The Muse: December Edition by The Muse at Dreyfoos

e h T

Alexander W. Dreyfoos

School of

the Arts Volume 9 issue 3 December 2011

ALL ABOUT THE

The district wasted $1.2 million in the 2009-2010 school year by running lights, computers and air conditioning units after hours.

Green >

Pages 17-19

Table of Contents

TABLE OF

Muse wins big in Minneapolis

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

op/ed

Point vs. counterpoint

Is it right for teachers to give out extra credit and department service hours in return for a donation to charity?

Illustration by Oscar Carl

Leaving electronic devices like computers and lights on at night at school causes significant monetary losses for the Palm Beach County School District.

Clarifications and Corrections Correction: In the November issue, in the article “Getting Greedy with Glee Give a Note contest,” it was reported that the Wendell Simmons stated that the music department’s funding was cut 25 percent this year. This figure was referring to the music department’s repair budget, not total funding. Clarification: In the November issue, in the article “Tribal Wars benefits a Prom to Remember,” it was reported that the event raised $1,908. This figure was referring to the amount of money made before the event, not the total money earned after the event. The event raised $2,513.

For more Museworthy stories visit:

News

Q&A with Mr. Dreyfoos

Founder, Alexander W. Dreyfoos came to visit the school recently. He brought with him a a $150,000 check for the school and a lifetime of wisdom to share.

Features

A cat’s tale

Social studies teacher Sara Stout gets back an old friend and gains a new one.

Arts

A Day in the life

Leaps and leotards are only a small fraction of what it means to be a dancer. Explore the Dance department in A Day in the Life.

Sports

Lacking in Sports

Read about how Dreyfoos’ sports facilities are subpar, what with a ditch the size of a pool and buses breaking down.

entertainment

Holiday Flicks

The Entertainment staff chooses their favorite holiday films to watch during the Winter season.

themuseatdreyfoos.com Please recycle

The Muse

The Muse December 2011

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Editors-in-Chief Audrey Green (left) and Samantha Bilton stand in front of the Minneapolis Convention Center, where seminars were conducted for the National Scholastic Press Association. Later that night, the ground was covered with snow.

here did the second quarter go? For some it went into schoolwork, for others it went into Prism practice and basketball tryouts – or all three. For a select few, part of the second quarter went to spending time in another state. This year, The Muse, DSOA Today, Seeds, and The Marquee trekked to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to attend the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) conferences. Because of the wintery climate, we had to travel from building to building in enclosed “skyways.” For four days we weren’t journalists – we were hamsters. In Minnesota, some staffers saw snow for the first time. The Muse won a Pacemaker, a prestigious national award given to publications. In addition to our third Pacemaker award, 14 students won individual awards for the write-off competitions. In the words of Charlie Sheen we are, “Winning, duh.” We got some new ideas from NSPA. After attending a seminar on satire we decided to incorporate some satire into the Op/Ed section and poke a

little fun at some of the most prominent news events of the year (page 3). Indeed, 2011 went by almost as quickly as the entirety of the second quarter did. Make sure you read about our accomplishments at NSPA and more in the news briefs (page 8). This was also the first time Alexander Dreyfoos addressed students other than fortwo commencement addresses. Several staffers even had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Dreyfoos and talk to him about parts of his life that weren’t covered in the assembly. In his assembly, Mr. Dreyfoos discussed how he would like to recognize the sciences more at our school (page 7). Meanwhile, with the soccer season in full swing, sports staffers investigated the sports facilities such as the athletic field (page 27). In addition to the new perspectives we gained from these stories, another something new is the cover; this is the first time The Muse has had a cartoon illustration as its cover. We hope that 2012 can bring just as many new and exciting things as this year did. g

& P.S. Don’t forget to ‘like’ The Muse on Facebook to see MuseSecrets and much more.

The green

question Illustration by Oscar Carl

by MuseStaff

educe, reuse, recycle. We have been educated about these three steps to becoming more environmentally friendly since elementary school. Along the way, the slogan seems to have lost its influence. Do we really adhere to these steps? Is Dreyfoos really a ‘green’ school? The answer to this question is no, and the reason behind it lies with the school district. According to policy 7.197 of the Palm Beach County School District’s May 2009 Board Report, “Each District department, school, and individual school community member has a responsibility for implementing this policy,” the policy being to reduce waste, reuse materials and recycle in schools throughout the district. The policy described is ineffective because the district relies heavily on school administration participation in this program, not realizing that the resources provided to follow the guidelines are inadequate and that schools have other issues that take priority over becoming a ‘green’ school. The August 2011 issue of Palm Beach County’s “Green Schools Initiative” stated that recycling was made mandatory for all schools and administrative facilities in 2009; however, the term ‘mandatory’ is used loosely in this context, as not all Palm Beach County schools are participating. Monetary rewards are given to schools that recycle, though

Staff Editorial

District environmental policies leave Palm Beach County schools hanging

the county’s recycling company The paper materials, specifically hand no longer services western towels and toilet paper, are bought through communities (Belle Glade and one of the district’s suppliers, Tork USA. Pahokee), leaving schools in this “The district saves money by recycling, region unable to participate in and we also reduce trash going to the landfill,” the program. The district is being district utilities manager Lee Kapp said. neglectful toward these schools Although the district encourages schools within the lower-income area, to recycle their materials, they do not have forcing them to fund their own an efficient system in place to ensure that ‘green’ program. the materials that are purchased are properly For the rest of Palm Beach recycled. Therefore, the “reduce, reuse, County, the district guidelines recycle” theory ends with Dreyfoos and the outline vague requirements paper material ends up in landfills. and goals that schools are Additionally, as an arts school, we use responsible for upholding. Words large amounts of paper and ink. The district and phrases such as ‘should,’ has one approved re-manufactured ink seller, ‘whenever possible’ and ‘to the which we bought from; subsequently, our greatest extent practical’ are clear printers broke. For this reason, Dreyfoos is indications that the district has faced with having to purchase non-recycled provided inadequate guidelines ink cartridges and toners elsewhere, which as for Palm Beach County schools to of Nov. 29 has cost approximately $7,200 this follow. In the May 2009 Board Report, it school year alone. is also mentioned that “all schools and district “I have to collect 10 cents per page facilities shall collect” paper, plastic, glass [printed in our labs],” media center specialist and aluminum for recycling. For the recycling Cookie David said. “The last print cartridges program at Dreyfoos, each classroom is that we have in the labs are $300 each. We equipped with a paper bin, a plastic and just can’t afford it; we are on our last one. We aluminum bin and a garbage bin. Although don’t have money to buy new ones, so when Dreyfoos may they run out it’s over.” have the necessary Out of the 220 public schools materials to recycle, in Palm Beach County, over 50 the District’s have participated in the Green guidelines do not Schools Initiative in the past few provide a clear and years, which Dreyfoos no longer concise framework -media center specialist Cookie Davis participates in. Student participation for school administrations to follow in order in becoming more ‘green’ has been to get students actively involved in the developing, evident by the environmental program. club, Flower Rangers. “When we start to talk about recycling, it “For one of our challenges we actually requires student participation,” said Kristen had to plan out a garden,” visual sophomore Perez, science teacher and manager of Gianna Bishop said. “We don’t want to use recycling. “It has to be a school wide effort. any chemicals. We want it to be a completely The schedule [for recycling in classrooms] organic, sustainable, student garden.” I gave out [to teachers] used third period Even though Dreyfoos is not one of the classes. I didn’t get many responses.” top 10 recycling schools in the district, we For the recycling that is being done, it has have been taking the necessary steps to become the responsibility of teachers. The becoming a ‘green’ school. Our improvements extent to which recycling happens through in performance are due more in part to our this process is largely dependent upon them. self-reliance than to the assistance of the “There is supposed to be a captain in district. By involving the science department each building,” assistant principal Susan and maintaining a clear goal of becoming Smith said. “Each building has a teacher lead more ‘green,’ we will be able to live up to the person who organizes it and make sure all the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. g recycling bins get taken out on a certain day.” Contributors: Adriana Rahrig and Dominique McKenzie

‘We don’t have money to buy new [print cartridges], so when they run out it’s over.’

The Muse December 2011

op/ed

What I really want for Christmas Commentary by HunterTruman

t’s that special time of year again: the holiday spirit sweeps over us, some boy-band or country musician releases a Christmas album, Uncle Bill passes out after a solid afternoon of eggnog and Jim Beam and sweet middle-aged soccer moms undergo a remarkable transformation into department store maniacs, willing to mutilate anyone brash enough to go for the same Transformer or Cabbage Patch Doll that they’re trying to get for 10 percent off. That’s right, Christmas is finally here! (Or Hanukkah, Kwanza, Festivus, Winter Solstice, whatever Scientologists celebrate, etc.) So I’ve been thinking, what do I want for Christmas? What would fill me with holiday cheer? Well, for starters, I wish a new season of “Chappelle’s Show” would come out. Even though it’s been off the air for almost a decade, that program was the high-water mark of American television, a mark that has since experienced a slow and mind-numbing decline into mediocrity (largely brought on by “Fox and Friends,” multiple pregnant teenager shows—and Tyler Perry). Why aren’t there any Sonics in West Palm Beach? Can we make that happen this holiday season? You can’t throw a rock blindfolded anywhere in Palm Beach County without hitting a McDonalds or a Burger King, yet a fast food joint where waitresses on rollerskates bring you burgers and $1 slushies can’t find business in a place where

it’s 85-90 degrees nine months a year. Sonic, it’s time this holiday season that someone you tease, either open more restaurants or puts out a public service announcement with stop airing your appetizing commercials, I feel some valuable career advice for all the young, like a middle school ambitious girls out there—and it scene girl kicked out ought to go something like this: of a “Fall Out Boy “Listen [insert girl’s name], don’t concert.” get dragged into the bottom-rung Though I’m jobs like saving people’s lives, going seldom a proponent to medical school, educating the of commercials public, or leading the Free World. preaching morality, If you really want to be successful I’m starting to in this country, be like Paris Hilton: think maybe ‘tis the don’t go to college, do a boatload season for another of cocaine, go to jail, get out of jail, public service do more coke, go back to jail, get announcement. out of jail again and start a largely But let’s not make successful clothing and cosmetic this about typical line—it’s almost too easy.” seasonal issues like But enough of my petty mistletoe etiquette complaints; the truth is, during this or “putting Christ holiday season, we really have so Illustration by Oscar Carl back in Christmas,” much to be grateful for. and let’s try to avoid the normal, year- round So we’ll wear the tacky reindeer sweaters, concerns like cigarettes, counterweight drugs, hope Lil’ Wayne comes out with a Christmas cigarettes, children abusing drugs, cigarettes, album and pretend eggnog isn’t a weird and childhood obesity, or cigarettes (a lot of unnatural substance that only vast quantities people really hate tobacco). of alcohol and cinnamon can improve. I say we go in a slightly different direction Because amidst a few trivial issues is a sea of and branch out on the societal scale. For reasons to be happy this holiday season. So example, Paris Hilton is worth an estimated put on the Santa hat, light the menorah or do $114 million, while the President of the whatever Kwanza fans do—just have a good United States, a successful brain surgeon, time. g two policemen, one fireman and a teacher combined make about $1 million a year. So

The headline hymn Illustration by Oscar Carl

Sung to the tune of “Let It Snow” Satire by AudreyGreen Contributors: TijieneneGordon and GabiCohen

The Muse December 2011

THE ISSUE

The gift that keeps on giving Point Counterpoint

Multiple toy drives begin on campus during the holidays, but is it fair for teachers to give out extra credit and department service hours to those students who donate?

Commentary by JenniferYoon

Commentary by AubreyLevin

he holiday season is a time for giving and receiving. Around this time many charities, such as toy drives, take place in different areas, including school. In an attempt to collect more donations, teachers give out extra credit or department hours to students who donate. Although many believe that people will naturally donate out of the goodness of their heart, the reality is that people need a reward for their donation. Therefore, rewards such as extra credit actually result in more donations and are a good thing. Without extra credit, there would be fewer donations. The less fortunate children whom the toy drives help out would not have as great of a holiday experience. It is better to have two happy faces than none at all. “I think it’s good that teachers offer rewards because it gets more people to donate,” communications senior Donald Meyers said. “A charity’s purpose is to do something charitable. As long as it gets that done, it doesn’t really matter if the people’s intentions weren’t in the right place.” The extra credit given to a student for donating a toy also has an educational aspect. Some teachers require students to submit a written assignment along with the donation to receive the extra credit. “The extra credit I give [for participating in the toy drive] is for an analysis of each toy donated based upon what is being studied in class,” social studies teacher Melissa Gifford said. Rewards bring in more donations for the toy drives. Students not only have the opportunity to boost their grade, but also get the satisfaction of helping out a cause. That means more happy faces during the holidays for both the students donating and toys for the less fortunate children. Giving out extra credit creates only positive outcomes. g

Student Shortlist

“No, it is not fair because some students don’t have enough money to contribute [to the toy drives]. They should be rewarded with words, not extra credit.”

by AubreyLevin and JenniferYoon

Student opinions on the fairness of extra credit for participating in toy drives. Photos by Dana Miller

op/ed

t’s the most wonderful time of the year—a time for baking cookies, decorating the house, listening to holiday music and… giving gifts for extra credit? This holiday season, there are many toy drives going on around school that are collecting toys which will be donated to various organizations in Palm Beach County. As an incentive to donate, some teachers are offering extra credit or department service hours to students who participate. “It is not right [to receive extra credit for donating] because [students] should be donating because they want to, not because they have to raise their grade,” dance sophomore Samantha Maclean said. Teachers who give rewards to students for donating a toy promote the idea that the act of giving is less important than receiving. It is not right for teachers Illustration by Oscar Carl to give out extra credit and required department service hours because it has nothing to do with academics or a teacher’s curriculum. “[I don’t give extra credit to students] because it doesn’t relate academically and it is also unfair to students who do not have the money [to contribute to the toy drives],” English teacher Theresa Beermann said. Have we become so greedy that we need to be bribed with an incentive to do things that should be done out of the goodness of our hearts? We are fortunate enough to live the way we do. Donating a toy is a way to give back to your community and to make the holiday season for an underprivileged child that much more special. g

“I think it’s all right because you are helping out a cause and with it also being extra credit, it’ll give you that extra push to actually do it. A lot of people hear about something and just shrug it off, while with it now being extra credit, you’ll want to do it some more.”

“No, it is not fair because it has nothing to do with school or the academic curriculum. Students should want to donate out of the goodness of their heart.”

VirGinia Mims

Ian Lao

Kara Bell

VocAL FReshman

Keyboard SOPHOMORE

communications Junior The Muse December 2011

Dermatology Associates, P.A. Joshua M. Berlin, M.D. Brett S. Dock. M.D. Mark R. Gardner, M.D. J. John Goodman, M.D. Howard A. Green, M.D.

Richard A. Krathen, M.D. Cristina Lampuri, M.D. Harvey J. Penziner, M.D. Robert A. Sarro, M.D. Brent Schillinger, M.D. John M. Strasswimmer, M.D.

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The Muse December 2011

of the Palm Beaches

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

with

NEWS

Mr. Dreyfoos interview conducted by RachelAnderson, DanielMilstein and AlexRehberg

hough we go to Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, most of us don’t really know much about Mr. Dreyfoos himself. After his presentation to students and $150,000 donation on Dec. 1, The Muse got to sit down with Mr. Dreyfoos for an exclusive interview. We had the opportunity to ask him about anything from his custom-designed yacht to his view on life. Photos by Alexandra Lopez

We’re so excited to have this opportunity to speak with you. Like you mentioned in your speech, many students wonder “Who is Mr. Dreyfoos?” and some may have even thought you were dead. What made you come back now to address the school and tell a little about yourself? Why now?

I think it was Dr. Atherley who really asked me if I would, but I’ve never had an objection to it. I’ve been a commencement speaker two times over the years, but I think the reason now that it’s more of a surprise is for the last three years, Renate, my wife, and I have been using our boat, almost circulating the world, and so we weren’t really very visible. … So that I think led to “he’s disappeared, maybe he died.”

What would you like to see your recent $150,000 donation go towards specifically?

Enhancing the science capability. That’s really what Dr. Atherley was

interested in… You heard my plea that I would love to see the school thought of in a more broad fashion. … I do think it’s wrong to have to make people decide by ninth grade what they want their specialty to be.

If you could pick one thing that you hope students take away from their experience at Dreyfoos, what would it be?

The need to fall in love with something. Don’t pick a career [because] “my dad says I ought to become a lawyer because I can make a lot of money as a lawyer.” If law isn’t your passion, maybe you’ll make a lot of money, but you won’t enjoy doing it. … Live with less and enjoy what you’re doing [instead of ] spending 2,000 hours a year feeling that you’re in a grind.

How do you suggest students find their passion?

“Fall in love with something. Live with less and enjoy what you’re doing [instead of] spending 2,000 hours a year feeling that you’re in a grind.” -Alexander W. Dreyfoos

Well one thing is to explore a lot of different things. … I suppose you have to have a certain curiosity and look at the world from the point of view of “how do I do things better.”

you tell us about that?

(Laughter) Well, there were chemistry sets in those days, and you could do things… We had a basement, and [my dad] actually helped me build a 2-by-4 structure… and [we would] just mess around and do experiments. … That was great...

On a lighter note, how does it feel to hear everyone walking around saying, “I go to Dreyfoos?” Is that weird?

Renate almost always presents her credit card to a cashier and gets asked the question if she is related to Dreyfoos. We get a lot of that, and it’s terrific.

One more thing. We heard that you can’t get seasick on your boat?

Renate is a great example… The reason I built the boat was that she would even get seasick on a trolley car where she grew up in Germany. She’s very sensitive to it, and she’s never been seasick on the boat. … There’s a lot of interest in chartering the boat…so we’re going to charter the boat. We may be around a little bit more. g

You said you almost blew up your house when you were 16. Could

For more questions and in-depth answers about Mr. Dreyfoos, log onto themuseatdreyfoos.com. The Muse December 2011

news

the

S F E I BR te-size,

of bi ories n o i t c e l a col teworthy st no

Students shine above the rest by FrancescaOtero-Vargas

n November, Dreyfoos students and hundreds of other students from their respective publications and schools competed for awards and recognition at The National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA). The Muse entered and won the Pacemaker in Newspaper journalism. Visual senior Oscar Carl won two third place awards for his graphics in The Muse: Cartoonist of the Year and Illustration of the Year. Communications seniors Samantha Bilton and Alec Zisson also won the honorable mention award for story of the year, in The Muse. The National Pacemaker Awards are awards for excellence in American student journalism. DSOA Today also entered and won a Pacemaker in its respective field of Broadcast Journalism. DSOA Today also received 9th in the Best of Show award. Not only did The Muse and DSOA Today get recognition, but Seeds did as well. Seeds entered in the Best of Show competition and placed 10th among the top Literary Arts publication in the U.S. In December, Dreyfoos students continued to prove their excellence. Band junior Chris Wan was selected by the Florida Education Foundation Sunshine State Scholar Program as the Palm Beach County School District’s 2012 winner. Sunshine State Scholars recognizes Florida’s top 11th grade students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), recruits them to stay in Florida for their postsecondary education, and introduces them to the vast array of STEM career opportunities available in their home state. Wan competed against every other student in Palm Beach County for this honor. Another student achievement was made by band freshman Robin Tozzie who placed 2nd in the Palm Beach County Science and Engineering Fair in the Bridge Building Competition. Other competitors were Jacqueline Chen, Robin Tozzie and Rebecca Tozzie. Over 100 students competed, and Robin Tozzie will advance to the International competition this spring in Pittsburgh, PA. g

The Muse December 2011

Mr. Dreyfoos donates $150,000 to tech; urges school to change name to include ‘sciences’ by DanielMilstein, FrancescaOtero-Vargas and AdrianaRahrig

ith a $150,000 donation to update the school’s technology, a push to add “sciences” to the school’s name and a challenge to students to pursue what they love to do, the man behind the name— Alexander W. Dreyfoos himself—addressed students in Meyer Hall on Dec. 1. In his speech, during which he received three standing ovations, Mr. Dreyfoos talked about the importance of the arts and the sciences and discussed how they are related, suggesting the school be renamed to “Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Sciences.”

“I would like to see this school aim at attracting young people who show ability in either of those fields,” Mr. Dreyfoos said. “I believe this school can become the best of both worlds.” Mr. Dreyfoos’ $150,000 donation will be used to purchase and mount new projectors in every classroom. A lifelong philanthropist, Mr. Dreyfoos’ passions include photography and classical music, and he enjoys flying planes and traveling, especially on his yacht. Technology played an active role throughout his life, and to him, it is a way to benefit and link the arts and sciences together. g

Pathfinder nominees announced

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

(From left to right) Marielle Hulsker (Reach for Excellence), Colleen Hargaden (Art), Pamela Mora (Forensics), Nichole Montanero (History/Political Science), Jillian Adams (Literature), Erick Fields (Technical/Vocational), Tara Aboumahboub (Sports), Alexandra Welsh (Business), Daniel Milstein (Community Involvement), Sarah Baldinger (Academic Excellence), Madeleine Kaye (Foreign Language) Not pictured: Donald Meyers (Mathematics), Meagan Lewis (Drama), Rachel Anderson (Communications), Alyze Rabideau (Music/ Instrumental), Zachariah Moustafa (Science), Madison Mills (Music/Vocal).

Author James Patterson speaks to writers by FrancescaOtero-Vargas

n Dec. 1, the Media Center looked like a press conference. Ninety creative writing and journalism students packed into the library along with employees from different local TV news stations and The Palm Beach Post to listen to one of the best-selling authors Photo by Alexandra Lopez of all time, James Author James Patterson gave advice to aspiring writers. Patterson began his speech with humor, Patterson. introducing himself as Stephen King, he then shared anecdotes about his time advertising and as a “I woke up this writer. morning with tears “I think that it’s a shame that art of joy because I had a dream about me education isn’t dealt with in every school in talking to [Mr. Patterson] about his novels the county or in the country,” Mr. Patterson and characters,” communications junior said. “One of the things I love about this Brooke Walling said. school [Dreyfoos] is the notion of getting Mr. Patterson spoke about what it takes a solid and strong academic core and then to become a published and well known the other courses you are taking are things author, as well as the importance of an arts that you are really passionate about.” g education.

NEWS

Laughter is the best form of education Students become informed of world news through humorous commentary by TessSaperstein

n a society full of constant distractions on the internet and television, it is often difficult to capture young peoples’ attention. The media has been able to convey the news to young people by providing entertaining methods of news reporting such as “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report.” While these shows have Photos by Reuters.com been frequently denounced as inaccurate and Television programs such as (from left) “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “Saturday Night Live,” and The Colbert Report inform viewers biased, more proof has turned up that regular by adding their own satirical humor to news events and are conducted just like an actual news channel, desk and all. They typically present a news topic then go on to point out something they find ridiculous about that topic. viewers of these shows are more educated effective in conveying current information Mr. Gallo said. than audiences of other media outlets. on politics while entertaining the viewer. On According to the study, the news outlets According to a study by the Pew his show, Stephen Colbert frequently mocks with the most informed audiences were Research Center, regular audiences of “The opinionated news pundits by taking on the The New Yorker and The Atlantic, but those Colbert Report” and “The Daily Show” were persona himself. He reports the news and political magazines rarely appeal to students. significantly more informed than audiences often makes fun of his favorite conservative The first step toward informing students of MSNBC, C-SPAN and Fox News and about news is attracting them with the readers of a daily newspaper. The study asked news show, Fox News. “Colbert doesn’t spin the news, he just entertaining and comedic approach taken in audiences of each news outlet three questions satirizes the truth,” Carman said. “Fox uses “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.” that tested their political knowledge. Each the news as propaganda and deliberately “They have really good ideas,” Mr. Gallo outlet was then ranked based on how misinforms its audience.” said. “I love them. I think both shows are accurately each audience answered. Out of A report by the International Journal of hilarious.” 40 news outlets, “The Colbert Report” had Press/Politics criticized Colbert, saying he was Mr. Gallo believes that there needs to be the ninth most informed audience and “The too biased to provide accurate information a middle ground between blandly reporting Daily Show” had the twelfth most informed to the public. They claim his deadpan satire the news and just making jokes. In order to audience. confuses his less informed audience. Social properly inform the public, satirical news Communications sophomore Jarrod studies teacher Richard Gallo agrees with shows need to switch the focus to reporting Carman gets his news from conservative, this. He believes that although the shows are facts and then make it entertaining. liberal, satirical and serious news outlets. entertaining, they are not serious enough to “[The shows are] great for the awareness “My main news sources are Stephen be a main news source. factor,” Mr. Gallo said. “[But] I’d like [them] to Colbert [and] Fox News,” Carman said. “I “[Viewers] tend to enjoy it for the take 5 minutes to say ‘all joking aside, here are love the guy that plays Bill O’Reilly.” the issues at hand.’” g These satirical news shows have been very theatrics, [but] everything becomes a joke. You laugh at things you shouldn’t laugh at,”

The Muse December 2011

news

Grandparents go behind the scenes by TessSaperstein

n Nov. 9, grandparents from across the county came to Dreyfoos to explore the campus and their grandchild’s art area. This was the second time the school has hosted its annual Grandparents’ Day, an event started two years ago by the School of the Arts Foundation to get grandparents more involved and knowledgeable about what their grandchildren do at Dreyfoos. The event began at 8:30 a.m. in the gymnasium, where the grandparents had

breakfast and listened to live music played by band students. After breakfast, the grandparents split up into tour groups based on their grandchild’s major. “We had a wonderful tour of the school,” said Jack Milstein, grandfather of communications senior Daniel Milstein. “We were amazed at all of the technology; we love the editorial aspect of The Muse and the TV [production] room.” When the tour concluded, the grandparents gathered in Meyer Hall to watch an orchestra performance. g

More Briefs: A look at volunteering around campus

Photo by Dana Miller

From left: Dr. Atherley serves turkey to teachers in the media center; communications senior Javy Mora, theatre junior Stoan Maslev and communications senior Kara Marsh hand books out to students from Pioneer Park Elemetary School. Photo by Aubrey Levin

Photo by Dana Miller

The Muse December 2011

NEWS

George Miller supervises like a boss LIVES

Mr. Miller trades casino monitoring for hall monitoring

by SamanthaBilton and DanaMiller

he sounds of casino slots ringing and cards shuffling through the dealer’s fingertips are the normal noises at a casino. A 20-year-old woman screaming “someone just grabbed my wig” is not. “That’s when her gambling partner reaches out and tries to grab thousands of dollars in chips from the dealer,” Assistant Principal George Miller said. “Everyone was distracted by the lady. I grabbed his arm and the security guard came and took him away.” This is one of the many memorable experiences Mr. Miller recalls of his time working as a casino supervisor. Mr. Miller was the casino supervisor at the Sands Casino in Atlantic City from 1982 to 1985. His job was to monitor four gambling tables to make sure that no one was stealing money. “It was my job to protect the chips,” Mr. Miller said. “I supervised the dealers and took care of the players. I would give the players comps if they played long enough.” He also monitored card counting, hedge bets on craps and cheating in the roulette wheel. “I would stand behind the tables watching over the dealer’s shoulders. I would always see fights between boyfriends and girlfriends

or husbands and wives saying that they could earn the money the other one lost by betting more.” Mr. Miller met celebrities such as Wayne Gretzky, Donna Summers and Raquel Welch. “It was just a job like any other. Yeah, I met celebrities but in the end I was working,” Mr. Miller said. “One summer in college I worked as a night club bouncer and I got to Photo by Mikeshia Lewin be the bodyguard for Cher. Mr. Miller works at the computer in his Building 1 office. From his time as an Atlantic City casino The only time Cher spoke supervisor in the 1980s, he “learned to tolerate people and situations.” to me was to say, ‘thank “At the casino, you will always lose. Casinos you’ at the end of night.” do not look the way they look because people When the Philadelphia 76ers came to the win.” casino, he was able to play basketball with The casino days ended for Mr. Miller in his Will Chamberlin at the Atlantic City Jewish twenties and he hasn’t been back to one in 25 Community Center. His most memorable years. In 1985 he started working at Suncoast experience, however, was when he counted High School. out $500,000 in $100 bills. “Mr. West is the only person I gamble with “I’ve seen people completely empty out now,” Mr. Miller said. “I got the Eagles and he their bank accounts in one night. One time has the Steelers and who ever loses owes the I watched a man take the last $100 from his other a 12 pack of Pepsi.” g girlfriend and he lost it all,” Mr. Miller said.

Close but far-reaching.

All you want in a college is closer than you think. At Palm Beach Atlantic University, you’ll begin to work on your career goals from the very first semester. Outstanding Christian faculty will steer you toward internships and practical learning experiences as well as lessons for life. Visit and see how far you can go.

West Palm Beach, FL b 888 GO TO PBA (468-6722) or 561 803-2000

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The Muse December 2011

A Cat’s Tale

Features

Owner of Rocco’s Tacos rescues teacher’s pet

cat is right in front of me,’” Mr. Mangel said. occo Mangel, owner of Rocco’s Tacos, Tango had a twin sister that had been saved one of Tango’s nine lives. adopted by Ms. Stout’s daughter, visual About 10 months ago, social studies junior Coral Condy. For Condy’s birthday, teacher Sara Stout’s cat, Tango, got out of the Ms. Stout and her mother took her to the house and went missing. shelter to pick out a cat. At once, Condy fell “We put posters up and looked all over. I in love with Tango and her sister. Rather thought someone had kitty-napped my cat,” than break them up, Condy adopted one Ms. Stout said. sister and her grandmother adopted the On Nov. 29, Mr. Mangel was driving home other. Eventually Condy ended up keeping after a trip to Orlando when he noticed both cats. Condy’s grandmother had a hard something in the road in front of St. Juliana time believing Mr. Mangel because it had Catholic Church on Dixie Highway in West been so long since they’d last seen Tango. Palm Beach. “After going back and forth, she [finally] “I saw a head. You know how you see eyes gave me Ms. Stout’s number,” Mr. Mangel in headlights; the cat was looking at me,” Mr. said. Mangel said. “I took my car and blocked two At the end of the school day on Nov. 30, lanes of traffic. I got out of my car, picked up Ms. Stout checked her messages and heard the cat and saw it was alive.” that Mr. Mangel had found her cat. With It was Tango. Mr. Mangel took the cat to Condy nearby as she called him back, she the animal hospital on Congress Ave. at 6 was wary of what he would say incase he o’clock at night and stayed until 10 o’clock revealed bad news. As Mr. Mangel told her waiting for her diagnosis, a broken pelvis. the story, she was speechless. During his wait, he “At first I didn’t contemplated keeping believe him,” Condy the cat. said. “Me and my mom “I would have kept were both skeptical the cat and I’m even and [wondering], ‘who allergic to [them]. There is this guy’? He kept was something special [making sure] we wanted about this cat,” Mr. the cat.” -social studies teacher Sara Stout Mangel said. “I named Mr. Mangel offered her Juliana because I found her in front of the to pick them up and take them to the animal church.” hospital to see the cat. He wanted to make The next day the veterinarian called to let sure ‘Juliana’ would be returning to a loving him know that the cat had a microchip but family that was able to care for her. they weren’t able to get the scanning tool until “I was surprised it was actually her. I was the following day. After the chip was scanned, expecting for her to look all mangled, but she it wasn’t registered to anyone. After calling looked okay,” Condy said. “He’s a really nice multiple numbers, Mangel found where guy and I’m glad he found the cat and not the chip originally came from, the Humane someone else.” Society on Belvedere Road. Ms. Stout and her family set up a “The cat was adopted in 2009 by Ms. makeshift hospital room for Tango in the Stout’s mom, so I called her first and [told bathtub. her] I had her cat. She said ‘no you don’t, my “We take shifts in the family to feed her and give her medicine,” Ms. Stout said. Tango is now able to walk and even sneaks out of the bathroom sometimes. Mr. Mangel paid the $1600 bill to the animal hospital for the cat as well. He posted the story on his Facebook page and fundraised a few hundred dollars to subsidize the bill. He even attracted the attention of another teacher whose school helped Photo courtesy of CarmaPR raise $150 for Tango. Rocco Mangel, the owner of Rocco’s Tacos, blocked two lanes of traffic on Dixie Highway to “I told [Ms. Stout] I didn’t save Tango after she was hit by a car. by KloeeCiuperger

‘[Mr. Mangel] renewed my faith in human kindness. It’s an amazing story and he is an amazing guy. My goal is to pay it forward and pass it on’

Photo courtesy of Sara Stout

Social studies teacher Sara Stout and her family take shifts caring for Tango. Tango suffers from a broken pelvis after being hit by a car.

care about [getting] the money for the cat back,” Mr. Mangel said. “If the cat needs anything I told her I’d help raise money through my restaurant.” Ms. Stout thinks this story came right in time for the holidays. The two believe that through this story they saved Tango, inspired many and made a new friend in each other. “[Mr. Mangel] renewed my faith in human kindness,” Ms. Stout said. “It’s an amazing story and he is an amazing guy. My goal is to pay it forward and pass it on.” On Dec. 15, Mr. Mangel came in to talk to Ms. Stout’s economics class about the value of a dollar. When he moved from New York with only $200, he started as a bus boy in the restaurant he now owns. His background in part is what makes him so charitable. When it comes to Tango, she’s not just another cat that went missing and has been found. She has brought together two people who may have never crossed paths and through a good deed, a community has pitched in to help one another, all because one man believed in “paying it forward.” “Everyone that I talk to say people have been inspired [by this story]. I think it has made an impression,” Mr. Mangel said. “If anything, at least now Ms. Stout and I are friends.” g The The Muse Muse December October 2011 2011

1713

Features

he Mayans predicted that on Jan. 1, 2012 the world will start to slowly destroy itself and by Dec. 21 the world will come to an end. Movies and the media have pushed their own views about the disaster. Discussions about this theory have erupted into countless websites and even books displaying the phenomenon. Is this the last holiday season for humanity? Many students and teachers believe otherwise. “We’ve had hundreds of end of the world theories and none of them have happened yet. I believe this is just another one,” social studies teacher Richard Gallo said. “The movie [“2012”] was terrible; it didn’t have anything to do with the Mayan theory. I think most people took an end of the world story and blew it out of proportion.”

Winter Shortlist compiled by KyleBell

“I’m going to Utah. My whole family is there. I’ll be skiing, relaxing and visiting.”

Photos by Alex Lopez

Opinions on what they are looking forward to this holiday season

The Muse December 2011

son

c Zis

EDITION by CamilleSanches

hic b y Ale

HOLIDAY

Grap

THE END OF THE WORLD

If this is the last winter break the world will get to enjoy, the best advice would be to spend time around the Christmas tree or light the menorah with families. Students have decided to make the most of their time. “I really want to go to Cape Cod for the holidays so I can see snow and experience winter where it’s actually cold,” theatre sophomore Alexandra Lowery said. “I just want to spend times with my friends and family while I can.” Beside Hollywood’s and society’s perspective on the end of the world, there is an actual theory composed by the Mayans hundreds of years ago that make the new phenomenon seem somewhat reliable. “Their concept of life has to do with cycles like the calendar and the wheel,” Mr. Gallo said. “They believe in the long count, to them the world has been through many different cycles so this would just be an end to another cycle. It’s our misinterpretation of their religion that’s making everything ridiculous about it.” Regardless if the world is going to end like the Mayans predicted, there are still many things that students and teachers can do to enjoy make the most of the time they have together and some even want to try to make a difference in the world. “I want to start raising money so that I can get goats, alpacas and sheep for kids in Africa and Asia,” visual sophomore Chloe Kimball said. “I feel like if the world really was going to end, students need to try to make a difference while they can.” g

“I’m going to relax, maybe go to Tallahassee and try the lobster. It’s been a really great first semester and I’m looking forward to relaxing.”

Charlie Krumholz

George Miller

Visual SOphomoRe

Assistant Principal

The Holidays are a-changin’ commentary by TimothyDiTocco

mong all the advisements and children television show, there is little place for holiday cheer anymore. Once businesses found out they could make a profit on American culture, no holiday tradition was left unaffected. Even Party City advertises it can “give you more of the holidays for less.” “Holidays have become much more commercialized,” vocal sophomore Pierce Connell said. “Unfortunately, religious holidays like Christmas, Easter and even Hanukkah have been affected the most.” The winter season has been categorized by one man. The current vision and image of Santa Claus has been preserved and reinforced through song, radio, television, children’s books and films. “I feel like society is covering up the real reason for the season,” band junior Jake Fraud said. “People celebrate the holidays without really celebrating it at all and it is students most of all who are affected by the distorted meaning of Christmas.” Oil which was used as an eternal flame for the eight days of Hanukkah has repurposed into cooking oil that is used to mass produce latkes to sell in the freezer aisle. And the market for Jewish ordainments and food is so small that the companies that are in on it create what is known as the ‘Manishewitz Matzo Monopoly.’ With all this commercialism in holidays, generally speaking, why do people have a reason to celebrate them? “I celebrate the holidays mainly because of my religion,” visual sophomore Luis Zepeda said. “It also acts as a strong family tradition, but has recently been losing its real purpose.” Christmas trees, Santa costumes and fake snow give a false sense of the traditions behind the winter holiday season. People need to ask themselves where their true holiday spirit is. Is it in Santa, gifts, food, stories, family, or something more? g

Features

‘Tis the season to be a

religious minority Christmas as an American holiday, for the sake of embracing the consumerist very but oh-so-fun traditions. My year in family doesn’t. So technically, elementary those Merry Christmases school, were rightfully withheld, but I everyone Photo by Aubrey Levin wouldn’t have minded them. suddenly cared that I was It’s not that I’m offended Jewish the week before by giant wreaths and Santa Christm—I mean, winter Clauses dominating store break. (Isn’t it funny how the displays. I don’t scoff and break always manages to cover complain when the Hannukah Christmas but usually misses section consists of a few about half of Hannukah? menorahs Not like it and some ‘Isn’t it funny how the break matters—we gelt. The always manages to cover don’t need is, Christmas but usually misses fact a day off to there’s not light candles about half of Hannukah? Not much more at sundown.) like it matters—we don’t to put In music need a day off to light candles on those class, I had shelves. at sundown.)’ the privilege Hannukah of explaining the game of isn’t that big a deal. It’s a minor dreidel and what the Hebrew festival in the Jewish religion. letters on the sides stood for Sure, it’s fun and it happens to so we could sing countless coincide with the Christmas variations of the dreidel song. season, but my parents’ I had personally never made a generation didn’t even open dreidel out of clay, so I could presents as part of the holiday. never qualify the accuracy of Wouldn’t it be fun if that was the lyrics. still how it worked? “Happy Every year I corrected Hannukah, kids! The candles the teacher’s enthusiastic are lit. Here’s a boring top game mistranslation of “Hannukah” and some cheap chocolate. as “festival of lights” (it’s Suzy got an X-box? Well, Suzy’s actually “dedication”). Every a goy and she’s spoiled rotten.” year I recounted the tale of the That isn’t how it works, Maccabees and the rebuilding though. Most American kids of the temple and the miracle celebrate the holidays with of so little oil lasting for eight presents presents dear god nights. And every year, I more presents and little regard wondered how my classmates for the religious significance and teachers managed to forget behind what they’re doing. everything and require me to Santa is a more popular explain it again. After all, no lawn ornament than Judah one ever bothered to explain Maccabee simply because there Christmas to me. I’m still not are more Christian or secular sure what makes this Jesus families than there are Jewish guy so important. ones—“Merry Christmas” is I suppose my classmates said more often for the same were sensitive to this biblical reason. Whether your family illiteracy—no one ever dared lights a tree or a menorah, utter “Merry Christmas” to what it comes down to is your me. It was “Happy Hannukah,” gift haul. We need not be so a jokingly phlegmy “Chappy offended when a department Channukah” or a slew of store skips over our symbols so apologies should the name of long as they sell us eight nice the forbidden Dec. 25 holiday presents for our kids to tear slip. open. And don’t get me started Plenty of Jews celebrate on Kwanza. g Commentary by JillianAdams

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Communications senior Donald Meyers, communications junior Jenny Mazzarino and students from Pioneer Park Elementary School participate in a conga line through the media center on Dec. 8.

TOYs ’R’ Dreyf’us’ by KellyBerger

tudents embraced the spirit of giving back this holiday season as several clubs and organizations coordinated toy drives for local families in need. The Quill and Scroll Honor Society gathered and donated toys to Grace Ministries. Artists Reaching Out to Students and Seniors (A.R.T.S) Club and the National Honor Society also held a drive and passed the donations out to children from K.E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary School, Pioneer Park Elementary School and Pahokee Elementary School on Dec. 8. “This has been the best day ever because Santa brought me a toy in a bag,” said 4-yearold Hector Ruiz, a student from Pioneer Park Elementary School. “I’m so excited and happy to be here.” Social studies teacher Danielle Edwards and her AP Psychology students joined with Key Club to collect toys for Kool 105.5’s Dueling Toy Drive going towards Children’s Medical Services. “The AP Psychology students bring in toys that match up with John Piaget’s four stages of childhood cognitive development,” Ms. Edwards said. CMS provides

financial assistance to families who have a child in long-term medical care. “I love that it reinforces something that we’ve already talked about in class, so students get to continue their learning through a service project that really does help other people.” With all the drives going on, students looking to donate were faced with multiple options. “I love that our school is holding toy drives; however, I really do think there are too many,” said dance senior Adriana O’Neil, who is also the president of Key Club and a member of NHS. “It would be nice if they could all collect the toys and maybe split them amongst the different organizations that they go to. It seems like it would be easier to have just one big one.” The efforts of these clubs and organizations have succeeded in improving the holidays for families across South Florida. Last year, Ms. Edwards and her students donated over 500 toys. “I don’t think you can have too many charitable opportunities,” Ms. Edwards said. “The more we can get out there to help more kids in need, the better.” g

The Muse December 2011

Features

One fish, two fish, dead fish, new fish Commentary by MackSchroeder

here are three decomposed fish in my backyard. I have no idea who the current owner of the dog and bunny I used to have is. I’ve flushed numerous goldfish down the toilet merely days after I took them in and I’m pretty sure my two hermit crabs died from sole neglect. To say that I’ve been a terrible pet owner would not be an overstatement, but how much could you expect from a boy who was still too young to tie his own shoes? I was 6 years old when I was introduced to the world of pet ownership. After begging my mom to let me buy three fish from Petland, our kitchen became a home for aquatic life. Every day, I made it my duty to feed these fish, watch over their bowls and be the greatest fish keeper I could be. A few months later, we rescued our cat, Goldy, from the animal shelter. Unlike most of our other pets, Goldy is still living with us today and has been one cool cat for the past 11 years. He has a gentle soul, but after noticing his aquatic housemates, he made it clear that there was room for only one creature on his turf. After surviving several attempted murders, our fish needed to find a place of refuge from Goldy. One winter morning, my mom thought it would be a good idea to place the fish outside

Graphics by Nicole Hamilton

The Muse December 2011

on the patio to keep them safe from our feline. The next day, I went to check on the fish and noticed they were not moving. These lovable fish were now lifeless blocks of ice that were square enough to be placed in a glass of tea. I picked up these tiny frozen cubes and buried them in the backyard. After mourning the loss of our fish for about an hour, we figured we could try our luck at fostering two hermit crabs. Every so often I would visit these crustaceans in the living room to see what they were up to, but all I got were a few dirty looks from the critters. They would just sit alone in their shells like social outcasts and snap at my fingers when I tried to pick them up. Maybe if they were more considerate, I would have noticed them instead of forgetting they existed and leaving them to perish. About two years later, we figured adding a a second mammal to our family circle would

be a good idea. Within weeks of bringing her home, our adorable little bunny rabbit, Hollywood, turned into an evil fur ball that sought to murder my entire family. To take her out of her cage, I had to wear one of those owl keeper gloves to prevent her from ripping my hand to shreds. It didn’t take long for us to give her away. Between adopting all of these tiny disasters, I would occasionally win a live goldfish at a carnival or even take one home as part of a goodie bag from a birthday party. It only took a day for these hopeless Illustration by Oscar Carl creatures to go from the fish bowl to the toilet. Despite all of these mishaps, it can’t be denied that I now have a wonderful cat and dog, Lilly, that I promise to love and take care of for the rest of their lives. So maybe I’m wanted for multiple accounts of animal abuse, but at least none of it was intentional. As for all of you whiny animal rights activists who are going to report me after reading this, just hit me up for some free pet sitting. I’m sure I can make it up to you. g

Features

All about the

green

For the 2009-2010 school year, the district identified a $1.2 million loss from leaving on 33,000 lights, 4,100 computers, 360 portable classrooms and air conditioning overnight

if schools enroll in the district’s Green School Recognition program, they can 1.2 million. That’s how much the receive 15 percent of the savings. school district could have saved “Let’s say we expect to spend $45 during the 2009-2010 school million. If you spend $44 million, you year by turning off all the school have $1 million left you didn’t spend lights, computers, copiers, [that] you’re not giving to the utilities refrigerators, printers and other company,” Mr. Kapp said. “The district electric devices during the can do whatever they want with that; night, according to Palm Beach I don’t control the money. My job is to County School District Utilities save money in the district.” Manager Lee Kapp. The man behind these numbers is “The first year we Resource Conservation Coordinator [measured] this we Kevin Chapman. Every other week, Mr. identified just over Chapman is nocturnal: He visits schools $1 million in potential from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. to savings,” Mr. Kapp count all of the district’s said. “[The electric devices left on district’s resource overnight. conservation Mr. Chapman’s specialists] found job was created 2-1/2 33,000 lights, years ago as part of a 4,100 computers, million wasted districtwide in the 2009-2010 district initiative to cut and 360 portables school year from leaving energy costs. kept on with the on electric devices “Sometimes I have air conditioning.” overnight to sleep a couple of hours Of the $1.2 million, in the morning and in the Dreyfoos accounted for afternoon,” Mr. Chapman said. “I $7,880 with 70 inside lights, go to schools every night and take notes 217 hard drives, 206 monitors, of all of the electric devices that are left 12 copiers and 65 printers left on. […] It’s not scary at all. We notify the on, according to Mr. Kapp. The school police that we are there.” school has since reduced its From the numbers Mr. Chapman energy waste to $4,732 by turning records, he calculates how much each off electric devices. school wastes from nighttime and Larger high schools share weekend energy use. similar success in reducing “We’ve dropped over $300,000– their energy costs: Jupiter High probably much more than that by now– School saw savings of $15,000 and on what we’ve actually saved by going Discovery Key Elementary School and meeting with the principals and saved $7,000. The money saved by the staff, making corrections with the reducing energy waste can help the schools,” Mr. Chapman said. district fund other programs, and

by RachelAnderson and CamilleSanches

$1.2

Continued on page 18

The The Muse Muse December October 2011 2011

Cover Story

the district,

dreyfoos

and the

environment

Despite student and teacher support, the school loses money and green school status because of energy waste and apathy

Continued from page 17

The exact cost of district-wide energy waste is still being calculated, though it is estimated that it will be $300,000 less than the $1.2 million from 2009-2010. “We’ve been in the portables at nighttime where they were running at 68 degrees, and we figure that costs about a thousand dollars a year to run those portables,” Mr. Chapman said “We had maintenance come out and put in and program a couple of thermostats.” During the weeks when Mr. Chapman does not visit schools, he analyzes his data in the office and meets with school principals and faculty, who he said are receptive to his ideas. “A lot of Dreyfoos’ computers didn’t have the software that automatically turns them off, so then about $1,000 was wasted,” Mr. Chapman said. “Everybody is going green now. The staff seems to be eager to shut off the lights when we show them the dollar figure.” Dreyfoos can continue to cut energy costs and save money. The school’s electric bill for the 2010-2011 fiscal year was $335,000. Based on the 2011 cost savings report, turning off computer monitors alone could save $1,728. At the district level, with its 4,100 monitors left on, this number climbs to over $50,000.

Meet Izzy Visual sophomore Isabella Pezzulo showers for five minutes or less–she has a timer–and she sometimes shuts off the water while she “suds up.” When she washes dishes, she fills the sink with water

30% Do you carpool NO

or use public transportation?

70% YES The Muse December 2011

first and uses only the water in the basin. programs. What if we used all recycled Pezzulo always carries her portable utensil paper? Nobody would ever know the set to avoid plastic utensils, and when she difference, but it’s up to students and goes out for dinner, she brings her it’s up to teachers to understand [the] own Tupperware so she doesn’t impact.” have to use Styrofoam Pezzulo likes to give others a takeout boxes for leftovers. challenge of her own: go a day Pezzulo “repurposes” without throwing anything most of her clothes, away, something she tries to buying second-hand do as much as possible. percent of students threads from thrift stores. “You can’t use any said they had never If she needs something single-use items, so imagine seen the Shoes for a Cure donation box in new, like athletic-ware or those little cafeteria sporks Student Services underwear, she buys organic you get–you can’t use one of cotton or other natural fibers. those,” Pezzulo said. “[Or] maybe “You put on your clothes in you have your bread at home–that’s the morning and you have no idea–you wrapped in plastic. It’s kind of difficult to don’t ask yourself where does this come go waste-free, but I think people should from–but the truth is, it’s a plant,” Pezzulo take it step-by-step because the ultimate said. “People don’t realize that because goal is to become zero-waste eventually.” cotton isn’t a food product, they have no Despite Pezzulo and the Flower Ranger’s regulations on how much pesticides they efforts to “greenify” the campus, only 56 can spray on it, and not only does that percent of 382 students surveyed by The harm people who are wearing the garment Muse consider Dreyfoos a green school. over a long period of time, but you can only imagine how many workers are out there who are just being doused with chemicals.” Pezzulo attended the Green University Administration may encourage conservation summit in San Francisco recycling at school, but there is no official where she gave a 10-minute presentation recycling policy, so the recycling program as one of 12 finalists in Project Green Challenge, a 30-day nationwide competition is implemented by students, teachers and custodians. for high school and college students. “Custodians help out, but that’s not Pezzulo also founded the Flower Rangers, part of their duties,” Assistant Principal the school’s environmental club, to Suzanne Smith said. “They have specific implement green changes on campus. duties [assigned by the district] and “I’m doing the school garden–that’s recycling and emptying those bins is definitely my biggest goal,” Pezzulo said. supposed to be the school’s responsibility, “I’d really like to implement cool recycling not the custodians’.” To make the process more efficient, each building has a “recycling captain” who combines and takes out the recycling bins on the designated day. However, contamination–items incorrectly placed in recycle bins–makes the process take longer, and the contaminants, which are sometimes recyclable but put in the wrong bin, are thrown away.

Dreyfoos - a green school?

$335,000 Dreyfoos’ FY 2010-2011 Electric Bill

72% YES

28% Do you NO recycle at school?

Cover Story

How many electric devices does Dreyfoos leave on overnight?

“We separate [the contaminants] to trash, because we don’t have time when kids have an academic or an art class,” said social studies dean Tom West, who is the recycling captain for Building 3. “Efficiency and time–what’s the trade off ? Yeah, we could go to every room in every building, These numbers, provided by Palm Beach County School District Utilities Manager Lee Kapp and Resource Conservation Coordinator Kevin and separate it. Chapman, show the amount of inside lights, hard drives, monitors, But probably copiers and printers left on overnight. Mr. Chapman obtained these instructional time numbers from counting the electronic devices that were switched when visiting the school at night. Although the number of hard drives, is a little more monitors and copiers left on fell, the number of inside lights and important than printers left on increased. picking up paper according to Palm Beach County and plastic.” School District Chief of Facilities The recycling program is also Joe Sanches. limited to the indoors. “At a high school like Dreyfoos “You notice we don’t have any what we really want to see is a [recycling bins] outside on campus. strong green team of students who All we have are trash bins, which are being advocates,” Mr. Sanches doesn’t make sense because we said. “Dreyfoos has demonstrated eat outside and that’s where the that they’re willing to take those most plastic and aluminum waste steps by recycling and being comes from,” Pezzulo said. “What conscious about energy.” if we made waste bins not waste Many students, however, are bins? People leave litter all over the not conscious of the school’s green place, but what if you gave them efforts. The school hosted the an incentive to recycle or you gave district’s Learn Green Conference them a cool sticker or a button on Nov. 11, but only 51 percent of that’s student-designed?” students knew about the conference Recycling is part of the criteria and only 5 percent attended of the for the school district’s Green 446 students surveyed. Schools Recognition Program, “I think that next year this through which Dreyfoos was named event should be known more to the a “Green School of Promise” in students,” said visual sophomore 2010. However, the school lost its and Flower Ranger Gianna Bishop, status last year because no student who volunteered at the event. “Why applied. wouldn’t you want your students “Someone has to take the to learn about micro-gardening, initiative; it’s really a student run what they’re eating or putting on thing,” said science teacher Sherry their skin? We’re getting at that Little, who sponsored the recycling age where most of us are going club when the school received the to graduate and have to buy our award. “Somebody would have to own products, so we should start step up and say it’s something they educating [ourselves] now.” really want to do. We’re doing a lot Regardless, one thing is for of things we were doing then, but certain: With its historic campus, they initiated it. They did the Shoes Dreyfoos demonstrates “Reuse” for the Cure thing and they signed from the three R’s of sustainability, people up for carpooling. In order Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, to get the Green School of Promise “Instead of demolishing it and award you have to go through the using all that energy it takes to whole process.” clear it out and build a whole new Because of its historic campus, school, we reused the old school,” the school has limited capacity Ms. Smith said. “That’s probably for change, but it can still have one of the greenest things you can “big-time recycling programs,” do.” g

Is Dreyfoos a green school? ‘Kind of. We have a greener facility because we have so many plants and recycling bins, but looking around in the cafeteria, you don’t see that many [recycling bins].’ -vocal sophomore Morgan O’Gorman

‘It is because it tries to recycle, but there are some things it needs to improve on. If we try harder we could save a lot of paper.’ -digital media freshman Mike Lazarus

‘It depends on which department. The art department likes to be extremely green by recycling the materials. Students around here like to litter.’ -visual junior Michelle Neumann

16% Do you use NO

56% Do you consider NO

plastic drink bottles?

Dreyfoos a green school?

44% YES

84% YES

How to live greener Kermit the Frog was wrong. It sure is easy being green. Here are five tips on how to instantly be greener at school, and five tips to take home.

1 2 3 4 5

At school Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Remind teachers to turn off projectors and computers Pack waste-free lunches Use refillable pens instead of disposable ones. Recycle your bottles, cans and papers instead of throwing them away in the trash.

1 2 3 4 5

At home Print your essays double-sided. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Use aluminum water bottles. Carpool or use public transportation. Wash your clothes and dishes in cold water.

The Muse December 2011

Arts

Arts Index

A guide to what’s going on in art area classes

by JensenTate

Theatre

Visual Art and digiTaL media

tudents have been preparing for International Thespian competitions. For the district’s Thespian festival, students first had to audition at school to determine whether they would be chosen to go on to districts. After districts they have the opportunity to make it to the state competition which will be held in Tampa. g

isual senior Andrew Bennett and digital media senior Carolina Vogt won the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts competition. Bennett won in the visual category and Vogt won with her photography. g

Vocal

tudents from the vocal department recently went to Disney World where they sang at the Walt Disney World Candlelight Pageantry. During the trip they sang original Christmas songs. Actress Geena Davis, known for her roles in the movies “Stuart Little” and “Beetlejuice”, read a Christmas story about Mary and Joseph as the choir sang in the background. g

Photo by Dana Miller

Theatre juniors Jesse Ramos, Chloe Farmer, and Shanley Mitchell playfully act along during their class. All three were some of the contestants in the International Thespian competition held last weekend.

Band

uring the band concert in November, the band department played an original Latin salsa tune. The piece was called “Rube,” named after band teacher Pedro Hernandez’s daughter Ruby Hernandez, who is a communications artist in residence as well as the school’s volleyball coach. g

Communications

Dance

large group of dance students headed to New York on Dec. 7. They took master classes and toured different arts schools such as The Julliard School.

Strings

uring the Prism Concert that took place Dec. 8-9, strings students performed a piece titled Greensleeves. The composition is a traditional English folk song. g

ommunications students are submitting their work to the Palm Beach International Film Festival’s Student Showcase of Films. Graphic designers, screenwriters and filmmakers can submit short films, public service announcements, screenplays, music videos and posters to the festival. The deadline is Jan. 23. g

Piano

he Piano Department is preparing for The Klavier Piano Recital, scheduled for Jan. 27, which will be held in the Brant Black Box Theater. The concert with feature a duet performed by two keyboard students. g

20 The Muse December 2011

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Strings majors Sarah Senderling and Gabriella Graham practice before the music department’s Prism concert, which was held Dec. 8 and 9. Both showings of the concert were sold-out.

Arts

The tucked away Taxidermy Room Building 9 is brought to life by a room full of dead animals

by ElizabethLane

giant grizzly bear stands, frozen in time, defending a caribou carcass from a silver fox. This is not taking place in some remote wildlife refuge, but within the walls of Room 7-109. This diorama can be found in the nature lab, otherwise known as the taxidermy room, which was created over the summer and in the beginning of this school year by the visual department, specifically visual teachers Ryan Toth and Sarah Knudston. “I had a couple [taxidermy specimens] when I started here four years ago, and then [the collection] kept growing,” Mr. Toth said. “Most of the skeletons I articulated and we also got several really generous gifts, so the collection kind of outgrew the classroom.” Previously, visual students would have to research photos of animals for drawing or painting, never actually having the chance to see the animals in real life. The taxidermy room has provided models of various creatures which can be used in the students’ work. The students can also grasp a sense of scale. Many students, for instance, did not

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Visual sophomore Jessica Roses (standing) and visual junior Elizabeth Bradford work on their interpretational sketches of taxidermy animal figures. The room also has skeletal remains of various animals as well as computers for research. Teachers are currently working on labeling

have any clue just how huge lions are. The lioness now displayed in the room exemplifies lions’ massive dimensions. “[The room] is good for getting reference drawings of animals that you wouldn’t normally see or otherwise wouldn’t get near,” visual sophomore Jackson Roe said. Access to a room as rare as the taxidermy room is something that visual students highly value. The fragility of the taxidermy requires the students to be very careful. “The room is always full. The students enjoy it and respect it; I’m kind of proud of them for that,” Mr. Toth said. “They know that it’s something fun and special and they have respected the rules.” Not only has the room proved to be

amusing for students and visitors, but it has also made an impact artistically. Teachers utilize the taxidermy from the room for still-life drawings as well as for students’ independent pursuits. “I think [the room] motivates students to work in their sketchbooks more and to do individual projects for themselves as opposed to it being assignment-based,” Mr. Toth said. Overall, the room has provided a muchneeded area for visual students to advance their skills in a unique environment. “[The taxidermy room] is a great addition to the visual building,” visual junior Alyssa Klein said. “We finally have a place to draw in peace.” g

The Muse December 2011

Arts

A look into the Dance Department

by ValeriaRivadeneira

hen entering a dance studio in Building 4, you are confronted with large, lime colored, floor to ceiling curtains that unveil mirror walls. These mirrors reflect pliés, black leotards and tights, but there is more to being a dance major than just neat buns and perfect leaps. The dancers at Dreyfoos also have to deal with the physical and mental strain that comes along with the art of dancing.

Pointe: “Imagine walking into class every day and facing the excruciating reality of the mirror in front of you that lets you know everything that’s wrong, every imperfection,” said dance dean Jan Hanniford. Pointe is a class that focuses on girls’ ballet skills. It’s an aesthetically appealing technique where the girls dance mostly on their toes and it can be used anywhere, such as classic ballet and contemporary dancing. Pointe and Men’s class are the only gender separated classes in the dance department. “The hardest thing in ballet is combining technique and artistry, but having proper placement and a sturdy foundation is the key to freedom,” Ms. Hanniford said. Pointe demands a lot of focus on elegant maneuvers that require a lot of practice. “Sometimes you’re exhausted; you don’t want to dance, but you have to. That’s why [some dancers] lose their love for it; they stop seeing it as fun.” said dance junior Paola Diaz.” When most people think of the complications that come with being a dancer, they think of physical burdens, but the mental stress does not always come to mind. “It’s hard to stay inspired because I’m easily discouraged,” Diaz said. Negativity is one of the biggest obstacles that can obstruct a dancer when they are performing.

22 The Muse December 2011

Dance junior Brisa Landa performs in a junior dance piece during the fall concert. They danced to a country style piece.

Photo by Dana Miller

“You can’t go out thinking ‘oh I’m not going to make this jump,’ you know? You can’t be thinking of everything that can go wrong, because then it will,” dance senior Lawrence McClarin said.

Men’s Class: Men’s class is a class that all male dance majors in the department are required to take. The class, taught by dance teacher Jeff Satinoff, meets during sixth period and focuses on the crucial role of males in ballet dancing. “It’s not easy,” dance senior Julian Cabrera said. “We have to push ourselves harder because of the expectations and requirements that guys have when they want to dance professionally.” Men in dance are expected to look graceful while making higher and stronger jumps. “Training is different from the girls because it’s more strength based and while girls focus on the upper body and making sure it all looks nice, we have to focus on our legs,” McClarin said. “It’s just more physical.” After barre, they do two minutes of pushups and spend the rest of their time working on routine or any current technique they are focusing on.

Photo by Daniel Milstein

Dance senior Julian Cabrera demonstrates a sissone.There are only 13 male dance majors, four of whom are seniors.

Behind the Scenes: “We just eat everything,” dance senior Nikalas Chappell said. “We have to because of how much we exercise.” Dancers spend up to four hours and 25 minutes dancing each week, not counting all the time they may spend at their independent ballet studios. Students in a dance class that pass a semester get one-half of the physical education credit that is required to graduate. g

Arts

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

The Lucille Ball of Debate Communications sophomore Micaela Fagan wins Blue Key tournament

by KloeeCiuperger

he sound of her heels echoes as she walks, dressed in a freshly pressed suit, down the hall into her debate round. Rather than pull out a briefcase stocked with legislative bills and research, she begins to get into character. She may be small, but communications sophomore Micaela Fagan is mighty when it comes to debate. “When I first came here, I had the stereotypical idea of what debate was: people yelling at each other about the economy and presidential elections,” Fagan said. “It wasn’t until Pamela Mora came to perform for my freshman class when I discovered that interpretation was something I wanted to pursue.” Communications senior and Forensics Pathfinder nominee Pamela Mora has mentored Fagan since freshman year. She believed Fagan had the raw talent for interpretation, a debate event in which competitors portray a humorous or dramatic piece using different character voices and gestures to tell a story, since the first time she saw her perform. Mora was there when

Fagan won the entire Blue Key Speech and Debate Tournament in October. “I felt like I knew what it was to be a proud parent,” Mora said. “When I saw her in finals, I was blown away. I wasn’t surprised when she won.” Fagan has competed at many local tournaments and even participated in the Florida Forensic Institute (FFI) over the summer. FFI is a debate camp where serious debaters go to further improve their skills. “I was honored to compete against the kids [at Blue Key] that I had admired from camp. I thought they were gods and goddesses of debate,” Fagan said. “But to win the entire tournament is something I never expected and I’ll always be grateful for.” Fagan associates interpretation with acting and has a variety of influences that most people have never heard of. “I look up to female pioneers of comedy like Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Tracey Ullman and Gilda Radner,” Fagan said. “No one knows who they are except for old people.”

save money and support the school of the arts foundation. buy disdounted restaurant certificates at

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Communications sophomore MicaelaFagan stands with the first place trophy she won at Blue Key. Fagan participates in Humorous Interpretation, where she is inspired by Lucille Ball.

Fagan feels that debate tournaments are exhausting, but worth it. She hopes to continue succeeding in debate on a national level. “I think she’s developed a stronger sense of confidence,” communications dean Angela Weber said. “She has a better sense of who she is as a performer.” g

charitydine

charitydine.com. follow the login instructions and make sure you have labeled dreyfoos as the beneficiary of your purchase. 20 - 30 percent of the value will be donated to the school of the arts foundation. Participating eateries include howley’s, gratify pub, city pizza, field of greens, roxy’s pub, pistache, il bellagio and many more!

The Muse December 2011

Arts

Prism Concert redefines holiday music by MikeshiaLewin

he Prism concert, notorious for its consistently classical holiday music, transformed in many ways this year — both the songs and the people who participated changed. Even Alexander Dreyfoos attended this year, as per band senior Ross Rucker’s request. At Mr. Dreyfoos’ school assembly he addressed his life and legacy in a question and answer session. During this, Rucker personally invited Mr. Dreyfoos to Prism in front of 600 students. Mr. Dreyfoos said he would “try to” and actually ended up attending, brightening the faces of the students who performed. With the entire music department involved in this production, 35 holiday songs were performed with 400 musicians. Before the first show, an assortment of strings musicians played in the foyer. As the audience took their seats, the Jazz Combo captivated them with soulful saxophone riffs and scales. Many elements of the concert stay consistent each year; however, there are always subtle changes. “Our [school’s] first concert of this nature was a school-wide Prism event,” vocal dean Arlene Sparks said. “All the arts performed on stage. I think it would be nice, over time, if we did more interdisciplinary arts among the school.” More levity has been introduced into the concert over the years ranging from

24 The Muse December 2011

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Prism was a huge success with the tickets being sold out almost immediately after they were on sale. Vocal majors sing a rendition of a Christmas melody including “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas,” and many other classic Christmas songs .

humorous piano compositions to fast paced pieces such as the Klezmer Ensemble ‘Yiddish Fantasy.’ Though it now features mainly the music departments, the Prism concert is still packed with diverse lineups. “It was the piano department’s idea to incorporate a dance portion into Prism,” dance senior Sydney Baldwin said. “It’s an excerpt from ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and a combination of classic ballet. I choreographed the dance.” The teachers in the music department did more than instruct songs and determine the lineup. Jazz teacher Pedro Hernandez lent his deep voice to the narration of ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ with the Philharmonic

Symphony following him. Prism also diversified it’s pieces; keyboard junior Benjamin Batalla infused his own twist on ‘Carol of the Bells.’ “French Impressionism was a liberation from classical music so I tried to incorporate that,” Batalla said. For the night, the production made sure to include different features of holiday celebrations such as ‘Middle Eastern Celebration’ and recurring favorite, ‘Bashana Haba’ah.’ “I think it’s good we sing in different languages because it reaches out to everyone,” said vocal freshman Kayla Martin. g Contributors: Aubrey Levin and Audrey Green

Sports

Inside Athletics: boys and girls soccer

Do not be deceived by my washboard abs or glowing tan: I’m not an athlete. I’m a journalist. Follow my experience as I try out every varsity sport. This issue I joined soccer team. (Left) During a drill, Rachel dribbles down the field to shoot. (Below) While the team practices approaching the goal, Rachel defends the shots.

Rachel says: “let me goal” by RachelAnderson

S Photo by Daniel Milstein

Photo by Daniel Milstein

Rachel warms up with the girls soccer goalies. She wears her own goalie gloves, which she bought two years ago when she played for the team. “I thought I’d feel lost in the goal, but after a few saves it felt like seeing an old friend again,” she said. “I was also worried that I’d hurt myself diving for a ball, but fortunately I left practice unscathed.”

triker, fullback, sweeper, midfield, defender, goalie – really, there are only two types of soccer positions: “running” and “non-running.” If you really want to split hairs, you can divide the “running” positions into “pointscoring” and “non-point-scoring” positions. After practicing with the girls and boys soccer teams, I now see the real reason why soccer is actually “football” – it’s a contact sport. During scrimmage, I witnessed sliding tackles, elbowing and kicking shins for the ball. My shins ached just watching. I found a haven from the violence in the goal, where I had some experience from when I played as backup goalie for the team my sophomore year. Though I had naively wore my softball batting gloves to my first practice (I thought they were “close enough” to goalie gloves), I came prepared this time. The correct

gloves made a huge difference: softball gloves are to goalie gloves what gardening gloves are to Socker Boppers. Goalies, however, are not exempt from conditioning, which consumed most of practice. After warm-ups we did a series of drills called “6-minutes,” except the lunges, sprints, push-ups, aquamans, crunches, high skips and mountain climbers felt like they lasted at least five times as long. Next we did 10 “90s” – we had 90 seconds to run to the other side of the soccer field and back. If we finished in under 90 seconds, we had the rest of the period to relax. After the period ended, we ran again. Though the conditioning was manageable, playing soccer again made me remember why I stopped playing: running’s easy, but add a ball and suddenly there’s coordination involved, and, unless I’m dodging sprinklers on a run, I’m hopeless at that. g

Languedoc rows, rows, rows her boat gently down the intracoastal a lot of power,” Ahn said. and senior Emily “She likes to work really Languedoc started merrily hard and that’s good for rowing her boat gently down the team.” the Intracoastal Waterway Being a band major a year and a half ago, and has given Languedoc yet it is already a dream of experience when it hers to pursue the sport comes to rowing and throughout college. Rowing the certain rhythm each has inspired her to learn how member needs to have. to sail and to get her boating Languedoc’s position is license. What she enjoys most the stroke seat. In this about the sport is the team’s seat one must lead the Photo courtesy of the North Palm Beach Rowing Club boat and set the pace atmosphere and how it helps Band senior Emily Languedoc rows stroke seat at crew practice. her to become a better rower. Languedoc has attended four rowing competitions this season, including for the rest of the boat. one in Chattanooga, TN. “My favorite part about In rowing, it is good for rowing is the crucial bond a the person who is sitting love that the sport works out the team has to have. Every rower in the stroke seat to have a good body.” in the boat has to be doing the sense of beat for each stroke. Band sophomore and exact same thing at the exact Languedoc’s height also helps teammate Phillip Ahn, who has same time, so we definitely have with rowing; one must push back been rowing for three years, to know and trust each other,” the length of their legs, so being describes Languedoc as a Languedoc said. “Some of my tall is an advantage. dedicated rower. best friends are people on my “Rowing actually helps me to “She is a very good rower, she team. It’s a lot like a family. I also has good endurance and she’s got budget my time because I have by AngelicEdery

to schedule everything around practice, so there’s not much time to be lazy and lose momentum when it comes to school work,” Languedoc said. “With respect to music, a lot of being [in the] stroke seat and pacing the rest of the boat involves having good rhythm and good time. Many successful stroke seats have a background in music. Plus, sometimes we sing songs in the boat while we warm up.” Communications junior and teammate Savannah Artusi, who has been rowing for two and a half years, thinks of Languedoc and her teammates as a family because of how close the group is. “Emily has pretty much gone to all of the races; she is a really dedicated team member,” Artusi said. “She is a pretty supportive team member.” g The Muse December 2011

Sports

All the field’s a stage of

Theatre sophomore Ramiro Retes dreams of going pro

by JosieGraham

n Argentina they have a saying, “Goles son amores,” which translates to, “Goals are love.” For theatre sophomore Ramiro Retes, this quote couldn’t hold more truth. Since he’s from Buenos Aires, Retes has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. He has been exposed to the sport for the majority of

JAGUAR PROFILE

his life and first started playing soccer in the playing professionally.” streets with friends. Retes is the “dependable scorer” on the “I love that when I play I feel like that’s my boys soccer team, as social studies teacher stage, and I’m free to do what I want,” Retes and coach Tom Ruth said. Retes’ ability to said. “I can express myself and create art. [I control the ball enables him to score the love] how one move and one goal can bring so points necessary to help his team. much happiness.” “He is creative. Like most scorers, he’s a Some of Retes’ family members played special athlete,” Mr. Ruth said. “[Scorers] hold professional soccer, the ball more than other players and they’re which is what first like artists. He is extraordinarily gifted and got him close to talented with the ball.” the sport. It was Along with being a skilled athlete, Retes is his family that also able to raise team spirit. Communications convinced him to freshman and teammate Steffan Gawlikowski one day become a says Retes uses his talent to teach other great soccer player, team members skills that can be used against and Retes hopes to opponents. one day play for the “[Retes] brings energy and very good Argentina constructive National criticism before Soccer the game and Team. In the at half time to meantime, get the team soccer has pumped,” taken Retes Gawlikowski to many said. “[He places, such has] so much -theatre sophomore Ramiro Retes stamina and as England, Scotland core that he and Spain, and can ‘run’ for the whole soccer game at 100 has provided him percent and be at the end of the game and be with priceless still at 100 percent. He never gets tired.” opportunities to In the past, Retes has suffered many advance his soccer injuries due to soccer, such as broken legs career. and torn muscles; however, this has not kept “[Soccer] brings him away from the sport. He continues to you moments that work with his coaches on school and travel others things can’t,” teams to pursue his dream of becoming a Retes said. “This professional soccer player. summer I actually “This is my passion so I know that I got to play with a ‘B’ have to work every day,” Retes said. “I have division team. It was personal trainers and three teams that take up a great experience a good six hours a day when all the seasons and I got to travel to mix up. It’s stressful with school but it’s all play tournaments in about finding the ways to manage your time.” other places. I was Family might have influenced him the capable of learning most to strive for excellence in soccer, but the and playing for some sport itself has had just as big of an impact major teams. I’m on Retes. planning on going “My inspiration comes from great players again to find my and from family members, but overall the fact way to my dream of that I can’t live without it,” Retes said. g Photo by Aubrey Levin

‘I love that when I play I feel like that’s my stage, and I’m free to do what I want. I can express myself and create art.’

Theatre sophomore Ramiro Retes’ family has long been interested in soccer, with some family members having played professionally. Coach Tom Ruth calls Retes a ‘dependable scorer.’

26 The Muse December 2011

Sports

Athletic funding goes downhill Sports teams struggle to succeed without proper finances by JosieGraham and KevinLevine

he Dreyfoos athletic program has to worry about not only fielding competitive teams, but dealing with obstacles that are unique to this school. Our transportation system is lacking compared to other schools in the county, our gender equity is upside-down, the teams are suffering financially, and our facilities aren’t up to par with other schools.

Transportation troubles One universal issue among sports at Dreyfoos is transportation. Athletes must find a way to games and in most cases practices too. Coaches often find themselves transporting students with their own vehicles because there is no other viable option. “It’s tough to organize getting everyone to practice,” said swim and track coach Geoffrey Waugh. “Some days I have six or seven kids in my car that I have to drive to practice because of the difficulty transporting kids.” Practices and matches for some teams are not held at school; instead, students must travel to different locations: the Tennis Club of Palm Beach on Haverhill Road for the tennis team, Roosevelt Middle School for the track team, West Palm Beach Country Club for the boys golf team and The Presidents Club for the girls golf team. Students must carpool with parents of their teammates, as there is only one bus available to transport

‘It’s tough to organize getting everyone to practice. Some days I have six or seven kids in my car that I have to drive to practice because of the difficulty of transporting kids.’ -Swim and track coach Geoffrey Waugh all sports teams. There is also only one bus driver: social studies teacher and boys soccer coach Tom Ruth. According to Mr. Ruth, the buses that are issued to schools in Palm Beach County are older models, which has led to three breakdowns over the past two years. “[The bus] broke down on the way to a game last year,” Mr. Ruth said. “The kids were

Photo by Dana Miller

A Grandview Preperatory School soccer player chases a ball into the ditch on the side of the field during the Dec. 7 game.

sitting by the side of the road with [their] balls and people were honking and staring on I-95. [Another time] we broke down at a gas station and somebody called in that I had had a heart attack and was slumped over the wheel and that the kids were spilling out the back of the bus, none of which actually happened.”

A formidable field Another challenge the soccer team faces is a hazardous field. There is a ditch on the side of the soccer field that stands barely a yard between the edge of the field and the beginning of the downward slope. Players are constantly running at full speed towards the sideline chasing balls, occasionally even following them into the ditch if the balls go out of bounds. The ditch isn’t the only peril found on the soccer field, even if it is the most prevalent one. “There’s that pretty deep ditch close to the edge of the soccer field, [but] the ground isn’t as even as it should be either,” Mr. Ruth said. “We also don’t have lights, so we can’t hold double headers here.”

Fickle finances Additionally, our sports programs have to deal with financial problems. To support an athletic program, teams need to pay for referees, which cost $124 per game for basketball, and other necessities The problem is that the team only earns $70 per game from ticket sales, leaving a deficit of $54 per game that needs to be made up through fundraising. “All of our coaches know they have to

fundraise,” Athletic Director John Webb said. “They have to pay for referee fees, but they also have to fundraise enough money to cover the costs of a substitute if they have to leave with the team. Also, the fundraising goes towards an end of the year banquet if the team chooses to have one.”

Unequal equity Furthermore, our programs have to deal with gender equity: the ratio of boys to girls in the school’s athletic program has to be within 5 percent of the ratio in the school. Most high schools have slightly more boys than girls, which often is reflected in the gender ratio of their sports teams. However, according to Mr. Webb, Dreyfoos has a 67 percent girl to 33 percent boy ratio. That means that for every boy who plays sports at Dreyfoos, three girls have to play a sport as well. “You get money for being in compliance with the rules,” Mr. Webb said. “The compliance money is used towards athletic uniforms and equipment. I rotate [the money for the teams] every couple of years to make sure everybody has what they need.” Academics and the arts may come before sports here at Dreyfoos, but nevertheless our sports facilities are lacking. It comes down to a shortage of funding and support, which results in the problems found in Dreyfoos’ sports programs. “If I won the lottery, I would love to have some lights [on the field],” Mr. Ruth said. “It’d be great to have some double headers and not pull kids out of class. It’d be nice to fill in the ditch. But the county doesn’t have the money for those things.”g The Muse December 2011

Entertainment

Gabi COHEN

Maggie PATTERSON

Laura PITTS

The holiday season is finally here, and that means it’s time for me to shamelessly drown myself in hot chocolate despite the 80 Photo by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer degree weather. This also means a constant stream of holiday movies on daily for a month prior to and after Christmas. “A Christmas Story” will always be my favorite. Heck, I’m asking for a leg lamp and a Red Rider BB Gun this year.

Most of the movies people enjoy during the holidays, such as “Frosty the Snowman,” keep a death grip on their positions as the godfathers of the Christmas Movie Photo by Warner Bros Mafia. The exception is my personal favorite holiday movie, “The Polar Express,” the tale of a young Scrooge recovering his belief in Santa. “Express” takes on the classics, daring to be aired during prime time. Frosty better watch his back, because this train is pulling into the station.

Each Christmas Eve, my family’s tradition is to gather around the television and watch the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s a classic Photo by RKO Radio Pictures 1946 film that shows an angel helping out a frustrated businessman by showing him what life would be like if he never existed. This heartwarming story always reminds me it’s Christmastime and it’s something I look forward to.

‘It’s Always Sunny’ during Christmastime by Gabi Cohen

hether it’s spending time with your extended family or staying up until dawn watching movies, everyone has their own holiday traditions; mine just happens to be the latter. I’ve seen the Grinch try to steal Christmas 20 different times and Rudolph lead 30 flights on foggy Christmas nights. These traditions have gotten boring, so this year, the gang at Paddy’s Pub is keeping me company with “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s” Christmas special, “A Very Sunny Christmas.” This 43 minute DVD follows the characters as they explore the meanings of Christmas past, present and future. When Dee and Dennis were young, Frank, their father, would buy them any gift they wanted. The thing is, he bought them for himself. Dee and Dennis try to show Frank the error of his ways by mimicking something reminiscent of “A Christmas Carol.” This allusion is a bit overdone and can be seen in nearly every Christmas special, but the cast of “It’s Always Sunny” pulls it off rather nicely.

WHAT’S HOT

They keep true to the nature of the show by keeping a comedic attitude, despite the usual “this is very serious, learn a lesson from this” approach that most holiday shows try to use. While all of this is happening, Mac and Charlie, two friends, discover the irregularities of their own traditions. Mac tells Charlie about his Christmas mornings spent stealing presents from other houses because he was told that neighbors are supposed to buy presents for each other, which explained why he never had any of his own presents under the tree. Charlie also explains strange holiday traditions that took place in his house. These two men would have to be insane to not realize, until they were well into adulthood, that these were not the traditions that people usually followed. This slightly decreases the plausibility of the plot, but the characters have always had a rather childish and immature mindset. The beginning of the movie follows the usual episode format, but the ending half of the movie gets more mature. On the bright side, you get to see more of actor Danny

Family Feud & Friends FREE

by LauraPitts

Check out the interesting world of iPhone apps.

28 The Muse December 2011

Photo by Apple iTunes

his app is just like the TV show; people can compete against friends wirelessly in a game show fashion to figure out the most popular answers to different questions and topics. Friends can help you in the “Fast Money” round to earn more game cash.

REVIEW Photo by FX

The show takes place in Paddy’s Pub and airs on the FX channel.

DeVito’s, who plays Frank, body than you ever hoped to see. The writers, Rob McElhenney (Mac) and Charlie Day (Charlie), clearly just made the script more risqué because they knew it would go straight to DVD. Kudos to the whole cast, writers and crew; overall, the show was fantastically funny and should be a part of everyone’s holiday routine. g

Pocketbooth $0.99

Photo by Apple iTunes

ver want to take a series of silly photos with friends, but there’s no photo booth in sight? Just use the Pocketbooth app. It features settings including the photo strip size and the photo effect, as well as an authentic “Photos Delivered Here” section.

Entertainment

Website ends essay writing pawses for users By Gabi Cohen

ittens are the quintessential happymaker. No matter how grey the sky is or how flooded the garage is, a cute cuddly kitten batting at a ribbon will make all of the problems in the world go away. The scientists at writtenkitten.net have taken this fact and put it to practical use. They have created a website that uses pictures of lil’ kitties as an incentive to get work done. For every 100 words entered in to the website, a new picture of a kitten shows up on the screen. Written? Kitten! knows exactly what tempts teens to get work done these days. All slackers and procrastinators know how much it sucks to have to write an essay the night before it’s due. 1000 words analyzing a book you haven’t read (or looked up the

SparkNotes for) yet? No thanks. The thought of staring at a dull, blank white word document for four hours doesn’t sound enticing either. But do you know what does sound enticing? Kittens. Kittens upon kittens. Kittens as A screen shot from the website shows the dramatic cuteness-tofar as the homework aid that helps people finish their papers with kitten motivation. eye can see. not true. They’re the perfect motivational tool. A figurative Students often promise themselves one epimountain of kittens delivered sode of their favorite show, but one episode right to your computer screen. becomes two seasons, and they’re bawling Written? Kitten! has a text box built in to the because one of the main characters has been website, so the precious cats are right there trapped in another dimension for eternity, and next to you the whole time you’re writing. Users can set the website to show them a new they simply can’t go on and write a lengthy, boring essay about Christopher Columbus kitten every 100, 500 or 1000 words. while their soul is being torn to pieces. A preWhile some people may argue that the kitcious kitten can’t do that to you. g tens distract you from writing, this is simply

WEBSITE REVIEW

‘While some people may argue that the kittens distract you from writing, this is simply not true. They’re the perfect motivational tool.’

‘Twilight’ saga ‘Breaking Dawn’ breaks into theaters by MaggiePatterson

he fourth chapter in the ongoing “Twilight” movie saga, “Breaking Dawn” opened the weekend of Nov. 18 and follows teenager Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and her vampire boyfriend Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) through their wedding, honeymoon and first child. It made $259.5 million as of Dec. 12. The movie began with preparations for the Swan-Cullen wedding. The author of the novels, Stephenie Meyer, made a an obnoxious five-second cameo while Bella walked down the aisle. The wedding played into the desires of the teenage girl demographic: The perfect wedding, the perfect fiancée, the perfect married life. It’s was great for the romantics, but proved to be

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Shazam FREE

Photo by Apple iTunes

boring for the attention-seeking moviegoers. During her honeymoon, Bella discovered she was pregnant, appearing months into the pregnancy due to the vampire fetus. Their native Ticuna housekeeper warns Bella that the demonic spawn can bring only death, fitting in perfectly with all the other magical native peoples. Apparently, belonging to an indigenous tribe is a free pass to supernatural know-how. Bella chose to participate in a dangerous and harmful activity that gives her a skeletal appearance, forces her to lie to her family and destroys the tight-knit friendship between Jacob’s werewolf pack. However, she is portrayed as a martyr for love, while the people who urge her to make more sensible decisions are portrayed as villains. The movie was difficult to follow for people who hadn’t read the book. Most of the conflict inside the werewolf tribe made very little sense without background research. This was a problem throughout the series of

o you always hear a catchy song but can never figure out the title? Just download Shazam from the app store, the app that can recognize individual songs based on its specific wavelengths. Just hold your device up to the music and within seconds, the app will recognize the song. After recognizing the song, you have the option to tag it for future download, read the lyrics, or even watch YouTube videos of it.

films that the new director, Bill Codon, didn’t fix. The quality and tone of each entry varies widely. Despite Codon’s best efforts, the source material just isn’t Oscar worthy. Yet, the “Twilight” Photo by Summit Entertainment series, has a “Breaking Dawn” is the second to last huge fan base movie in the “Twilight” saga based off from fourteen to the novels by Stephanie Meyer. forty. The appeal of this movie comes from Pattinson’s Edward Cullen, the long-suffering love interest of Stewart’s Bella. Throughout the films, he remains loving, supportive and attractive. If only the rest of the movie was like him. g

My Fitness Pal t’s tough to stay healthy and fit FREE

when you can’t correctly count calories. That’s why the My Fitness Pal app, a calorie counter and diet tracker and an app where you can search a specific food to record it in your daily diary, is essential for anyone wathcing their health or weight. At the end of the day, this app will tell you whether you are on track with your diet or not—perfect for after the holidays.

Photo by Apple iTunes

The Muse December 2011

Entertainment

Two and Four jazzes up the music scene by MaggiePatterson

ocking out isn’t unusual at Dreyfoos. Students wander the halls strumming guitars, class up art shows with violins and practice for concerts. Some students go beyond, taking the music to the stage. Two and Four is a band of those students. Two and Four began as a project for Solo and Ensemble in January 2010. The band’s original lineup was keyboard junior Ben Batalla, band junior Murphy Aucamp, band sophomore Adesh Balraj, band sophomore Alex Lacy, band senior Henry Châteauvert and former student Benjamin Anderson who has since graduated. “We didn’t think we’d become a band," said Lacy, who plays Alto Saxophone. "We just did one song, ‘There Will Never Be Another You.’ Now it’s sort of our anthem." After Anderson graduated last year, Two and Four needed a guitar player. The band held auditions and selected strings freshman Vincent Moore. “[Vincent] had big shoes to fill,” said Balraj. “He fills them pretty well.”

Two and Four's six members are music majors, so all of them had experience with music before they became a band. But, not all of the members originally played jazz. "Ben and I come from classical backgrounds," Aucamp said, who plays drums. "Jazz was really Photo by Maggie Patterson heaven sent. After going The members of Two and Four practice their jazz pieces in the library’s music room. Two and through the rigid structure Four has a Facebook page where they post pictures and announce upcoming performances. of classical music, jazz lets me “This band has really changed us,” said break free." Balraj. “It brought us together.” The loose structure and improvisation of Two and Four has a passion for sharing jazz music separate it from other types of Jazz with others. They aim to bring jazz to music, such as rock. schools, and convert more classical players “Playing jazz is like having a conversation into jazz lovers. without words,” Aucamp said. “With rock Like the jazz they play, Two and music, you play the same song the same way Four keeps changing and evolving. With over and over again. With jazz, you never play Châteauvert graduating in May, the band will a song the same way twice.” have to find a new tenor saxophone player. Because of jazz’s conversational nature, Moore hopes to continue the band through Two and Four’s members have become close. his senior year and beyond. g

‘Under the Mistletoe’ brings festive feelings by Laura Pitts

inter always brings the anticipation of colder weather, holidays and sweets. In the background of the celebrations, however, is classic holiday music. This year, a whole new set of songs can be enjoyed with the release of Justin Bieber’s “Under the Mistletoe” album. The album has 15 tracks, four of them only on the deluxe edition. Released in November, the track list includes classic holiday covers featuring other popular artists such as Usher, Boys II Men, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes and The Band Perry and also featuring Chris Brown as a writer. The album’s festive feel is similar to ‘90s boy band *NSYNC’s Christmas album, “Home for Christmas,” which was released in 1998. Now, holiday music listeners don’t have to dig out their old *NSYNC album to

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enjoy winter tunes—just listen to “Under the Mistletoe.” Bieber offered some original songs on the album, including “Mistletoe.” The song has a soft beat and will likely get stuck in your head. He also wrote “The Only Thing I Ever Get for Christmas,” a song with a somewhat similar tone to “Mistletoe,” just a more relaxed tune. Covers of classic holiday songs took up the most of the album, and Justin Bieber covered them successfully. “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” which features Usher and is similar to the original song, save for the guitar solo placed in Bieber’s version. Justin Bieber also covered “All I Want for Christmas Is You” with help from the original artist, Mariah Carey. The song sounds nearly identical to Carey’s, which is perfect. Without Carey’s soft voice to accompany Bieber, the song may have turned

Madison Schuessler Digital Media Sophomore

ALBUM Photo by Island Records

REVIEW

Justin Bieber’s album released late November was on Billboard’s Top 200 and features both new and classic holiday songs.

out to be uninteresting and flat. The album ends with the simple holiday classic cover, “Silent Night.” The sound of a piano accompanies Bieber’s vocals, renewing the classic. Overall, Bieber turned a risky cover album into something that just may become a classic itself. g

Jesse Ramos Theatre Junior

Arielle Shuter Digital Media Senior

by LauraPitts

What’s your favorite Holiday song? Photo by Laura Pitts

“‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ because whenever it plays I just want to dance. It is a catchy holiday song and I never get sick of it!”

30 The Muse December 2011

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

“‘White Christmas.’ Even though I’m Jewish, I like the song because the singer has a deep voice, so I can sing it relatively well.”

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

“‘Mistletoe’ by Justin Bieber. It captures the feeling of holiday time without actually being redone. It’s catchy, but still has a holiday feel.”

Staff list

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About The Muse

Samantha Bilton, Audrey Green Rachel Anderson Alex Rehberg Daniel Milstein Nicole Hamilton Kelly Berger, Shawna Bilton, Dominique McKenzie Adriana Rahrig Aubrey Levin, Hunter Truman, Jennifer Yoon Francesa Otero-Vargas Kyle Bell, Esther Mendoza, Dana Miller, Tess Saperstein Mack Schroeder Tim DiTocco, Josie Russo, Camille Sanches Mack Schroeder, Hunter Truman Josie Graham Angelic Edery, Max Fields, Kevin Levine Kloee Ciuperger Elizabeth Lane, Valeria Rivadeneira, Mikeshia Lewin, Jensen Tate Laura Pitts Gabi Cohen, Maggie Patterson Tijienene Gordon, Emily Lane Enrique Orosco Alexandra Lopez Savannah Artusi, Jillian Adams Angelica Moreno Alec Zisson Max Fields, Josie Russo Oscar Carl Stephen Moore

Editorial Policy

The Muse is a national award-winning newsmagazine. The publication has won numerous awards from the National Scholastic Press Association including a Pacemaker in 2004, 2008 and 2011 and a Silver Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. This publication, and all six issues produced, is completely funded and created by its staff, advertisers and donors. Over 1,300 students and a multitude of instate and out-of-state 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 43 staffers, grades 10-12, from the Communications Department (and a cartoonist from the Visual Department) who work during and after school to make this publication possible. We would like to thank School of the Arts Foundation board members Lisa Marie Browne, Ralph Guild and Don Silpe for contributing generously to the 2011-2012 issues of The Muse. Your donations are greatly appreciated by everyone on this staff. Please visit our website at www. themuseatdreyfooos.com. g

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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.

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Dreyfoos School of the Arts 501 South Sapodilla Avenue West Palm Beach, FL, 33401 or call (561) 805.6252 The Muse December 2011

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Kylie McGinnis

Photo by Aubrey Levin

isual junior Kylie McGinnis painted this piece, “Owl and Mice,” as an experiment while she was in New York attending the pre-college summer program for the Pratt School of Art and Design. She hopes to continue pursuing art by attending Vassar College in New York and majoring in Painting and Art History.

Although usually influenced by classical paintings, McGinnis says the “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” inspired this piece. After reading these stories, McGinnis was inspired to paint something dark and creepy, just like the Brothers Grimm’s works. “I just found a piece of weird sort of wood from

Michael’s that you would usually use for tacky welcome things and I painted it with acrylic paint,” McGinnis said. “The use of wood has significance in a way because it wouldn’t have the same effect if it were on canvas or something. It makes it look older.” g

Written by Savannah Artusi