DWSA students perform in annual Poetry Slam
![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}])
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.
Click to read about last year’s Poetry Slam.
View the run of show below.
Jordanny Javier - Live music performance
Assistant Principal Yvonne Wright - Introduction
Charlize Ford (Vocal) - “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera
Kaitlyn Leslie - Poetry
Fabian Alexander - Poetry
Ahmad Crenshaw - Poetry
Eric Buchanan (Vocal) - “Love” by Musiq Soul Child
Noel Harvey - Poetry
Jhaelyn Jacobs - Poetry
Laura Reid (Vocal) - "At Last" by Etta James
Jayson Matos - Poetry
Michael Middleton and Nasma Mohammed - Poetry
Ahmad Crenshaw - Hip Hop performance
Sanaii Turner - Poetry
Charlize Ford - Poetry
Ms. Raven Keys - Poetry
Genysis Lewin & Eric Buchanan (Vocal) - “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar
Kemiesha Haynes - Poetry
Sara-Marie Wells - Poetry
Nasma Mohammed - Poetry
Aubrey McKoy (Vocal) - “Burned” by Jennifer Hudson
Kaitlyn Leslie - Poetry
Ms. Wright - Closing Remarks/Thank you to Mr. Haughwout and Visual Arts/Tech Crew & Mr. Dempsey
Curtain Call by Ahmad Crenshaw and Charlize Ford (Vocal) - “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA
![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}])
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.
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.