Design by Lauren Newman
Mar ory’s Melodies
M
usic week kicked off on Dec. 4 and ended on Dec. 8, with musical performances during both A and B lunches from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students. Unfortunately, due to the scheduling conflicts with the school calendar, the Thursday of the week coincided with a professional study day, so no performances took place in that day. Last year, brothers Marcos and Christian Lecky, now a junior and senior respectively, came up with the idea to have students display their musical talent under the gazebo in the main courtyard as a way to encourage more musical activities at MSD. In a school that won 1st place at the 2017 Florida Marching Band Championship (FMBC), the promotion and fostering of musical talent is a part of the schools identity. Orchestra teacher Stewart Rabin helped the boys organize and develop their idea by figuring out the dates for the event and getting approval from the school to perform. Rabin helped the brothers set up and transport the necessary equipment for every different performer, along with providing instruments for the students who wanted to participate but were unable to bring their own. While most guitar players did bring their own guitars, the main issues were concerning drumsets and keyboards. The Leckys came down to the music building 15 minutes before each lunch and brought all the equipment out to the gazebo in order to give the students performing ample time to prepare. “Last year was the first year we ever did it. It took us a little bit longer to get the idea confirmed by the school because they were a little scared of it due to it being a new event. This time we got permission to do it for a whole week, whereas last year it was only three days of
Second annual music week performances return to MSD
performances,” Marcos Lecky said. In order to publicize the event, the brothers posted an announcement on the school website, put up posters all around campus and even convinced Mr. Porter to advertise it on the morning announcements. As word of the event spread, people became aware of the audition dates and began to attend the event in force. “We held auditions for people interested, so we could determine who is eligible… thankfully everyone qualified, so we were able to have about 13 to 15 acts,” Christian Lecky said. The week featured the lyrical and instrumental stylings of the individual performers, along with several groups of friends who decided to come together to perform as makeshift bands and duets for the day. One of the bands, Cosmic Blitz, was made up of a bassist, Jorge Garrido, guitarist and backup singer, Leah Ronkin and lead singer, Anna Buyak who are all sophomores. Cosmic Blitz performed on Dec. 5 during both lunches. They played a cover of “Kids in America” by Kim Wilde. “[It is] my second year participating. It was a lot of fun and I’m really glad I got to participate,” Buyak said. Thanks to the Lecky brothers, MSD now has a new tradition. The fact that the younger Lecky brother, Marcos, will still be at the school next year suggests the fact that next year’s Music Week will have a familiar face at its helm. Story by Einav Cohen and Lewis Mizen
Singing Sensation. Senior Kristy Lamb sings “Grenade” by Bruno Mars. Photo by Kevin Trejos Whistle While You Work. Sophomore Gennaro Laurita plays the baritone saxophone. Photo by Einav Cohen In the Zone. Junior Alexander Athanasiou shows off his musical talent with the song “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Photo by Kevin Trejos
Remembering Mr. Olds
O
ne of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s longest working substitute teachers, Richard Olds, passed on Nov. 19 at the age of 84, causing heartbreak in the MSD community. Born on June 23, 1933, Olds previously worked as a manager for Sears in the paint department and went into teaching in Connecticut before moving to South Florida and becoming a substitute teacher at MSD for the next 25 years of his life from 1991 to 2016. He also volunteered his weekends teaching Sunday school at his local church. Olds left behind a loving family including his daughters Nancy Jane Olds and Wendy Olds Curren, grandchildren Daniel and Darrell Brothers David and Ronald Olds along with several nieces and nephews. Olds’ sister-in-law, Gail Gallagher, is a retired MSD English teacher who remembers that his love for impacting younger generations drove him to continue working in education, even though financially he did not have to.
“Dick missed the students. He was always involved with helping them. Once it is your passion, I think it is something you are born to do forever,” Gallagher said. After the passing of his late wife, Nancy Olds, on Aug. 7, 2017, Olds never fully recovered emotionally and physically. “His beloved wife Nancy was the light of his life. They were married for 62 years. She met him when she was working in the summer on Long Island. He was still in the Air Force then. She said she married him because he would not take no for an answer,” Gallagher said. “Dick would always say she was his best friend and soulmate.” Nancy Olds had her funeral contributions made towards the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that assists wounded veterans by providing recovery programs, services and events in support of her husband’s veteran past. Olds touched the lives of many students while reminiscing about his past as a veteran of the Vietnam War. His positive, cheerful attitude towards life was
MSD mourns the loss of beloved substitute teacher
noticed by many students. “He never failed to come to class with a smile on his face and always asked students how their day was going. His consideration for us as individual students was touching and made us all feel like we had a connection with him,” senior Julia Salomone said. Despite his war past, Olds was remembered for having an understanding and unique personality. “Mr. Olds was quite kind and understanding. Unlike your standard substitute teacher, he would vivify our dull days. He would tell accounts of his life and bring joy to the classroom,” senior Elijah Abraham said. Olds was honored at his memorial service on Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center on University Drive in Coral Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requested contributions made to the Wounded Warrior Project, similarly to Nancy Olds’ ceremony. Olds’ memory remains in the lives of
Beloved Memories. Richard Olds and his wife, Nancy Olds, take a family vacation to Northern California. Courtesy of Gail Gallagher
all the students and faculty he was able to meet, and his legacy as a brave veteran and nurturing teacher goes on. Story by Christy Ma
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