Denzel Washington School Of The Arts Graduates 59 From Class Of '23

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A Hudson Valley school with a moniker honoring Hollywood royalty graduated some stars of its own this week.

From the Mount Vernon City School District.

On Wednesday, in a celebration filled with student performances and a keynote speech by Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, 59 students graduated from Denzel Washington School of the Arts at the school’s Phylicia Rashad Auditorium.

Acting Principal Mark Raimondi welcomed the students and families.

“I am honored to be here amongst our graduates, to congratulate them on their hard work and wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors,” he said. “Graduating high school is a major accomplishment and one of life’s crucial milestones. During your time at Denzel, you have both acquired and built upon your understanding of academics, fostered your creative talents, sharpened your interpersonal skillset, formed new relationships and evolved as a human being.”

Superintendent Dr. K. Veronica Smith read from a favorite poem, “The Man In The Glass” by Peter Dale Wimbrow, and used it as an opportunity to have the students look at themselves to carve a path for their futures.

“Through these next chapters of your life, you must remember to take a look in the mirror,” she said. “Make sure you are proud of yourself in this moment and that you will be proud of all future versions of you that you create. Remember to breathe and take it all in along the way. Celebrate yourself and the ones around you, and remember that the Mount Vernon City School District is always here to support you.”

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard complemented the students on their commitment to pursuing their dreams.

“Your passion for the arts has brought you to this milestone in your lives. And, we’re here to applaud you for your accomplishments,” she said. “Throughout your time here at DWSA, you explored the depths of your creativity. You honed your skills. You brought your artistic visions to life. Your commitment to your craft and your unwavering pursuit of excellence has set you apart from other emerging artists.”

The ceremony also featured performances from the many different artistic mediums taught at DWSA throughout the afternoon. Dancing, singing and acting were on display as seniors closed out their high school careers with one final performance.

“These long four years are finally over, and now we must face our futures,” said Abigail Swift, the class salutatorian. “As we walk into the world, it is important to remember to not limit ourselves. When we limit ourselves, we sacrifice our goals and dreams. The world is filled with opportunities and experiences, and if you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t take advantage of it.”

Class President Nyaira Johnson remembered home routines during COVID, saying how the smaller size of the class helped her and her fellow students deal with the pandemic and remote learning as well as coping and interacting when they came back to school.

“Our small numbers compelled us to come together, forging interactions beyond our expectations,” she said. “Yes, we had cliques here and there but there were numbers who showed up (at school activities). I talked to people I never talked to or had to talk to in a while.”

Valedictorian Violet Cleary called on her classmates to make the most of this transition in their lives.

“Class of 2023, I encourage you to embrace change, no matter how good or bad or uncontrollable it is,” she said. “Focus on what you can control, and embrace what you can’t. And as we move on from life after high school, remember that this change is as good as you decide it will be. Make the most of your changes.”

Mr. Bailey then delivered the keynote speech before a video collage was presented and the awarding of the diplomas. He spoke of new beginnings and the importance of staying true to yourself.

“We all have family, we all have that sense of spirit and we all have knowledge, and knowledge is in fact power,” he said. “But it’s not just about having the power, it's about knowing how and when to use that power. When you are given something so powerful, you must know what to do with it. Now today is your day, no one else, and the power is in your hand, in your mind, in your voice. You may change things in life – the way you walk, the way you talk, where you live – but the core of you must remain the same.”

Dr. Smith and Mr. Raimondi then declared, through the power vested in them through the state of New York, that the students had now become graduates of DWSA.

About Mount Vernon City School District:

With more than 7,500 students in 16 schools, the Mount Vernon City School District is committed to providing a quality education to all children while developing programs that meet the diverse academic and social needs of its students.