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Scholars at Denzel Washington School of the Arts participate in playwriting workshop

Sixth grade English class posing for the camera with members of Arc Stage.
Scholars at Denzel Washington School of the Arts participate in playwriting workshop

Sixth grade students at Denzel Washington School of the Arts sat in the auditorium for a playwriting session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. They raised their hands enthusiastically, as they shared their ideas for play plots with Arc Stages, a multifaceted arts organization from Pleasantville, New York.

Arc Stages is a theater that provides educational programming as well as community stage and professional programming. They partner with several school districts throughout Westchester, teaching young students about the arts and playwriting. 

Arc Stages began their visit to DWSA by performing a play about playwriting. The group sang songs about the importance of capturing a strong moral or goal for the story, as well as creating intriguing characters, setting, conflict and theme. 

Afterwards, members of Arc Stages visited classrooms to continue teaching students about playwriting. Students learned about how scripts are formatted and the proper way to write stage directions before developing their own plays. Students brainstormed ideas for their stories and began writing their plays. 

“It was fun, and I feel like this will help open up doors for me because I like writing stories. It’s fun to express yourself through them,” said Kimora Spence, a sixth grader at DWSA. “I had written a story, but I wasn’t quite sure how to finish it yet. I was hoping that I could read it to them, so that I could finish it. I think I might want to end it on a cliff hanger.”

Arc Stages will visit DWSA again on February 10, when they will assist with editing and revising students’ plays. 

Student eagerly raising her hand with member of Arc Stages standing next to her.
Two students writing at their desks.
Four students watching performance.
Member of Arc Stages pointing at student in audience
Student at desk talking to member of Arc Stages.

 

A smiling graduate in a cap and gown holds a diploma in front of a backdrop of blue and tan balloons.
Denzel Washington School of the Arts Class of 2026 takes its final bow

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.

DWSA valedictorian Abigail Stephens sets her sights on a future in medicine
DWSA valedictorian Abigail Stephens sets her sights on a future in medicine

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.

Creativity and determination shape DWSA salutatorian Sydney Whitaker's journey
Creativity and determination shape DWSA salutatorian Sydney Whitaker's journey

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A group of young people stand on a stage holding certificates in front of a red curtain, with a wooden podium and a speaker to the left.
DWSA celebrates Class of 2026 at Senior Awards Convocation

The Denzel Washington School of the Arts proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its Senior Awards Convocation on June 12. Students were recognized for academic achievement, leadership, service, artistic excellence, athletic participation, scholarship attainment and perseverance.

Boy yells in delight as he holds up cell phone
DWSA seniors take center stage for College Decision Day

Denzel Washington School for the Arts seniors turned their college commitments into a full-fledged performance during a festive College Decision Day celebration, where dozens of members of the Class of 2026 announced where they will head this fall. Cheers erupted in the auditorium as each senior was introduced one by one as their baby photos flashed across a large screen, followed by a second slide revealing their chosen college.