DWSA celebrates excellence as over 150 students make the honor roll

On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Denzel Washington School of Arts students crowded into the large auditorium, sharing excitement with their peers to celebrate those who made it onto the honor roll. Middle and high school levels cheered together as over 150 DWSA students walked across the stage to collect their certificates and stand together in their achievement. 

DWSA prides itself on not only being a beacon of arts, but a highly rigorous and academically competitive institution as well. Many students take pride in their academic achievement, strive to break barriers and execute personal goals throughout their studies. Staff at DWSA work hard to cultivate this academic competitiveness and support scholars every day. 

“The students compete with each other for academic achievement. We are not only known for the arts, we are also known for academic achievement,” said Andrea Thomas, Principal at DWSA. “That’s what makes me as a principal so proud. I am extremely proud of my students, especially the seniors because they are handling two to three AP classes plus shows and volunteering.” 

The honor roll assembly was divided into four categories: honors, high honors, principal honors, and rising stars who exemplify the key principles of a DWSA scholar. To make the honor roll, a student must have an average of 80 and above, and cannot receive a grade lower than a 70 on their report cards. 

Not once during the honor assembly were DWSA students not cheering on their peers or applauding one another for their high academic achievements. 

“I feel really accomplished and very proud because it took a lot of hard work and dedication for me to get an average of 100.33,” said Timothea Utomakili, a ninth grader at DWSA and recipient of the principal’s honor roll distinction. “My teachers took the time to give me extra work and extra credit to help my grade and they took the time to help me dig deep into every subject. I am really grateful for that.”