of the Arts senior Xavier Griffin, music has been a constant in his life, from the sounds that filled his childhood home to the songs he now writes, produces and engineers under the stage name XENO 914. Xavier transferred to DWSA in 10th grade from Mount Vernon High School, where he had been playing basketball. Although he enjoyed sports, he knew his future lay elsewhere. “I always wanted to make music,” he said. “I don't think anything gives me the same feeling that music gives me. Even when I'm listening to it, I'm performing it, I'm making it, it speaks to me on different levels.”

Nahla Apau, a senior at Denzel Washington School of the Arts, has learned how to adapt to change, shoulder responsibility and keep moving toward her goal of pursuing a career in forensic psychology while continuing a lifelong passion for music. Nahla, who plays the cello and has maintained a strong academic record, is considering a career that combines psychology, criminal justice and forensic science. Her interest has grown through classes including forensics, AP Psychology and law.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts students had a unique opportunity to compete for a spot on a E-sports team last Friday! Gerard “Hip Hop Gamer” Williams from Hot 97 hosted a tournament in the school's E-sports room. The Gaming program at DWSA is spearheaded by Hip Hop Gamer and the Playmakers Program. The annual tournament gave about 28 DWSA students the opportunity to vie for one of the eight spots on the Playmakers team.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts welcomed some extra special guests to the building for Bring Your Dad to School Day on Wednesday, September 16, where fathers, grandfathers, uncles and father figures got a glimpse into their loved ones daily academics.

Denzel Washington School of the Arts started off the school year on a high note during their annual back to school kickoff party, where students and staff spent the day enjoying music, dancing and spending quality time with one another. Click here to check out photos from the day! 

The Denzel Washington School of the Arts celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Wednesday, sending a talented group of young artists and scholars into the next act of their lives with cheers, music and heartfelt gratitude. The commencement ceremony was as much a performance as it was a celebration, blending artistic expression with academic achievement in a way that has become the hallmark of the Mount Vernon school. Family members, friends, faculty and community leaders filled the auditorium, cheering each graduate as they crossed the stage after years of honing not only their artistic talents but also their voices, confidence and resilience.

For Abigail Stephens, graduating as valedictorian of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and support from the people who helped shape her journey. Her resilience helped guide her through the challenges of high school and toward an extraordinary future. This fall, she will attend the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to major in biology on a pre-med track with the goal of becoming a physician.

When Sydney Whitaker takes the stage as salutatorian of the Denzel Washington School of the Arts, she will do so as a student whose six-year journey helped shape her into a leader, creative thinker and aspiring marketing professional. Sydney has spent nearly her entire life in the Mount Vernon City School District, attending Traphagen Elementary School before enrolling at DWSA in sixth grade. Growing up with two younger sisters and surrounded by family, she developed close relationships that helped shape her outlook.