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DWSA students hold the annual Paint Night Fundraiser to help raise money for the Visual Arts Program

DWSA students hold the annual Paint Night Fundraiser to help raise money for the Visual Arts Program
DWSA students hold the annual Paint Night Fundraiser to help raise money for the Visual Arts Program

On October 17, 2024, Visual Arts students at Denzel Washington School of the Arts facilitated their annual Paint Night fundraiser to raise money for the program. With a $20 donation, families and friends were invited to spend the night painting a beautiful landscape with one another and enjoy soft jazz tunes played by one of the students, Alicia Hall. 

Students painting on canvases at paint night fundraiser.

“I feel like Visual Arts does not get as much recognition as we should,” said Alicia, an 11th grader and Visual Arts major at DWSA. “It's an art that needs more attention and care.”

The purpose of the night’s activities was to raise funds for the Visual Arts Program, so that they could go on important and engaging field trips that help further their knowledge of visual arts. In the past, students visited the New York Botanical Gardens and museums throughout the year. These field trips are crucial for students interested in furthering their visual arts skills in painting, sculpting and other forms of media. 

Student standing in front of microphone.

“We’re inviting people from the community to come and sit with us, have snacks, and support the school’s art program,” said Layla Jackson, a 12th grader and visual artist at DWSA, who led the night’s event alongside 12th grader Aniyah Ramsey and 11th grader Nashelee Pena, while Alicia Hall provided the guests with music. “Tonight, I will be instructing and calling cues on the microphone as people follow along with the live painting.”

Students were involved in all areas of this program, from leading and calling out instructions, to DJing, to live painting and helping guests throughout the night. Students even worked the concessions table, selling small treats and refreshments for $2. There was an opportunity for parents and friends to purchase prints of artworks the Visual Arts students have produced. 

Child painting at paint night fundraiser event.
People clapping at fundraiser event.
Students working concession stand at fundraiser event.


 

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!

Audience members posing with speakers on stage.
Dr. Cornel West visits DWSA for Men with Vision event

Dr. Cornel West visited Denzel Washington School of the Arts on Saturday, March 15, 2025, alongside Kevin “Brother Tee” Coston and Men with a Vision. Dr. West discussed history, philosophy and his personal experiences.

Students on stage with instruments.
DWSA presents Band Night

Denzel Washington School of the Arts students performed for Band Night on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Congratulations to Mr. Gory and the DWSA Band majors for an electrifying evening of music! The school community came together to share in the creativity of the budding musicians and witness the rising stars!

You can view the live recording of the performance on Facebook by clicking here.

Four winning students posing together.
DWSA students win Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Black History Challenge

The Denzel Washington Team, composed of four 10th-grade students from Denzel Washington School of the Arts, recently won the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau’s 18th Annual Black History Challenge, breaking the streak of the former champion team. Students showed off their knowledge of Black history and the rich, global contributions of the African Diaspora in the fact-based competition.