The Muse Volume 12 Issue 6

the the Volume 12

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Issue 6

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May 2015

CHOOSE YOUR PATH Whether snapping a photo or making people laugh, playing a piano or designing a plane, Dreyfoos' seniors are crafting themselves a future.

Pages 13-15

Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

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TABLE IN PRINT

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ON THE COVER Issue 6

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FEATURES Year in review

May 2015

CHOOSE YOUR PATH Whether snapping a photo or making people laugh, playing a piano or designing a plane, Dreyfoos' seniors are crafting themselves a future.

Pages 13-15

Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

Cover photo by Michelle Birch

Seniors prepare to set off on diverse futures, some pursuing the arts, others academics and some forging unconventional paths.

COVERSTORY Choose your path

Three seniors move on into the next chapter of their lives in different directions.

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ON THE WEB

best moments through the year in review photo package.

NEWS On the fence

Dreyfoos gets new fences to enhance campus security.

Volume 12

CONTENTS

OP ED Dreyfoos report card Experience some of this year’s

The Muse staff reflects on the highlights of the school year.

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ARTS Inspirational artist visits Dreyfoos

The visual department received a visit from a blind and partially deaf alumna who motivated students to create art in a new way.

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SPORTS Giol jumps to success

Read about vocal freshman Tori Giol’s successful track career.

Photo by Rowan Bennetti

www.themuseatdreyfoos.com

Dancers perform at a performance held to honor social studies teacher Lea Jefferson.

Visit themuseatdreyfoos.com to read more about the memorial performance and read visual dean Jenny Gifford's original poem ”Oh Hey Ms. J. waddya say?!“

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LIFESTYLE Facing the freshman 15

As they move into their college years, seniors should know how to maintain a healthy liefstyle.

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ENTERTAINMENT The year of rap

Rappers emerge as prominent figures in the entertainment industry this year.

EDITORS'LETTER O

Photo by Rowan Bennetti

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As the 2014-15 Editors-in-Chief and communications seniors Remi Lederman (top L-R), Taylor Hendrickson and Claudia Zamora prepare for graduation and college, communications juniors Samantha Rose (bottom L-R) and Michelle Birch take the reigns as the 2015-16 Editorsin-Chief of The Muse.

ur parents always told us that if we cry too hard about goodbyes, we’ll eventually start a tsunami. In lieu of the flood in Building 1, it looks like our parents may have been right about something (just that one thing, though).

The flood in Building 1 definitely threw us all for a loop. For us seniors, we never truly got to say goodbye to the halls that held our dirty, smelly lockers for four years. We didn’t get to say our final “adios” to foreign language teacher Barbara Smith in the hallway, or see social studies teacher John Bauer’s sweet

smile for a final time.

The flood also pushed back our publication dates significantly, since we weren’t able to work in Building 1 for over a week. We’re excited to finally be presenting our final college issue to you, even if it is very late.

This issue is our final chance for a formal farewell. We honestly are so grateful for all of your support, and we thank you so much for always reading The Muse. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the class of 2015 and future Dreyfoos classes. We love you all. g

STAFFEDITORIAL

Illustration by Alexa Marcellino

A LOOK BACK ON THE SCHOOL YEAR

by MuseStaff

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he 2014-15 school year proved to be one of celebration and success, but we all know the most important aspect of high school is our grades, so The Muse will add a few more marks to the school’s end of the year report card.

Spirit Week: B An apple a day keeps the freshmen away… or so the seniors thought. Spirit Week got off to a rocky start when freshmen fearing upperclassmen maltreatment reported the senior’s threats. The tension among grade levels led administration to take disciplinary action, temporarily cancelling the pep rally for five days until all students showed sportsmanship. Ironically, the rift developing among grade levels ceased growing during the pep rally. Juniors sacrificed their higher rank by cheering on the seniors to ensure an upperclassmen triumph. The kindness expressed compensates for the lack of sportsmanship throughout the week, leading The Muse to award Spirit Week with a B-.

Academics: C U.S. News ranks Dreyfoos as the 46th school in the country, an impressive accolade for this year’s students and faculty. Adding to our record, Math Honor Society competed in the online Math Olympiad for the first time, and Dreyfoos students placed regionally in the science fair. Despite these feats, The Muse settled on giving Dreyfoos’ academic section a ‘C-’ due to the newly implemented Marzano

method. The purpose of Marzano is unclear, which makes students wonder if the new method is worth the time that was dedicated to its introduction.

Athletics: B Even though Dreyfoos is known for its arts, the athletics have surpassed expectations, proving Jaguars are not only artsy, but also athletic. The boys’ soccer team won against Blanche Ely High School with a goal by theatre senior Nick Hoff, winning the team’s first district game in four years.

Dreyfoos’ successful streak includes the swim team sending a few of its members to states.

But nothing compares to our undefeated football team which still stands proudly untouched.

Testing: D + The increased amount of state-mandated testing has taken its toll on students, proving to be an alphabet test rather than a test of our intelligence. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) is out, and the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) is in. With the numerous computer glitches sending students to and from the gym at least once a week, we spend less time in class and more time trekking to the tests. This year, End of Course (EOC) exams were implemented to almost every academic class, adding to the stress of the year. The abundance of these tests leaves only one character of the alphabet seemingly appropriate as a grade, a D+.

Arts: A ++ The arts caused minor havoc among departments when some saw the satirical play “Thoroughly Modern Millie” as offensive.

The ‘20s musical brought discussions onto the Dreyfoos scene. The music department held the Pops concert and Prism to showcase Dreyfoos’ musical talent, while finalists from all majors traveled to Miami for YoungArts.

Building 9’s entrepreneurial students organized three art sales, which sold abstract designs, self-made graphic tees and other creative innovations. Because of the copious amount of events presented to students this year, the Arts earn an A+.

Guest Speakers: A Guest speakers from a wide span of disciplines visited Dreyfoos to enhance the arts and academics. Wannabe princesses gasped over the presence of Jodi Benson, the woman behind the voice of the Little Mermaid, and interested poets gathered in awe as they listened to the styling of Jibade-Kahlil Huffman. A crowded library of fascinated students and staff listened to witty World War II pilots as they described vivid images of fighter planes and humorous stories of “Bagels over Belgium.” As one of the World War II pilots said, Dreyfoos deserves “OTB” (Only The Best). g

Contributors: Michelle Birch, Isaac Ochoa, Alexis Pinchuk

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LOSING LIBERAL ARTS

Why a liberal arts education should not be sacrificed for STEM commentary by MichaelWang

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he United States has an insecurity problem. Our government and people constantly compare themselves to others, especially through test scores. According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2012 tests, the U.S. ranks 23rd in reading, 26th in math, and 20th in science. In response, Americans everywhere have called for an overhaul of our education system, replacing the finicky arts with concrete math and science skills.

Learning has been replaced with an infinite necessity to test and retest. Even with our education system being so weak, we still lead the world in technological innovation, have the most revered higher education system and set the stage for what an economy should be.

Liberal arts and the humanities have systematically been sidelined in recent years for an increased focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In contrasting the two disciplines, we lose the true meaning of liberal arts. A liberal arts education is comprised by the skills needed to be a free mind and take part in their civic duties. In a country where money flows as freely as lies in political elections, a liberal arts education creates a more informed and skeptical

populace essential to continue the legacy of our Founding Fathers. Furthermore, any job skill is not complete without liberal arts.

Cartoon by Katherine McCann

The Association of American Colleges and Universities released a survey of employers that found a large majority of employers value a broadly based education that teaches communication, logic, research and rhetoric.

In other words, the most valued job skills were the components of a liberal arts education. Education in the highest science and math courses is worthless if those skills cannot be used or communicated properly.

Some argue that degrees in English or History do not mean anything inside the workforce. However, careers in law and government, the founding blocks of America, are all deeply rooted in such degrees.

Sacrificing a liberal arts education will hurt the United State’s ability to fulfill the American Dream.

America has always been the center of innovation with fruits like Silicon Valley, a land of entrepreneurship that has no equal anywhere else in the world. Americans consistently create ground-breaking inventions through their broad knowledge base allowing them to cross-pollinate from different areas. The understanding of calculus is one thing, but the application of this math to cost-saving pipes in third world countries is a whole other level of understanding that is only available through current education methods.

The United States has always strived for the best and reform for our education system has always been pushed. In trying to improve the minds of our young, we cannot forget what the inclusion of liberal arts and general education in our curriculum has done for our country. g

SCHOOL OF GOOD FORTUNE

Thoughts on the nature of luck and Dreyfoos I commentary by ClaudiaZamora

don’t believe in superstition. A crow’s dirty droppings won’t bring eternal wealth, much like a black cat’s presence won’t bring eternal damnation. The Claudia Zamora nature of good (and bad) luck just doesn’t impress me.

Some may deem me a realist and question my imagination (and happiness, for that matter) but for me, luck has always fallen in the same group as the tooth fairy and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow—unless I can feel it, touch it, smell it, lick it, hug it or squish it, it probably doesn’t exist.

This semester, however, I am absolutely sure I have found my own definition of luck.

In fact, I have become well acquainted with pure luck for quite a while now. Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts is my (updated

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and practical) definition of luck.

While I cannot entirely articulate all that is Dreyfoos, I know a few things. For one, I know Dreyfoos is a rare place, where artistic ability is valued as highly as academic merit.

I know Dreyfoos is a haven for expression of style—the good, the bad and even the itty-bitty teeny-weenie male running shorts frequently purchased during Spirit Week.

I know Dreyfoos is a friend to all of us— the altruistic friend that constantly showers us with gifts and praise for absolutely no apparent reason. Dreyfoos gifts us with opportunities for greatness. And while we may neglect to associate education with success when our Jaguar planners are overwhelmed with endless assignments, the education we receive at Dreyfoos is arguably the luckiest opportunity we have ever been offered.

I prepare to leave Dreyfoos confident that I have found my own definition of practical

luck. Once upon a time, I first walked into Dreyfoos, clothed in Aeropostale’s latest, carrying a literal toolbox full of Crayola school supplies. With Dreyfoos’ luck by my side, I will graduate wearing a black gown, carrying a toolbox full of endless Calculus lessons, pastoral poetry analyses, late-night coffee runs, Panera dates and dance concerts.

While my senior year has brought its fair share of happiness, I know Dreyfoos was the source of luck for my achievements.

The Dreyfoos legacy was the little golden twinkle on each and every one of our college applications, and as we enter our adult lives, Dreyfoos will continue to be our little golden twinkle.

I used to not believe in superstition. After my time at Dreyfoos, however, I am confident that if the visual building’s walls don’t bring eternal artistic admiration, or a rare sighting of the Dreyfoos fox doesn’t bring eternal luck, nothing will. g

YOURSELF

Students turn to crowdfunding instead of scholarships to pay for college

by MorgaanJessell

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t is no secret that a college education comes with a hefty price tag. From tuition to dorms to food - the pilgrimage from convocation to postsecondary institution is littered with exorbitant costs for students and their families. Thankfully, seniors are able to apply for a wide variety of scholarships.

Are you a female

Cartoon by Katherine McCann

student interested in STEM fields with a passion for candy?

Apply for the National Candy Technologists Scholarship. Do you love asparagus and shopping in grocery stores?

Consider submitting an application to the National Grocers Association Scholarship. Is there financial aid for a left handed red head with an interest in public administration? I can only hope so. On the other hand, many students opt for a different tactic for funding their education: crowdfunding.

Four years ago when crowdfunding became a mainstream marketing tactic, it was an easy way for underdog entrepreneurs to solicit funding from the public for any variety of ideas and projects without the sacrifice of ownership. The lack of guaranteed equity means that you isolate educated investors who could potentially give you a more experienced business perspective.

However this is considering that crowdfunding is used for its initial purpose - democratic and revolutionary funding that keeps ownership singular to the original innovator. Rather, crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe and KickStarter have become modern forms of internet panhandling.

Students who bypass the scholarship application process in exchange for a zero work process that entails people simply handing you money is a poor representation

Cartoon by Katherine McCann

of work ethic. Every year millions of dollars in privately donated funds goes unclaimed by students simply because nobody applies for it. While the process is tedious and time consuming, it’s critical students recognize the importance of private donations because it makes a college education possible to millions of students.

With public tuition and fees increasing more than 5 percent annually above inflation, an increasing cost of living and decreasing state support for students, the generosity of corporations and individuals enables countless students to pursue their degree.

If crowdfunding education becomes more prevalent, there is a chance those private scholarships could decrease. The desire for a debt free degree without hours of hard work is pushing students to do anything rather than relying on financial aid and scholarships alone. g

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News

FENCED IN New safety regulations are introduced to the Dreyfoos campus Photo by Rowan Bennetti

Atherley said. “They’re hoping to work with hen students arrived to school on the [the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation] first days of March, they were met and put up something pretty out there that with an unwelcome surprise. New fences would still [stop] anyone from jumping over were being built around campus. Despite the big gate.” criticism from students, construction of the Greater steps have been taken to increase new fences and gates continued. security in addition to the fences. A new Earlier this year, students were alarmed police aide position was created the day after over a misunderstanding of an unknown man the Sandy Hook incident. Dr. Atherley initially on campus. Additionally, recent alarm for began to lease the parking lot on Saturdays school safety with events like Sandy Hook in to help pay for new police, but now this Connecticut have raised concerns project has been undertaken by the in the Palm Beach School District, School District Police Department. beginning an initiative to make Dreyfoos has had three police aides schools more secure. since Sandy Hook.

“The fencing is part of the single “[The police aides] had to point entry to ensure visitors check get vetted out through the police into the main office, as required by department [to] make sure they are policy,” Chief of the School District somebody who’s going to do the job Police Department Lawrence Leon [well],” school police officer James said. “The authorization was from O’Sullivan said. “[All three police the recommendations to the School aides] are military trained.”

Board and with their approval to The same process has been have a safe environment for our occurring at four other schools students, staff and visitors to our across Palm Beach County. All new school. Every school in the district schools are built with security in will be upgraded.” mind. Constructing new fences Construction of the fences will increase security at Dreyfoos Photo by Rowan Bennetti concluded with a total of six gates. As a part of the Spring Art Show, digital media senior Gabriela Barbieri created the without requiring major changes to word ''Why'' with strings of LED lights coming from a cardboard pencil in response A push-button will be installed the campus. During performances to the newly added fences on campus. at the entrance to Building 1, the after school, it allows security to stay future single-point of entry. Visitors will the guard, introduce themselves and not go zoned around the performance instead of have to push the button in order to prompt to Mrs. Berryman. They might go straight having to stretch across the entire campus.

Student Services to unlock the door. Cameras to another building, and they weren’t there “It’s really a good thing because if will be installed at every gate for use by for bad reasons, but that’s a violation of the anything were to happen we can lock the Students Services. Visitors will then have School District process.” building down much more securely and we to sign in on the computer when they enter.

Concerns have also risen over the know who’s on campus and who’s not on aesthetic aspect of the fences. Students and campus,” Dr. Atherley said. “Sometimes I faculty feel that the fences detract from the don’t know who’s on this campus walking beauty of Dreyfoos’ campus. around. Even though we tell [visitors] to “What do I put out here [in front of [report to Building 1], we don’t always know Building 2] to not make it look like a prison? if they report to Building 1 because they can Check out the controversy of We don’t want those gates out there in front really go anywhere.” g Florida States Assessments blackout days in the briefs of [Building 2]. It would ruin the look of the section. school, but [the School District is] working on figuring out what to do,” Principal Susan

by JackYan

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Teachers will have key cards that are able to unlock any of the gates. “[Visitors will] have to come in through Student Services. People will walk into that room, introduce themselves [and Student Services Secretary Lynn Berryman will have] them sign into the computer as a visitor,” Assistant Principal Leo Barrett said. “The School District wants to have a correct set of information about every visitor on campus.

We all knew that people would say hello to

IN THIS SECTION:

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NEWS

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BRIEFS

BUILDING CLOSES

a collection of bite-size, noteworthy stories

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by TomKapitulnik

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hen students arrived to school on April 17, they were expecting a day like any other. To their dismay, they found out that Building 1 was shut down due to water damage from a water heater that burst.

“A water heater on the third floor [of Building 1] exploded and caused a lot of water damage,” Assistant Principal George Miller said. Classes originally held in Building 1 had to be relocated, leaving many teachers without the supplies they needed for their classes.

“My teachers who had to move to different classes didn’t have the materials to teach our class with so we couldn’t do anything,” strings sophomore Anjelica Rose said. “It was really inconvenient [during class].”

Building 1 was reopened on May 4 after it was deemed safe for students and teachers to enter again. g

Photo by Stella Vasilopoulos

Vocal sophomore Morgan Healey performs a song in the Girls Learn International club's talent show on April 17.

FSA BLACKOUT PERIOD TAKES EFFECT

by DanielMontoya

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tudents groan and complain as they walk in and sit at their assigned computer for the Florida Standard Assessments (FSA) test. The FSA is in its first year, replacing the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) which was in place since 1998.

Testing began in late March and ends in May. While students and teachers get used to the new testing standards put in place by the state, there are still some aspects of testing, such as blackout days, which are being continued. The blackout period for Spring FSA testing is between Feb. 16 and May 22.

“The purpose for the FSA blackout period is to protect the instructional time of students,” said Keith Oswald, the Interim Chief Academic Officer for the School District of Palm Beach County.

“During the blackout period district and area staff [are prohibited from letting students go on field trips].”

These blackout dates are being strictly enforced in order to make sure that students will not miss their assigned testing day. Students who miss their assigned day have to take the test on a

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NEWS

make-up day.

“Any exemption [to the blackout period] must be asked for way in advance,” math teacher Lisa Beckel said. “The answer is most often no.”

The blackout dates are to ensure that all teachers and students remain at school during potential test dates. All field trips must be scheduled outside of regular school times. These blackout periods are not new. They have been going on since FCAT when students could not go on any trips or activities while there was testing at their school.

“As the amount of testing increases, the length of the blackout periods also [increases],” Ms. Beckel said.

Even though the whole county is under a blackout period, Dreyfoos students continue to go on trips such as the strings and band department trip to Disney on April 16 and 17.

“For most field trips school permission is required, but for trips during the blackout period superintendent permission is required,” Assistant Principal Corey Ferrera said. g

DELAYED FIRST DAY

by UmaRaja

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reyfoos narrowly avoided having a stressful winter break. Originally, the 2015-2016 school year would begin on Aug. 24, much later than the normal start date of Aug. 17. This was because of a new law that school cannot begin any later than two weeks before Labor Day. While this seems like a positive thing, this means testing would have to be pushed back – and mid-terms would occur after winter break. Most students do not want to spend their relaxing break stressing over textbooks, and many people complained.

Eventually, the state realized that having exams after the holidays was not in students’ best interest, and now school will begin on Aug. 17 again. Students can enjoy a winter break free of semester exam studying. g

Features

A YEAR IN REVIEW: PHOTO SUMMARY

Photo by Rowan Bennetti

Visual sophomore Fiona Salsich (L-R) and band freshman Hailey Ray reach to block a hit during an away game at Suncoast Community High School.

Photo by Julia Horneck

Dance juniors Savannah Alberty (top), Kiandra Hering (middle, L-R), Maia Kaimakliotis, Francesca Horvath (bottom, L-R) Gianna Theodore and Samantha Epling pose in a pyramid formation on Tuesday, class clique day, of Spirit Week.

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

Theatre junior Drew Lederman strikes a pose as the ensemble dances behind her during the Muzzy's party scene in the spring musical production of ''Thoroughly Modern Milllie.''

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A Moroccan themed prom transported Dreyfoos students to a night in paradise.

Strings sophomores strengthen their friendship through music.

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

Visual juniors Mei Lin O'Malley and Dan Mitrovic melt wax to create miniature sculptures that they will eventually dip in bronze. This was part of a presentation from guests visiting from the Armory Art Center.

FEATURES

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A NIGHT IN MOROCCO Prom brought students to an Arabian paradise

by MaryRasura reyfoos students were dressed to rival Arabian royalty as they flooded into the Palm Beach County Convention Center for their “Night in Morocco” themed prom. The ballroom was adorned with decor that could be seen in the Disney movie “Aladdin.”

In the weeks leading up to the event, there was controversy among students about the new price of the tickets. Tickets this year cost students $120 and went up to $140 after spring break. The original price was increased by $30 from last year’s cost.

“There was negativity from some students about prom earlier in the semester regarding the ticket price and whether or not [the tickets] were worth purchasing,” class council copresident and piano junior Michael O’Connor said. “But hearing those same people tell me afterwards that they had an incredible night, or that they loved the decor or the food, let me know that [our] class council did the job right.”

The ticket prices were not the only changes from last year’s prom. There was also a change in location from the Marriott Hotel to the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

“There’s a lot more space [at the

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Photo by Mary Rasura

Vocal senior Sarah Rogers (L-R) and band senior Tyson Jackson prepare to dance after being crowned Prom Queen and King.

Photo by Mary Rasura

Vocal sophomore Nicole Kelly (L-R) and strings senior Jose Rodriguez arrive to prom at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

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FEATURES

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new venue]. Last year the dance floor was [about] a two-by-four,” visual junior Alexis Dziaba said.

“There [were] appetizers, but this year it’s a full course meal. So the tickets are expensive, but I think the price is worth it.”

The highlight of the night was the crowning of the Prom Queen and the Prom King: vocal senior Sarah Rogers and band senior Tyson Jackson.

“It feels great, I’m excited and humbled. I didn’t think people would vote for me. Thank you to everyone who did,” Jackson said.

Rogers was equally as excited about her taste of royalty for the night.

“I'm thrilled that I won. It made prom even more memorable for me,” Rogers said. “The best part was probably dancing with Tyson.

I'm a horrible dancer, and he's so sweet. He was helping me out and had me laughing the whole time.”

Despite previous controversy, prom ended up being regarded as a success from both the attendees and planners.

“My favorite part of the night, aside from dancing with my date, of course, was having so many students approach me during the event saying how beautiful and successful it was,” O’Connor said. g

STRUM TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER Best friends since second grade continue to play their harps After hearing Esposito play, Perez fell in love with the instrument. Perez and Esposito are the only two students who can play the harp at Dreyfoos.

“It feels pretty special to be one of the only two harpists at Dreyfoos. I am half the Dreyfoos harp section and that is pretty cool, I think,” Perez said.

By starting such a difficult instrument at a young age they have become gifted players.

Harp players are rare so having both Esposito and Perez playing the harp makes it possible to play duets. They have practiced together since they were 7 years old, playing in church. They use each other as encouragement Photo by Chloe Krammel Photo by Julia Horneck when competing Strings sophomores Dana Esposito (L-R) and Sofia Perez practice during class for their for the same position. upcoming concert. The pair has been playing since they were 7 years old.

byElliotHacker

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itting next to one another, their peaceful music fills the room while light seeps through the stained glass windows. The slow and graceful sounds echoes throughout the entire church.

Strings sophomores Dana Esposito and Sofia Perez have been playing the harp with one another since second grade.

“When there is a solo, we have to compete for it,” Esposito said. “That can be tough at times, but at the same time it’s a good thing because we are really good friends. [When] we play duets we are already familiar with each other and work well together.”

After playing the harp for so many years, Esposito has made up her mind that she wants to continue playing the harp and take it to the next level, by becoming a serious soloist.

“I really love the harp and want to be able to go to The Juilliard [School] and study it there,” Esposito said. “Afterwards I want to play harp for a job, but as a soloist. It’s possible to do solo or orchestra, but I really don’t like playing in orchestra. I want to be on stage by myself and play.”

As for Perez, she has a different perspective on the harp. She plays it for pure enjoyment, and wants to pursue different things in the future.

“There is no way I would ever want to go into music,” Perez said. “I’ll probably play harp on the side for a hobby or just for fun but definitely not as a career. I want to study law and become a lawyer. Music is just for fun.” g

FEATURES

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AD

byTiffanyAbreu

I

t is the age old question for students of the modern day. Teenagers’ lives center around it: What happens after high school? Some find passion in the stroke of a paintbrush or the reel of a camera. Others are drawn to the power of calculation and construction, in researching and understanding the world.

There are those do not fall neatly into these bins, who find solace in exploring until they hear their calling. Digital media senior Rachel Ruston, communications senior Madeline Dunning and piano senior Sean Johnston are taking the possibilities into their own hands.

The Photographer

Ruston was at a sleepover when she heard she had been accepted to New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts for photography. She tumbled out of bed in shock and when she checked her financial aid, a bigger surprise awaited her.

“It said that next year was going to be full tuition and room and board. I [thought], ‘This is wrong, because this is the same amount that it costs,’ “ Ruston said. “I thought it was a malfunction.”

The large scholarship stemmed from Ruston’s devotion to photography, which Ruston sees it as an art form that is growing more powerful.

“You can connect with people through [photography]. People don’t even have to experience the things that you’re showing them, but in a way it connects them to the moment that you’re showcasing,” Ruston said. “I want to make some kind of impact on this world and I feel like this is the best way I can do it.”

While attending a precollege program at the University of the Arts on a scholarship from the Ray of Light Foundation, Ruston experienced college life and decided that she wanted to go to an art school. She then attended the annual visual and digital media student trip to New York, where she discovered NYU. “When I was in New York I [thought], ‘This is it! This is where I need to be and what I need to be doing,’ “ Ruston said.

Her passion and hard work has paid off. Ruston believes her acceptance to NYU was

based on more than academics alone.

“School is important and academics are important, but living your life is above that in my opinion,” Ruston said. “Yes, try to do your best in class, but you [should try to] do things like go on road trips, volunteer or just experience stuff. It’s important that you have more to yourself than your grades.”

Ruston wants to eventually make a living telling stories through her photos. “[In the future], I want to be in a place that I’ve never been before, with a camera over my shoulder,” Ruston said. “I want to be telling stories of things that are left untold, whether it’s for the environment or for people and cultures.”

The Comedian

From the start students are taught that they are on a set path – from elementary to middle school, from high school to college, from college to a career. Dunning has strayed from the path, but that does not sway her confidence.

Dunning decided not to go to college this year while filling out applications in late November.

“I just looked at the schools I was applying to and none of them seemed like a good fit,” Dunning said. “I didn’t find one school that [made me think] ‘Yes! I want to go there!’ “ Another factor in her decision was funding. Dunning’s peers have approached her about her decision, and most stop her when she explains her financial situation. “[My classmates say], ‘Oh! Well, student loans, and financial aid!’ You think I didn’t look into that?” Dunning said. “It was the first thing I thought of! But there’s not a lot out there for me. It was Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

Digital media senior Rachel Ruston (L-R), communications senior Madeline Dunning and piano senior Sean Johnston are pursuing distinct lifestyles.

going to be too difficult for me to try to go to school this year. I didn’t want to go to a school that I didn’t like just because that was the one I could afford.”

Dunning was also unsure of what career path to take and which college to attend.

“People say, ‘Oh your first year of college you explore’ but the problem is you’re still paying tuition to explore,” Dunning said.

“Why not do it outside of school first when I won’t have to pay?”

Dunning also considered community college as an option. “[At Dreyfoos,] you have kids who are doing dual enrollment at community colleges who [say], ‘These are easier than my high school classes,’” Dunning said. “I didn’t see the point in spending money to get a minor credit from a school that a good university isn’t going to take seriously.”

Dunning decided to delay going to college.

Her goal is to attend college within the next two years, spending her time until then working and exploring her options. She is considering this time her “gap two years” and believes it is her best choice.

“I do [see the value in going to college immediately], if that’s right for you. I’m happy for my friends that found a great school that fits them,” Dunning said. “But at the same time, I’d encourage people to consider: If you’re going to college because that’s the thing to do, think about it. There’s a reason people drop out. Maybe that school wasn’t right for them and they could’ve used a gap year to find a school that was.”

Dunning aims to move out of her parents’ home within the next four months.

Her parents have been supportive of her decision. She has several job interviews lined up, one for being a standup comedian at The Improv in CityPlace. “[I want to try being a comedian because] I have a big mouth and I like hearing myself talk,” Dunning said. “I like making people laugh.”

Her free time will be spent researching her college options. For many, not going to college would be the end of the road. For Dunning, it is just another step forward. continued on page 15

COVERSTORY

13

FAREWELL, CLASS OF Adams, Moriah - UF (FL) Aguirre, Rey - Undecided Albano, Lucas - Florida State University (FL) Alexiadis, Zoe - Emerson College (MA) Alvarado, Dante - Tulane University (LA) Amaya, Julianne - Undecided Anthony, Riley - Gap year Aucamp, Myles - UCF (FL) August, Serena - School of the Museum of Fine Arts (MA) Austin, Madi - Stetson University (FL) Avila, Melanie - Rutgers University (NJ) Aviles, Stephen - Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (CO) Azoy, Kayla - FSU (FL) Bahr, Rian - University of North Florida (FL) Baldinger, Jessica - Northwestern University (IL) Baleno, John “Alex” - UF (FL) Balmer, Greg - Undecided Bannister, Mary - Dual Columbia University (NY) and Sciences Po Program (France) Baquerizo, Nelson - Stetson University (FL) Barbieri, Gabriela - Art Center College of Design (CA) Barrett, Alexandra - UF (FL) Bash, Morgan - FSU (FL) Batalla, Kristen - FSU (FL) Beckton, Chelsea - FSU (FL) Beeche, Elizabeth - FSU (FL) Belinschi, Tinca - Lynn University (FL) Bennett, Ashley - Utah State University (UT) Bevans, Cameron - Baruch College (NY) Billings, Rachel - Pace University (NY) Blankstein, Tyler - UF (FL) Bloch, Madison - The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (NY) Bologna, Lauren - UCF (FL) Bomeny, Felipe - University of Chicago (IL) Borell, Andrew - University of Central Florida (FL) Bornstein, Jessie - FSU (FL) Bossis, Bari - Bard College (NY) Boutte, Claire - University of Arizona (AZ) Brereton, Sapphire - Clark Atlanta University (GA) Brou, Brandon - Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (CO) Brown, Cuyla - UCF (FL) Brown, Kienan - Florida Gulf Coast University (FL) Bruner, Leo - UF (FL) Calderon, Diana - Undecided Caravello, Christopher - Palm Beach State College (FL) Cardenas, Geralyn - Florida International University (FL) Carey, Lyndsey - Arizona State University (AZ) Carr, Ashleigh - FSU (FL) Carrero, Thomas - Tallahassee Community College (FL) Carrier, Craig - UCF (FL) Casanova, Adrian - New World School of the Arts (FL) Chaplin, Amanda - Boston University (MA) Charlton, Matthew - Florida Southern University (FL) Chen, Jacqueline - University of Southern California (CA) Chessman, Sophia - Santa Fe University (NM) Christie, Elisabeth - Southern Methodist University (TX) or UCF (FL) Chukuma, Chaz - Palm Beach State College (FL) Civil, Jacques - Undecided Cohen, Brandon - FSU (FL) Colon, Jazmine - Point Park University (PA) Conway, Max - UCF (FL) Cope, Victoria - Undecided Coven, Jared - Tallahassee Community College (FL) Cramer, Ingrid - Parsons the New School for Design (NY) Crawford, Catrina - Florida Atlantic University (FL) Creef, Kelly - UF (FL) Cruz, Victoria - UF (FL) Czaczyk, Dominik - School of Visual Arts (NY) Czaczyk, Konrad - University of Wroclaw (Poland) D’Amico, Malena - Belmont University (TN) Davidson, Dakota - Gap year Davis, Amanda - Boston Conservatory (MA) Davis, Lucien - Stetson University (FL) Davis, Nadira - University of South Florida (FL)

14

COVERSTORY

Dayton, Hannah - FSU (FL) Dei Cicchi, Olivia - Pennsylvania State University (PA) Delgado, Gianna - University of the Arts (PA) Desai, Daya - UF (FL) Devivo, Karla - Florida Atlantic University (FL) Domingos, Daniel - FSU (FL) Donechie, Nicole - University of Mississippi (MI) Drourr, Josh - UF (FL) Duarte, Marc - Palm Beach State College (FL) Duffus, Taejia - University of South Florida (FL) Dumala, Samantha - Florida Southern College (FL) Dunning, Madi - Not attending Durity-Choono, Taiel - Pace University (NY) Dushi, Roey - Northwestern University (IL) Eisenwasser, Stephen - New World School of the Arts (FL) Esposito, David - University of Miami (FL) Everly, Mycaela - Florida Atlantic University (FL) Facey, Nigel - Gap year Fayerweather, Fredrick - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) Fernandes, Ilani - FSU (FL) Feuer, Matt - FSU (FL) Fitzgerald, Madeleine - Wake Forest University (NC) Forma, Eliana - University of South Florida (FL) Fournier, Sean - UF (FL) Freedman, Samantha - Washington University in St. Louis (MO) Gallagher, Robert - University of Miami (FL) Gawlikowski, Steffan - La Salle University (PA) Gellert, Margo - Tulane University (LA) Gerber, Kyra - Elon University (NC) Gerlach, Arthur - Santa Clara University (CA) Gerstein, Emily - University of Miami (FL) Goldstein, Michael - Undecided Golob, Rowan - Florida Gulf Coast University (FL) Gomes, Tessa - Columbia College (IL) Gonzales-Castillo, Eddieomar - SUNY Purchase (NY) Gonzalez, Camila - University of Notre Dame (IN) Gonzalez, Giandra - Palm Beach State College (FL) Greenfeld, Rachel - Barnard College (NY) Greenhouse, David - UCF (FL) Greenspan, Rebecca - University of North Florida (FL) Greentree, Abigail - University of Notre Dame (IN) Grnja, Alana - UF (FL) Grosso, Maria - UF (FL) Guerrier, Mikayla - University of South Florida (FL) Guinaugh, Mickey - UCF (FL) Gutierrez , Nestor - Undecided Haack, Carina - FSU (FL) Hamann, Charly - Boston Conservatory (MA) Hammell, Emily - Florida Southern College (FL) Hammett, Lauren - Temple University (PA) Hamorsky, Jessica - University of Miami (FL) Harrell, Amelia - School of Visual Arts (NY) Hasbach, Ximena - Stanford University (CA) Haughton, Lyric - University of California, Santa Barbara (CA) Hawthorne, Gelila - FSU (FL) Healy, Cameron - FSU (FL) Hedstrom, Maeve - Lesley University (MA) Hench, John - UF (FL) Hendrickson, Taylor - Stanford University (CA) Heritage, Alyssa - FSU (FL) Hillman, Emma - George Washington University (D.C.) Hoff, Nick - Tallahassee Community College (FL) Hofstetter, Sophie - Stetson University (FL) Houck, Marlena - UCF (FL) Houck, Selena - UCF (FL) Hudson, Heather - Indiana University (IN) Humyn, Bailey - New College of Florida (FL) Irving, Natalie - Lynn University (FL) Jackson, Tyson - Berklee College of Music (MA) Jacobson, Noah - UCF (FL) Jahnsen, Jill - Cornell University (NY) Jahnsen, Kelly - Cornell University (NY) Jara, Milca - Palm Beach State College (FL) Jean-Michel, Chelsea - Undecided Jessell, Morgaan - FSU (FL)

2015 Johnson, Jontrell - Undecided Johnston, Sean - Cornell University (NY) Kaler, Calvin - Cornell University (NY) Kelly, Adam - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) Kelly, Kirsten - Maryland Institute College of Art (MD) Kelly, Patricia - Columbia University (NY) Kijanka, Ari - University of North Florida (FL) Killingbeck, Morgan - Tallahassee Community College (FL) King, Alexandra - Boston University (MA) Kirby, Jessica - FSU (FL) Kirton, Autumn - UCF (FL) Kopacz-Ried, Moira - Undecided Kupi, Alexandra - University of Texas at Austin (TX) Lamb, Hayden - FSU (FL) Le, Kimberly - Brown University (RI) Lederman, Remi - University of Pennsylvania (PA) Lee, Kristin - University of the Arts (PA) Leland, Remington - Gap year Leonard, Nate - FSU (FL) Lewis, Ebony - Undecided Lickstein, Haley - American University (D.C.) Lombardo, Natalia - California Institute of the Arts (CA) Lorick, Rictevis - Palm Beach State College (FL) Lower, Logan - Undecided MacPherson, Tigre - Undecided Malik, Esahm - UF (FL) Mallet, Nolan - Georgia Tech (GA) Maltz, Erica - FSU (FL) Marcarelli, Gabriella - New College of Florida (FL) Marin, Aristides - Emergency medical technician school Marion, Alicia - Florida International University (FL) Marques, Sophie - Berklee College of Music (MA) Martin, Kayla - Liberty University (VA) Martin, Kendra - UCF (FL) Martinez, Ithza - University of Nevada Las Vegas (NV) Masso, Jamilet - Keiser University (FL) Mazzone, Gabriella -DePauw University (IN) McCorry, Gabriel - not attending McCrary, Jordan - UF (FL) McDaniel, Danae - Howard University (D.C.) McDaniel, Siterrya - Florida International University (FL) McMillan, Brandon - Palm Beach State College (FL) McMillan, Stephanie - UF (FL) Melian, Amia - New York University (NY) Mellusi, Matthew - Liberty University (VA) Mertens, Hayley - The Juilliard School (NY) Meyers, Katie - Franklin and Marshall College (PA) Meyers, Shane - University of Pennsylvania (PA) Mims, Virginia - Indiana University (IN) Mishko, Valerie - Palm Beach State College (FL) Mitchell, Elana - Florida Gulf Coast University (FL) Moore, Vincent - FSU (FL) Morales, Kyle - Undecided Morris, Ricky - FSU (FL) Mumford, Britney - Boston University (MA) Munoz, Camila - Undecided Murray, Morgen - Savannah College of Art and Design (GA) Naylon, Sarah - Undecided Nunez, Katya - Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (CO) O’Donnell, Shannon “Bailey” - California State University Long Beach (CA) O’Neal, Mia - Florida A&M University (FL) O’Neil, Daniela - Fordham University (NY) Oh, Christopher - Columbia College Hollywood (CA) Oliver, Morgan - University of Miami (FL) Pagano, Lauren - Fordham University (NY) Pallerine, Briana - Palm Beach State College (FL) Parks-Bullard, Shamarla - Undecided Passos, Gabi - Boston University (MA) Patregnani, Rylee - City University of New York (NY) Pennestri, Matthew - Tallahassee Community College (FL) Penrod, Logan - Florida Atlantic University (FL) Perez, Alyza - Kansas City Art Institute (MO) Perry, Marin - FSU (FL) Peterson, Kiel - FSU (FL) Pham, Amy - Hofstra University (NY) Pittman, Lauren - Clark Atlanta University (GA)

Are you going to college?

CHOOSE YOUR PATH The Engineer

Did you receive scholarship?

Will you join a fraternity/sorority?

The Muse surveyed 232 seniors about their future plans.

continued from page 13 Johnston has spent the past four years mastering the complex machine that is a piano, but finds his calling to be constructing machines instead. Johnston cites Dreyfoos as an environment that nurtured his natural curiosity.

“I’ve been happy here at Dreyfoos with a combination of academics and arts,” Johnston said. “I feel like I take all these factors in when I’m deciding which college to [attend].”

During his time at Dreyfoos, Johnston discovered a natural aptitude for math and science.

He began actively fitting more of those courses into his schedule, which he recommends to others.

“Take the classes that interest you a little more seriously and try to get classes like that into your schedule,” Johnston said. “I had no intention of going into English in college so I took a dual enrollment [English course] outside school so I could fit in two AP math classes last year and two AP science classes this year.”

When his junior year was coming to a close, Johnston decided engineering was a career that fit his favorite subjects. To test his interest, he attended a precollege summer program at University of Florida.

There, he did legwork calculations on developing

Plaza, Fabiola - Columbia University (NY) Polanco, Karen - UF (FL) Portales, Alexander - University of St Andrews (Scotland) Portillo, Daniella - Cooper Union (NY) Poser, Jacob - Carnegie Mellon University (PA) Posner, Briana - UCF (FL) Posner, Lauren - UCF (FL) Posner, Melissa - UCF (FL) Press, Sophie - UF (FL) Priegues, Elizabeth - New York University (NY) Pruitt, Sarah - Maryland Institute College of Art (MD) Rabinowitz, Rachel - UCF (FL) Rahrig, Michael - Florida Atlantic University (FL) Ralph, Jessica - FSU (FL) Ramirez, Juan - Northeastern University (MA) Ramirez, Maicie - FSU (FL) Rance, Caitlin - Columbia College (IL) Rasku, Jordan - FSU (FL) Ratcliff, Julianne “Mink” - New College of Florida (FL) Rattray, Mackenzie - Maryland Institute College of Art (MD) Reich, Jordan - University of Massachusetts at Amherst (MA) Reiter, Max - not attending Reyes, Alondra - Undecided Ricker, Madison - University of South Carolina (SC) Robbins, Chelsea - Wesleyan College (CT) Rodriguez, Brianna - University of South Florida (FL) Rodriguez, José - Ball State University (IN) Rogers, Sarah - Stetson University (FL) Rubin, Kayleigh - Cornell University (NY) Rubio, Gaby - UF (FL) Ruston, Rachel - New York University (NY) Saavedra, Maria - Florida State University (FL) Sachi, Yossi - Middlebury College (VT) Sadler, Nicholas - New York University (NY) Sagel, Sydney - Valencia College (FL)

a material that would make planes hydrophobic and more resistant to ice forming on it. “[The summer program] gave me my first experience with engineering. We had to calculate compounds on these ridiculous computer clusters there,” Johnston said. “A lot of it was way over my head, but it gave me an idea of the kind of stuff I would do every day.”

Johnston settled on his carer track not only because of his aptitude for it, but because of the freedom it offered.

“Instead of making your career around something that’s already established, like a medical practice, I found something [more flexible],” Johnston said. “I found creating the practice was way more interesting.”

Though he is not sure what branch of engineering he will focus in, he will spend his time at Cornell University figuring it out. g

Salas, Rainier - Parsons School of Visual Arts (NY) Salvia, Beni - The Juilliard School (NY) Santana, Samantha - University of South Florida (FL) Santomaso, Michael - FSU (FL) Savoia, Maria - Florida Gulf Coast University (FL) Scarlata, Paulina - FSU (FL) Scheiber, Zoe - UF (FL) Schiesl, Megan - UF (FL) Schmidt, Nina - Undecided Schmidt, Samuel - Palm Beach State College (FL) Schwartz, Emily - University of South Florida (FL) Schwartz, Maya - Roskilde University (Denmark) Searson, Megan - Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL) Selk, Ciara - Arizona State University (AZ) Sellers, Hannah - FSU (FL) Sheehan, Courtney - UF (FL) Shiling, Diana - University of Pennsylvania (PA) Shillingford, Jordan - Palm Beach State College (FL) Shore, Amanda - FSU (FL) Showers, Laura - UF (FL) Sierra, Angelo - UF (FL) Simpson, Shannon - UF (FL) Sims, Gabby - Florida International University (FL) Smith, Dominique - Howard University (DC) Spagnoli, Amera - Webster University (MO) Speer, Brianna - Florida Atlantic University (FL) Steele, Ian - Columbia College Hollywood (CA) Stefanovic, Olivia - Undecided Stoloff, Samantha - University of Michigan (MI) Stoney, Dominique - Palm Beach State College (FL) Storch, Savannah - Sterling College (VT) Tanabe, Drew - Northwestern University (IL) Taylor, Kendall - Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL) Thomas, Dana - FSU (FL) Thompson, Dustin - Tallahassee Community College (FL) Thompson, Dylan - Undecided Titus, Natalie - Long Island University (NY)

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorfi

Throughout high school, piano senior Sean Johnston has focused on math and science and will continue this focus at Cornell University as an engineering major.

Tordi, Gabrielle - UF (FL) Tozzie, Rebecca - FSU (FL) Tozzie, Robin - FSU (FL) Trotman, Tyra - Howard University (D.C.) Underwood, Tyler - FSU (FL) Vakil, Aagam - Emory University (GA) Vallejo, Jose - UF (FL) Vazquez, Alejandra - Florida Southern College (FL) Veiga, Rudy - UF (FL) Vigurie, Julie - Undecided Wagner, Miriam - University of South Florida (FL) Walsch, Katelin - University of Southern California (CA) Walsch, Megan - University of Notre Dame (IN) Webb, Caroline - University of South Florida (FL) Wesson, Jacob - Carnegie Mellon (PA) White, Mackenzie - George Washington University (DC) Whitlock, Grey - Columbia College (IL) Williams, Ashlee - Florida A&M University (FL) Wright, Markeisha - Lynn University and Conservatory (FL) Xin Yue, Yuan (“Cohen, Laurie”) - Babson College (MA) Yang, Andy - FSU (FL) Yasuda, Taisuke - Carnegie Mellon University (PA) Yonamine, Kimi - George Washington University (D.C.) Young, Cara - FSU (FL) Young, Kayla - Boston Conservatory (MA) Zaidspiner, Ali - University of the Arts (PA) Zambrano, Karina - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC) Zamora, Claudia - Yale University (CT) Zehner, Alexi - FSU (FL) Zenieris, Aleya - University of California San Diego (CA) Zuccaro, Anthony - Florida Gulf Coast University (FL) Zwick, Amanda - UF (FL) Zyto, Jonathan - United States Navy

COVERSTORY 15

Arts

GOSSIAUX INSPIRES STUDENTS Visual department invites blind and partially deaf artist to Dreyfoos

Students listen as visual alumna Emilie Gossiaux introduces the next part of her workshop.

Photo courtesy of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation

Visual alumna Emilie Gossiaux gives a presentation to visual students about her artwork.. Gossiaux brought her seeing-eye dog along for the seminar.

Visual alumna Emilie Gossiaux (left) instructs visual students during an arts workshop. The workshop focused on using senses other than sight to create art, and students practiced this by working with different materials while blindfolded.

Photo courtesy of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation

Photo by Julia Bonavita

by LexiMarcellino

W

hen students are taught how to draw, paint or even sculpt in class, they rely on all of their senses to create a work of art.

Visual alumna Emilie Gossiaux has helped change that. Due to her partial deafness since a young age and a car accident that left her blind, Gossiaux has had to rely on her other senses as well as artistic ability to allow her to create art.

“I was riding my bicycle in Brooklyn and I got hit by an 18-wheeler semi-truck,” Gossiaux said. “It happened five years ago, so I am doing much better now. I still feel like the same person that I was [before the accident].”

Through a series of workshops, Gossiaux

IN THIS SECTION:

17 18 16

ARTS

Digital media and visual sophomores showcase their art in a student-run gallery.

Check out what is happening in each art area in this issue's Arts Index.

has been teaching the students of Dreyfoos feel like when I’m not working, I’m not doing to use their sense of touch to create their something right.” work, as opposed to relying mainly on their Several students who observed Gossiaux sight. Gossiaux showed off her sculptures to also decided to embrace her methods and students during the week of April 20-24 in even incorporate some of them into their own Building 9. She taught students to incorporate artwork. her method of touch into their work by “She really added a new dimension to wearing blindfolds and working on a piece what visual art can be,” visual sophomore with her guidance.

Maya Drummond said. “It [is] reassuring, “You have to feel most of her sculptures because as an artist my worst nightmare and her art to really get a sense of what she [is to go blind]. After hearing her story, I is trying to communicate to you through immediately thought of different ways that [her artwork],” visual sophomore Taylor I could put a more sensual and interactive Joseph said. “I’ve never done anything like element into my art.” that before, so it was really interesting to Gossiaux has not slowed down with watch. You don’t get to see or make a lot of making art and experimenting with her work. interactive artwork like that, even in the visual She continues to inspire others by taking her department.” experience and relating to them.

Gossiaux has not allowed her accident to “My advice for students is [that] if they affect how she makes her artwork; she still ever get stuck or they don’t have ideas, is to continues to incorporate the same materials just keep working,” Gossiaux said. “Do not let and methods despite new challenges. getting stuck or having no inspiration stop “Before I lost my vision I didn’t notice all you from making work. Just keep using your of the materials I used,” Gossiaux said. “After hands and keep throwing out ideas even if it’s I went blind, I noticed that my aesthetic not serious. Just work for fun.” g didn’t really change at all. I was still Contributers: Mary Rasura and Karai McLean using the same materials. I love working [and] using my hands. I

SOPHOMORES SHOWCASE ART Dreyfoos students organize gallery displaying students' art

by UmaRaja

S

ophisticated works of art decorate the walls of the gallery, adults in fine attire examining each piece over the sound of conversation and clinking drinks. However, this art gallery is unique in that Michael Steinpichler the entire production was organized by Dreyfoos students, and each piece of artwork was created by Dreyfoos students.

On March 27, digital media sophomore Michael Steinpichler and visual sophomore Brandon Fardella put together an art show at the Paul Fisher Gallery in West Palm Beach.

Steinpichler and Fardella are interns for the esteemed curator Paul Fisher, who gave them the opportunity to put on an art showcase for students.

“Paul Fisher just said that he had an empty space that’s not being used and if we wanted to use it we could,” Steinpichler said.

Steinpichler and Fardella became Mr. Fisher’s interns through an intriguing coincidence. The pair noticed Mr. Fisher’s gallery while picking up a friend who lived next door. They introduced themselves to Mr. Fisher and left.

“Later that day, me and Brandon were looking for a gallery in Clematis not even two

hours later, and we saw the same guy, [Paul expected to hang and prep the gallery,” Fisher,] and he asked us if we wanted to have Fardella said. “[However,] it was a great an internship,” Steinpichler said. experience being able to put together an The process of being selected for the art exhibition and learn what goes into it.” showcase was not easy. Visual and digital On the opening night, art appreciators, majors in multiple grade levels submitted students and families rushed in to view the their work, and only select art pieces were artwork. Mr. Fisher also invited some of his chosen to be exhibited. Also, any piece chosen clients to the showcase. for the gallery went up for sale.

“We just had kids submit to a folder on a computer,” Steinpichler said. “I took them before spring break and me, [Mr. Fisher] and Brandon just looked over them and chose everything that we wanted to have in.”

Picking works for the gallery was only half the challenge. Steinpichler and Fardella then had to prepare everything.

“We got everyone to print out their Photo provided by Brandon Fardella Visual sophomore Brandon Fardella (L-R) and artist Paul accepted pieces and mount it on foam Fisher attend a showcase of Dreyfoos students'’ work at the board and wire it,” Steinpichler said. “Me and Paul Fisher Gallery in downtown West Palm Beach.

Brandon, the day before the show, printed out tags with all the information on the pieces and “The best part was probably just seeing just hung everything up.” all the kids happy that their pieces were on Steinpichler and Fardella tackled issues the wall, with their family members there, such as improperly mounted art and tight taking pictures,” Steinpichler said. “It was nice time constraints. They learned masterful feeling.” techniques from Mr. Fisher, who guided The two hour opening was a success, and Steinpichler and Fardella by mentoring them people even braved the downpour of rain to on the art of curating. view the artwork. Steinpichler and Fardella “Putting this show together was harder plan on hosting many other galleries in the than it seemed, it took us longer than future. g

Congratulations class of 2015!

As the year wraps up, there are a few more events to look forward to before summer. Congratulations to the seniors for all they have accomplished at Dreyfoos, and good luck in the future.

May 15 23

Noon 5:00PM

Graduation at South Florida Fair Grounds Digital Media/Visual Arts Senior Show Armory Art Center*

June 4

Last day of school

For more details on events, directions, or information about the Foundation,

visit soafi.org or call 561-805-6298

ARTS

17

Arts Index A guide to what's going on in the art area classes

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

Communications freshman Ariel Gordon (left) and communications junior Riley Freese perform a group interpretation of literature for the Communications Showcase.

Theatre

H

airy Details is a performance that showcases improvisational works from the Dreyfoos theatre department.

“Hairy Details went well because the entire improv troupe worked together and helped each other on every scene,” theatre freshman Azure Kordick said.

Theatre majors attended master classes with the Broadway casting director Megan Larche and vocal coach Greg Lamar. There was a two-day workshop on Michael Chekhov’s technique used

by Clint Eastwood and Marilyn Monroe. The Senior Showcase occurred on May 1 and 2 and the Theatre Collective performance took place May 8 and 9.g

Dance

A

lthough the year is coming to a close the dancers continue to perform. The department held their annual spring dance concert in Meyer Hall on April 16-19. Every grade level took part in this performance .

“The dance that [I preformed in the show] is called ‘Bottom of the River.’ It’s about Alvin Ailey and his works and one of his works called ‘Revelations,’ ” dance sophomore Jade Trowers said.

In addition to the show, the dance department will spend the last quarter preparing for their senior showcase and juries. g

Music

T

he music departments are beginning to wrap up their performance season.

The strings department performed at the State Music Performance Assessments to receive their ranking within the state.

The performance consisted of students playing pieces they have worked on throughout the year. Then a panel of judges graded them on their performances.

They also participated in the County String Festival at the Benjamin School on April 25, where schools from all around the county performed together.

18

ARTS

Visual and Digital

V

isual students have been working on their concentrations and their breaths for the AP 2D exam.

“Concentrations are a group of pieces that fit together and breaths are just pieces that show that you can work in different mediums,” visual junior Mei Lin O’Malley said. “These are going to the AP board where they judge it on technique, quality and how the concentration fits together.”

The digital media department is finishing off the semester with their individual pieces and their portfolios, creating multiple pieces to be submitted to the AP board.

“I’m working on photographic transfers,” digital media senior Zoey Walkman said. “Its pretty much transferring pictures with gel mediums onto paper or other materials like fabric or plexiglass.” g

Communications

C

ommunications majors impressed the audience with the Communications Showcase on April 10 in Meyer Hall. The Muse, The Marquee and “Seeds” presented videos, and films from all grade levels were shown. The debate team performed a witty skit about the worst yet simultaneously the best things about high school.

“Seeds” recently released their 2015 literary arts magazine. This year the theme was “Vantage Point.”

“It’s really rewarding to finally have the book in physical form,” communications sophomore Megan Horan said. “I think it’s one of our best books in the history of “Seeds”. Inside our little package we have tried to fit all aspects of Dreyfoos.” g

“All departments [are sounding] well and [getting] better each time,” strings sophomore Mackenzie Afoon said.

The final philharmonic performance took place on April 28, in Meyer Hall. Both the strings and band departments will be performing at Graduation as an annual tradition to bid farewell to the seniors.

The piano department had their final recital on April 22, and the vocal department had their annual Spring Concert on May 1. g

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19

Sports

Vocal freshman Tori Giol (right) jumps over hurdles during a track meet..

Photo courtesy of Tori Giol

HURDLING HER WAY TO SUCCESS Freshman track star Tori Giol ends an impressive season

byJackReagan

A

lthough more than 30 people are on the Dreyfoos track team, only three were able to qualify for counties. One of these three is vocal freshman Tori Giol. She joined the track team to get in shape but has decided to continue with the sport as she qualified for regionals in her first year of high school.

From the start of the season, track and field coaches, math teachers Christopher Burns and Craig Adams, have had their eyes on Giol. Both coaches have worked to push Giol harder than she has ever been pushed before and are focused on her personal improvement. “[My coaches] have definitely pushed me to my limit, because they know what I’m capable of,” Giol said. “I’ve definitely improved from the beginning of this year, because of how intense high school track is compared to middle school.”

Giol began running track at her middle school but did not take it seriously.

IN THIS SECTION:

21 20 SPORTS

Check out the Sports Guide which gives a recap of the final games of this season for the Jaguars.

“In middle school I didn’t learn techniques.

This year Mr. Burns has taught me techniques for the long jump and the hurdles,” Giol said.

“In middle school, I only did track as a way

‘

In middle school I only did track as a way of conditioning, but now it's a sport I want to pursue.

’

-vocal freshman Tori Giol

of conditioning for gymnastics but now it’s become a sport I want to pursue.”

Giol went into the season unsure of what event she wanted to participate in. She ended up participating in six different events: the 200 meter dash, 100 meter dash, 100 meter hurdles, 300 meter hurdles, long jump and 4x100 relay. Although pursuing many events caused a problem in the beginning of the season, Giol was able to improve on the 300 meter hurdles and long jump. This focus on the 300 meter hurdles helped her to obtain a 1st place position for girls track and a spot in counties at William T. Dwyer High School with communications senior Steffan Gawlikowski and piano senior Sean Fournier.

After counties, Giol participated with the Dreyfoos team in districts where she placed fifth in the 300 meter hurdles with a time

of 52.37, tenth in the long jump and fourth in the 4x1 relay with a time of 54.59 along with theatre freshman Madison Burmeister, dance sophomore Alex Faife and visual senior Nadira Davis. The top four relay teams at districts were able to compete at regionals.

“My coaches think that I really excel in the 300 meter hurdles, so I’m going to focus on that during districts,” Giol said. “Everybody goes to districts, but it’s the top four athletes from each event that move on to regionals.”

Giol and her relay team placed seventh in regionals with a time of 54.75. Without the support of her team she would not have accomplished her goals.

“My whole team has really helped me this year because everyone is so encouraging.

I would not have done as well as I did this season if I didn’t have the teammates I do,” Giol said. “We are all like one big family.”

Due to the season she has had, Giol has changed her middle school mindset and wants to participate in track as much as she possibly can by attending programs at Duke and Florida State University for track this summer. She plans on staying with track through college but wants to stop there.

“I would love to be able to go to college for track but I don’t want to pursue track as a career. I want to be a physical therapist in order to help athletes because I’ve been injured and I really appreciated them helping me,” Giol said. n

SPRING SPORTSGUIDE A play-by-play of this season's meets, games and tournaments Tennis

Track

by AdamNir

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by AdamNir

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his year, the track team participated in multiple meets and ended their season with 16 athletes advancing from the county competition to regionals, which took place on April 23.

“The team as a whole [did] well,” track and field coach and math teacher Christopher Burns said. “We had a lot of freshmen and are looking at emerging talent. The kids that showed a strong commitment to the team made a lot of progress. There’s a lot of progress for them next year.”

The girls and boys 4 x 100 relays finished in 14th and 15th places respectively with times of 54.75 and 47.78.

The female 4 x 400 relay team finished in 13th place with a time of 4:29.21 and the 4 x 800 relay team finished in 13th 11:10.75.

Individually, communications senior Steffan Gawlikowski finished in 14th in the male shot put competition with a score of 38-4. n

Photo courtesy of the Marquee

Communications freshman Ryan Freese runs with a baton in a relay race competition during a Dreyfoos track and field meet..

he boys tennis team advanced to regional competition after districts. Visual freshman Jared Amrose and communications senior Brandon Cohen both advanced through finals for singles.

“We did much better than I expected,” Amrose said. “I heard stories about the other teams and thought we would get blown out but we did really well like we have done all season.”

Both girls singles and doubles tennis teams advanced to the finals for the girls tennis team, but did not break to regionals.

Vocal sophomore Gabrielle Cowen advanced in both events.

Communications freshman Brianna Seaberg advanced in singles and visual junior Nicole Lindner advanced for doubles. n

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SPORTS

21

Lifestyle

CLASS OF ‘15

SUMMER PRODUCTS

FACES THE

‘FRESHMAN 15’

by GerniseGregoire

1. Nivea Pure Effect Total Face Cleanup - $7.99

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he summer causes us to sweat, which attracts grime leading to blackheads, acne and other skin problems. This specific scrub works as a face Photo by Getty Images wash, exfoliating scrub and mask to cleanse skin. It can be used once a week to avoid such problems by removing dead skin and dirt and giving the skin a more healthy and glowing look. g

2.Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen - $11.99

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his parabenfree and hypoallergenic sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection and is water resistant. It is perfect for the entire body and Photo by Getty Images recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. When rubbed well into skin, it leaves no white residue compared to other sunscreen products. The product comes in different amounts of SPF. g

3. Clinique After Sun Rescue - $23

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his ultramoisturizing balm with soothing aloe calms sunexposed skin. It provides a postsun “repair” to help prevent each day’s sun Photo by Getty Images exposure from becoming a visible damage. It is 100 percent fragrance free, non-acnegenic, cooling and refreshing while helping minimize peeling after a day in the hot summer sun. g

22 WELLNESS

Seniors must maintain a balanced diet entering college

Illustration by Alexa Marcellino

by GerniseGregoire

S

tudy sessions and late night fun are inevitable, but when it comes to entering college, nights should not always end with 2 a.m. fast food runs. Instead, a huge glass of water and a healthy snack would be the smartest option. College students face the tough decision of choosing health or simple laziness, which commonly leads to freshman obesity. A term known as the “Freshman 15,” which expresses the eating habits of first-year college students, was coined to describe their rapid weight gain.

For new university students, entering college means figuring out how to balance work, studies and a social life, leaving little time to exercise or control eating habits. With so much to do, students are constantly in search for the quickest way to eat their meals, which commonly consist of fats and processed carbohydrates.

Although these foods may not be the best choice, there is a way to control it.

According to medicine physician Rick Henriksen at the University of Utah Health Care, there is an efficient plan to avoid the “Freshman 15.”

“Students make most of their time strolling from home or to class, and some even skip meals in doing that, which should be avoided,” Henriksen said on the University of Utah’s health department’s website. “The key is to not take in complex carbs after 6 p.m. Students should be eating breakfast as early as 7 a.m., lunch at 2 p.m, and dinner at 5:30 p.m.”

On a hand-written chart, Henriksen not only suggests appropriate times for eating, but what exactly to consume and certain exercises that can help when living on a

college campus. Some examples include taking in four to five servings of vegetables, fruits, grain and poultry each day, and also completing one minute powerwalks in between classes, depending on the length of a student’s breaks.

Besides searching for the most effective way to grab a filling bite to eat and doing it in a healthy manner, college students accustom themselves to a lack of sleep in order to accommodate their hectic schedules.

“Research shows that getting the appropriate amount of sleep is key to maintaining a healthy weight,” Henriksen said. “When we are sleep deprived, we experience hormonal changes, which drives weight gain and increases appetite.”

In most American universities, dining halls promote quick fast foods, but Oklahoma State University has implemented a program that helps educate students in nutritional awareness. The Healthy Dining Program (HDP) gives college freshmen an opportunity to learn about cooking healthy foods and maintaining an active lifestyle in college and the future. With the program’s wholesome choices of “grab and go” foods, college students can enjoy the right nutrients and leave ample time for other activities.

After the age of 18, one’s habits slowly solidify to become vices or positive actions.

Therefore, when choosing between a burger and a salad with apples, consider your priorities while keeping your health as the ultimate goal. Four years of fast food rarely amounts to a positive future. g

FIGHTING THE FEAR MONSTER Exploring the beneficial role that fear plays in our lives commentary by JessicaRalph

W

hen I was younger, I was afraid of monsters under my bed. The fear was captivating. This behavior may sound normal for a toddler, but when I turned 6, my mother rightfully decided that I could not sleep on the couch or with her for the rest of my life. She then told me that monsters are attracted to messy areas (like the area under my bed). My fear of monsters drove me to completely clean out my bed and surrounding area, and my phobia disappeared.

At the most basic and biological level, fear has kept us alive. Our nervous system is broken down into two main components: the autonomic nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system can then be broken down even further to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. It is these two subcomponents that we owe our existence to.

The sympathetic nervous system or the “fight or flight” portion of our biologic processes controls our fear. During the Paleolithic era, when monsters literally did live among us,

fear kept us alive. Without fear, we would not have known to run from a saber-tooth tiger or avoid poisonous plants.

While fear has kept us alive, it also allows us to feel alive. Epinephrine, the hormone secreted in fearful situations, increases heart rate, muscle strength, blood pressure and sugar metabolism.

It is these biological processes that are also seen in correlation with feelings of happiness.

Emotionally, there are few things that are more exhilarating than jumping out of a plane or other adrenaline-inducing activities.

Though these activities may produce feelings of fear, the hormones create feelings of euphoria.

‘

Fear is the foreshadowing factor to endless possibilities and opportunities. According to Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of “The Power of Slow,” we often create and agitate our own fear. I believed I should fear monsters, when I rather could have thought of them as friendly little creatures.

But sometimes, this fear or stress can be a driving force to our success or the betterment of others.

In the case of Rosa Parks, her fear of the oppression being forced upon her and her community led her to start one of the largest and most influential societal movements in history.

Though your fear may have caused you to run out on a date, pee your pants in public, call for your mommy or sleep in your own bed your entire adolescence, fear is something we should think twice about before disregarding as the worst emotion known to man. g

. .This fear or stress can be a driving force to our success or the betterment of others,

’

WELLNESS

23

5 201 RAP Entertainment

THE

YEAR

OF

commentary by MichaelWang and OscarHamilton

F

rom the jazzy influences of “A Tribe Called Quest” to the violent style of N.W.A and the witty lyrics of Childish Gambino, rap has evolved in the past decades into different forms. While most think that modern-day rappers cannot compete with the likes of Tupac and Biggie, it seems that new rappers are making their own trail in the music game, and 2015 will be a big year in hip hop.

Drake

Building up buzz for his impending album “Views From The 6,” scheduled for release later this year, Drake kept to his original style and put out "If You're Reading This It's Too Late” in mid-February. Combining his usual singing-rap style with a more gritty and dark subject, Drake, in his mixtape/album, reached platinum status in a little-publicized project.

However, Drake fails to create a cohesive tracklist. Instead, the album is filled with one-hit wonders that do not necessarily tell a story, or have a common theme. The mixtape, which combines his old sound with his new singing-rap style, hosts tracks that leave some feeling nostalgic for their ex-partners and hating him/her for leaving them at the same time.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar fans, with preorders for his album “To Pimp a Butterfly,” woke up with the album unexpectedly in their iTunes a week earlier than expected. Hailed as the new king of the rap game, Lamar lives up to his “good kid, m.A.A.d city” precedent and perhaps exceeds listeners’ expectations. While fans who expected another “good kid, m.A.A.d city’s” album may be left disappointed, those who acknowledge a paradigm shift in Lamar’s style will accept the new style. Lamar continues to change his focus. His previous album was billed as a short film about the Graphic by Chloe Krammel trials of a teenager

24 ENTERTAINMENT

living in Compton, and his new album “To Pimp a Butterfly” tackles more than just a day, but rather a millennium. Continuing with his storytelling rap style, Lamar paints a picture of what it is like to be famous, lose touch of reality and come back to his roots with his ancestors in Africa. The album starts off with “Wesley’s Theory,” with vocals from Snoop Dogg. It quickly introduces the main conflict, with figurative antagonists like Lucifer (referred to in the album as a girl named Lucy) unlike his previous album which had all real characters. Though he is not as explosive as he was on “Control,” Lamar retains and improves his song-building and rap style.

Lamar remastered singles he released earlier, like “i” which was rated as the best rap song of 2014 by Rap Genius, into a darker and more somber mood by recording it live and replacing parts with acappella rhyme about a black person’s social struggle. King Kendrick is indeed, back on top.

Action Bronson

Action Bronson released his debut studio album "Mr. Wonderful” in late March. Leaving his niche of rapping over classic guitar samples, Bronson experimented with beats

by Drake's producers, Noah "40" Shebib and Omen, creating a new feel to his work. As a devoted fan of Bronson’s original mixtapes, “Mr. Wonderful” felt subpar.

Most of the album standouts were released as singles for free long before the album was released, in some ways creating superficially high expectations for fans.

Despite this, fans remain hopeful that Bronson will return to his roots of crude imagery and obscure culinary references in future albums.

world has found a new face this year with Open Mike Eagle’s extended play "A Special Episode Of" who made his name last year with his album “Dark Comedy”. The biggest hit on the EP, “Dark Comedy Late Show,” is a social commentary disguised as a rap song, continuing the precedent of his previous project. With lyrics reading “I can see the Super Bowls of the Future/The Ferguson Blacks vs. The Missouri State Troopers/ Privacy rights vs. the person computers/ concussion researchers vs. university boosters,” Eagle uses his signature style of “Art Rap” to discuss real and important issues affecting people across the world. With his sociopolitical agenda, Eagle brings a fresh air to the underground rap world, which has lost ground to mainstream pop.

Kanye West

Every time Kanye West has dropped an album, he has changed the rap scene.

Although his latest album “Yeezus” did not live up to its precedent, the masterpiece called “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” it still changed how vocals were included in rap albums and created a new stage. Many critics and avid fans are now waiting on West’s “So Help Me God” to see how he changes the scene again. Although West has never been the best lyricist, his sampling and production is unparalleled. With a new hip-hop crowd jostling for the light, many are wondering whether the rappers of the early 2000’s, West included, can hold off against the likes of J. Cole, Lamar and Earl Sweatshirt.

2015 definitely seems to be overcompensating for the relatively quiet year of 2014, and rappers, old and new, seem to be making a name for themselves. g

Open Mike Eagle

Ever since the likes of Public Enemy, political hip hop has slowly retreated underground.

However, the underground rap

IN THIS SECTION:

25 26

Prepare for this summer's concerts, TV shows, movies and other events with our entertainment summer calendar The latest iOS update introduces new, diverse emojis.

SUMMER EVENTS

Festivals, movie releases and other events to keep an eye on this summer

BariBOSSIS

M

BriPOSNER

A

JessicaRALPH

W

y greatest achievement in high school was definitely memorizing all of Lil’ Wayne’s featured rap verse in Chris Brown’s, “Look At Me Now.” As I snatch my diploma from Principal Susan Atherley, I will strut to the lyrics, “I’m getting paper.” For me, high school was a culmination of

By Jive failing Calculus grades, drastic gluten-free diets and finally, getting my prom hair stylist fired after she told me my hair was ugly. g

s I count down the final days of my high school career, I seem to be overwhelmed with nights spent crying over how far I have come. Through years of being bullied and hiding in publication rooms, I placed myself in the music scene to escape reality.

“This is the House that Doubt

By Victory Built” by A Day to Remember is the song that I turn to while looking back on the past four years. Hearing the lyrics “Cause you’ve only got one life to lead/ so don’t take for granted those little things” will keep me going strong when the transition to college feels like too much to handle. g

Graphic by Chloe Krammel

hile many students see graduation as an emotional day spent crying and saying goodbye to the students they spent many years with, I see it as a day for celebration. These past four years hold no sentimental value in my heart and I do not plan on

By Columbia feeling any sadness or nostalgia once I leave. Rather than “Graduation” by Vitamin C (what most of my emotionally inclined classmates will be listening to) I will be blasting “Say My Name”

by Destiny’s Child, preparing myself to hear Principal Susan Atherley call out my name as I walk across the stage and say my final goodbyes to high school. g

MariaGROSSO

L

ooking back upon my kindergarten graduation, I recall mouthing the words to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” While at the time “there” from the line “if I can make it there/ I’ll make it anywhere,” referred to first grade and the big kid portables- in present context

By Reprise of high school graduation, the song fills me up with hope and motivation to pursue my dreams of college and beyond with full faith and confidence that I have a path, a place and a destiny to fill. g

ENTERTAINMENT 25

EM JI EQUALITY F R ALL

iOS 8.3 update comes with a new set of diverse Emojis

by MaryRasura

“

Oh my god, Becky, look at her Emojis They’re just, like, so diverse, you know?”

It was the cry that rang around the world when the iOS 8.3 update for the iPhone featured Emojis offering hair color and more importantly, skin tone variations. The default for human-like Emojis that was usually white is now smiley Emoji yellow. However, when a user selects one of the default yellow Emojis, it reveals six different and actually human skin tone shades to choose from. Even the Emoji featuring a freshly manicured hand can be adjusted for skin tone.

While the Emoji update also featured additions such as an iPhone 6 and Apple Watch, it was the racial aspect that users were waiting for. An online campaign on DoSomething.org called “Diversify My Emoji” called for more diverse representations when, as the campaign stated, there were Emojis of arbitrary things such as “Two different camels. A smiling turd. EVERY PHASE OF THE MOON.” Even Miley Cyrus rallied for the cause in 2012 when she tweeted “RT if you think there needs to be an #emojiethnicityupdate.”

Though it may seem like it, Apple isn’t

26 ENTERTAINMENT

fully in charge of the Emoji selection on their devices. They follow standards set by Unicode Consortium, a nonprofit organization

Graphic by Mary Rasura

The new iOS 8.3 update offers a new variety of Emojis to appeal to cultural diversity.

that ensures software such as Emojis are standardized in order to display properly on different platforms. The skin tones chosen were based on the Fitzpatrick Scale,

a standard for dermatology that features numerical classifications of skin color.

Why was the previous whiteness of Emojis even an issue? One may ask this question, and it’s understandable, especially in light of recent conversations about race such as relationships between law enforcement and people of color and the lack of diverse representation at the Academy Awards. Even though the diversity of Emojis may seem trivial, it has become a significant aspect of how we communicate with one another.

Nonetheless, there are still issues with the new Emojis. Some users feel like even though skin tones are represented, features specific to certain races and ethnicities are not.

“The pictures don’t accurately depict how black people look. [The new update should have] a black person that doesn’t have straight hair,” strings sophomore Anjelica Rose said.

Having an Emoji depicting a black person with only straight hair or blue eyes is an aspect that needs fixing. Even so, having tiny virtual humans better reflect their real human users is a step forward. g

THESTAFF 2014-15 Editors-In-Chief Taylor Hendrickson, Remi Lederman, Claudia Zamora Managing Editor Madeleine Fitzgerald Website Editor Maria Grosso Assistant Managing Kayleigh Rubin, Samantha Rose, Editors Ximena Hasbach Layout Editor Jessica Ralph Assistant Layout Editor Morgaan Jessell Layout Staff Carsen Jessell Cover Story Editor Bennett Morgan, Tiffany Abreu Op/Ed Editor Felipe Bomeny Op/Ed Staff Oscar Hamilton, Michael Wang, Riley O’Connor News Editor Mackenzie White News Staff Tom Kapitulnik, Jack Yan Features Editor Starr Courakos Features Staff Brittany McKenzie, Alexis Pinchuk, Nathaniel Leonard, Mary Rasura Arts Editor Michelle Birch Arts Staff Isaac Ochoa,Uma Raja, Alexa Marcellino, Karai McLean Lifestyle Editor Dana Thomas Lifestyle Staff Gernise Gregoire, Frances Landrum Sports Editor Tomas Cabezas Sports Staff Alana Gomez, Jack Reagan, Adam Nir, Daniel Montoya, Elliot Hacker Entertainment Editor Bri Posner Entertainment Staff Chloe Krammel Photo Editor Rowan Bennetti Photo Staff Jade Lenkersdorf, Julia Bonavita, Julia Horneck Bailey Van Putten Vink Business Manager Marlena Houck Business Staff Delaney Cotton, Krystal Sundar Head Copy Editor Bari Bossis Copy Editors Riley Freese, Ricky Morris, Taylor Rich Graphics Editor Bennett Morgan Blogger Erica Maltz Website Managing Editor Juan Ramirez Assistant Website Editor Erik Ridd Cartoonists Adrian Casanova, Jose Castillo Adviser Stephen Moore

EDITORIALPOLICY

The Muse is a student publication produced by Journalism IV, V and VI classes at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Opinion is limited to editorials and columns. We welcome and will print letters to the editors, which should be submitted to the Pressroom (1-305). We reserve the right to edit letters for grammar and space restrictions and will publish no letters that are libelous or defamatory to any staff, students or members of the community. We also accept guest editorials, although we reserve the right to edit or to decline at our discretion.

The Muse gratefully accepts advertisements from community businesses as well as donations from interested readers. Yearly subscriptions can be purchased for $35. Please make checks payable to Dreyfoos School of the Arts and send to:

Dreyfoos School of the Arts 501 South Sapodilla Avenue West Palm Beach, FL, 33401 or call (561) 805.6252

THESTAFF 2015-16 Editors-In-Chief Managing Editor Website Editors Assistant Managing Editors Layout Editors Cover Story Editor Cover Story Staff Op/Ed Editor Op/Ed Staff News Editor News Staff Features Editor Features Staff Arts Editor Arts Staff Lifestyle Editor Lifestyle Staff Sports Editor Sports Staff Entertainment Editor Entertainment Staff Photo Editors Photo Staff Business Manager Business Staff Head Copy Editor Copy Editors Cartoonists Adviser

Michelle Birch, Samantha Rose Starr Courakos Erik Ridd, Julia Horneck Isaac Ochoa, Brittany McKenzie, Tom Kapitulnik Riley Freese, Tomas Cabezas Bennett Morgan Tiffany Abreu Alexis Pinchuk Michael Wang, Riley O’Connor Jack Yan Daniel Montoya, Taylor Rich Mary Rasura Elliot Hacker, Karai McLean Uma Raja Alexa Marcellino Gernise Gregoire Frances Landrum Alana Gomez Adam Nir, Jack Reagan Chloe Krammel Oscar Hamilton Rowan Bennetti, Jade Lenkersdorf Julia Bonavita Delaney Cotton Bailey Van Putten Vink Taylor Rich Alexa Marcellino Katherine McCann Stephen Moore

ABOUTUS

The Muse is a national award-winning newsmagazine.

The publication has won numerous awards from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) including a Pacemaker in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2013. The Muse also won Silver Crown awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) in 2011 and 2013 and in 2014 was awarded the Gold Crown from CSPA in the Hybrid classification which is a combination of print and website.

This publication is completely funded and created by its staff, advertisers and donors. Over 1,300 students and a multitude of subscribers receive copies of the magazine annually. All aspects of the magazine from the cover to the Exposure on the back page are written and designed by the students. There are 61 staffers, grades 10-12, from the communications department and some from other art areas, as well, including cartoonists from the visual department, who work during and after school to make this publication possible. We would like to thank Principal Dr. Susan Atherley and the School of the Arts Foundation for their continuous support. Please visit our website at www. themuseatdreyfoos.com. g

27

EXPOSURE Alex Baleno Visual senior

by TaylorRich

I

n the senior closet of Building 9 sits a 4 by 4-feet board of wood, engraved with thousands of tiny dots that come together to construct an image. Day by day for the past few months, visual senior Alex Baleno has been working diligently with patience, time and a soldering iron for his senior art project.

“I stipple thousands of small dots with the soldering iron into wood so that it burns a darker shade to eventually produce the image,” Baleno said. “The picture is a self-portrait of me. It combines most of the things that I’ve done over the last four years of my life into one image.”

Baleno’s piece isn’t complete yet. It takes a long time for Baleno

28

to stipple so many tiny dots onto such a large piece of wood. It takes him approximately an hour just to complete a square inch and it does get boring, but Baleno overcomes the monotony of it because he anticipates the finished product.

“I’m doing this for my senior project because I feel like it’s an appropriate piece to end my high school career with,” Baleno said.

“I have always been insane toward detail in my previous works but everything I’ve done has always been smaller.”

The due date for the project was May 1, but since Baleno’s piece takes so much concentration, dedication and time to finish, he expects to have it done right before the Senior Art Show on May 18. g