DWSA students learn from Mount Vernon City Court Judge and an attorney for Law Day
![Judge Coverdale and attorney in front of group of students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746209420/mtvernoncsdorg/vdundi0nh4jckvs5lm2k/IMG_6469.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746209420/mtvernoncsdorg/vdundi0nh4jckvs5lm2k/IMG_6469.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746209420/mtvernoncsdorg/vdundi0nh4jckvs5lm2k/IMG_6469.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746209420/mtvernoncsdorg/vdundi0nh4jckvs5lm2k/IMG_6469.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746209420/mtvernoncsdorg/vdundi0nh4jckvs5lm2k/IMG_6469.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1746209420/mtvernoncsdorg/vdundi0nh4jckvs5lm2k/IMG_6469.jpg","width":2200}])
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.
Students watched a video about Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice, and had a discussion about his impact on the country. Following the presentation, students also asked and answered questions to Judge Coverdale and Mr. Johnson. They ended with a discussion about the 13th and 14th amendments.
Students received pocket Constitutions and highlighters, which were provided by the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, a standing commission of the Office of Court Administration that was created to combat bias and discrimination within the court system.
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.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745939106/mtvernoncsdorg/ngx5brmrvs6gou6kcz9g/DWSA-TerraStringQuartet-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745939106/mtvernoncsdorg/ngx5brmrvs6gou6kcz9g/DWSA-TerraStringQuartet-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745939106/mtvernoncsdorg/ngx5brmrvs6gou6kcz9g/DWSA-TerraStringQuartet-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745939106/mtvernoncsdorg/ngx5brmrvs6gou6kcz9g/DWSA-TerraStringQuartet-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745939106/mtvernoncsdorg/ngx5brmrvs6gou6kcz9g/DWSA-TerraStringQuartet-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745939106/mtvernoncsdorg/ngx5brmrvs6gou6kcz9g/DWSA-TerraStringQuartet-4.jpg","width":2200}])
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.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1745585404/mtvernoncsdorg/sxvoupguckj82gxn9hm7/PoetrySlam-2025-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1745585404/mtvernoncsdorg/sxvoupguckj82gxn9hm7/PoetrySlam-2025-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1745585404/mtvernoncsdorg/sxvoupguckj82gxn9hm7/PoetrySlam-2025-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1745585404/mtvernoncsdorg/sxvoupguckj82gxn9hm7/PoetrySlam-2025-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1745585404/mtvernoncsdorg/sxvoupguckj82gxn9hm7/PoetrySlam-2025-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1745585404/mtvernoncsdorg/sxvoupguckj82gxn9hm7/PoetrySlam-2025-1.jpg","width":2200}])
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.
![3 Students holding books from March Book Madness]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743776537/mtvernoncsdorg/ga6tsdaybbncym0xwzkb/MBM8thgraders.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743776537/mtvernoncsdorg/ga6tsdaybbncym0xwzkb/MBM8thgraders.jpg","width":480}])
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.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742920608/mtvernoncsdorg/kqbpwhiobist7ozwhyr1/Gospel-Night-24.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742920608/mtvernoncsdorg/kqbpwhiobist7ozwhyr1/Gospel-Night-24.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742920608/mtvernoncsdorg/kqbpwhiobist7ozwhyr1/Gospel-Night-24.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742920608/mtvernoncsdorg/kqbpwhiobist7ozwhyr1/Gospel-Night-24.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742920608/mtvernoncsdorg/kqbpwhiobist7ozwhyr1/Gospel-Night-24.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742920608/mtvernoncsdorg/kqbpwhiobist7ozwhyr1/Gospel-Night-24.jpg","width":2200}])
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!
![Audience members posing with speakers on stage.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742316045/mtvernoncsdorg/mof1v12xnxurdh2q0mmu/DWSACornelWestvisit-march-8.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742316045/mtvernoncsdorg/mof1v12xnxurdh2q0mmu/DWSACornelWestvisit-march-8.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742316045/mtvernoncsdorg/mof1v12xnxurdh2q0mmu/DWSACornelWestvisit-march-8.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742316045/mtvernoncsdorg/mof1v12xnxurdh2q0mmu/DWSACornelWestvisit-march-8.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742316045/mtvernoncsdorg/mof1v12xnxurdh2q0mmu/DWSACornelWestvisit-march-8.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1742316045/mtvernoncsdorg/mof1v12xnxurdh2q0mmu/DWSACornelWestvisit-march-8.jpg","width":2048}])
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.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741621469/mtvernoncsdorg/avholfg4z2amt3hnsov7/DWSA-Band-Night-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741621469/mtvernoncsdorg/avholfg4z2amt3hnsov7/DWSA-Band-Night-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741621469/mtvernoncsdorg/avholfg4z2amt3hnsov7/DWSA-Band-Night-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1741621469/mtvernoncsdorg/avholfg4z2amt3hnsov7/DWSA-Band-Night-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1741621469/mtvernoncsdorg/avholfg4z2amt3hnsov7/DWSA-Band-Night-5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1741621469/mtvernoncsdorg/avholfg4z2amt3hnsov7/DWSA-Band-Night-5.jpg","width":2200}])
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.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741026327/mtvernoncsdorg/m7hqcknpvxadvplrbayo/DWSA-BHM-Competition-4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741026327/mtvernoncsdorg/m7hqcknpvxadvplrbayo/DWSA-BHM-Competition-4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741026327/mtvernoncsdorg/m7hqcknpvxadvplrbayo/DWSA-BHM-Competition-4.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741026327/mtvernoncsdorg/m7hqcknpvxadvplrbayo/DWSA-BHM-Competition-4.png","width":801}])
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.