The Muse Issue 2 Vol.11

the the Volume 12

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Issue 2

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November 2014

TESTING OUR PATIENCE Today's students take more standardized tests than ever .

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Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

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TABLE In Print

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CONTENTS

ARTS Students teaching art

OP ED Too much Students apply their arts testing knowledge to teaching other

The onslaught of standardized tests is in the interest of policymakers and not students.

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OF

young artists.

ON THE COVER

NEWS Honoring inductions

Learn the ins and outs of induction season and the unique aspects of each club’s ceremony.

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FEATURES From DSOA to ‘Dance Moms’

Dance freshman Evan Gorbell works on the popular reality show “Dance Moms.”

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COVERSTORY Student’s take on testing

This cover story features statistics from a student survey on testing and questions the abundance of standardized testing.

Photo by Rowan Bennetti

In this cover story, students were surveyed on their experiences regarding testing.

As the amount of testing increases so do concerns.

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

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Communications freshman Steven Rahrig swims the breastroke against The Benjamin High School and Lake Worh Community High School. He won third place in the 200 yard individual medley race at the meet on Oct. 15.

SPORTS Becoming a triple threat

Visual sophomore Sophia Beaubien hones her skills in three sports.

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LIFESTYLE Fitness for real

A satire on fitness trends exposes the reality of what these exercises can be like.

Photo by Julia Horneck

Piano junior Nick Baldwin performs his piece at Impromptu on Oct. 10. See full Impromptu coverage on The Muse website including a Behind the Scenes video on the concert.

Jumbo Shrimp Inc., a band that features two Dreyfoos students, performs at Revolutions in CityPlace.

On the Web OP ED Ximena the Science Girl

This is a QR code. Scan it with your smart phone and it will take you directly to The Muse website.

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ENTERTAINMENT Jumbo Shrimp makes a splash

One girl’s endeavor to decode science topics into easily understandable explanations. Read her most recent column on the Google[x] Labs.

NEWS Fall Festival Check out the Fall Festival photos, videos and stories to see the highlights of the SGA event and the students’ spirit on Halloween.

Cartoon by Adrian Casanova

STAFFEDITORIAL

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‘IS OUR CHILDREN LEARNING?’

he infamous Bushism on education– “Is our children learning?”– has become a mantra for the corporate bigwigs and Florida lawmakers behind Florida’s new, benchmarkoriented standardized tests.

The FCAT is a fossilized comprehensive assessment test in the face of the state’s daunting overhaul. Now, concerned students, parents and teachers are preparing for an onslaught of unpopular, unnecessary and ultimately uneconomical exams.

The new policies are just as ridiculous as their cost: $220 million marks the price tag on Florida’s agreement with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), the Washington, D.C.based organization responsible for the state’s newest standardized tests. The price figure is just another absurd indication of Tallahassee’s steroid-injected testing policy, which includes evaluating kindergartners.

“I think we need to recognize that there is too much testing going on,” Miami-Dade School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said. “Assessment is important

but we need to reframe the issue about how many, how often and at what cost?”

The Sun Sentinel reports that in Palm Beach County alone, 400 different end-ofcourse assessments were designed, ranging from end-of-course assessments for physical education to music classes. Many of these tests are incomplete or underdeveloped, but the state is still adamant. With high school students already worrying about SATs, ACTs and SAT Subject Tests, the tidal wave of extra tests is not benefiting students.

“It appears the primary purpose is more about teacher evaluation than what’s in the best interest of students,” Palm Beach School District Superintendent, Dr. Wayne E. Gent said.

In 2011, Governor Rick Scott passed the Student Success Act, which tied teacher salaries to students’ standardized performances. Clearly, these tests are purely financial incentives.

Indeed, teachers, students and parents

have all rallied to protest the new policies and call for reform. But breaking the influence of Tallahassee policy-makers and their corporate cohorts is easier said than done. While the tests may be harmful to students, so are the financial consequences for opting out of Common Core testing, as Lee County School District is discovering.

The controversial topic has moved beyond Lee County and into a larger context. With the gubernatorial race heating up, testing has come to the forefront of both candidates’ campaigns. Governor Scott’s campaign rival, former Governor Charlie Crist, previously vetoed Senate Bill 6, which was similar to the Student Success Act. Florida’s embracing of rigorous testing, first endorsed by former governor Jeb Bush, is in antithesis to his brother’s policies of “No Child Left Behind.” Testing changes are too tied up in profits, at the expense of student learning. With the uproar echoing beyond the state borders and policymakers not backing down just yet, there is one pressing question that should appear on every student’s exam: “Is our representatives learning?” g

Contributor: Felipe Bomeny

OP ED

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APART IN DISTANCE, NEVER IN HEART Distance teaches valuable lesson about importance of friendship bonded over our mutual passion for writing, isiting my best friend costs $700. A call penchant for adventure and addiction to to her cell phone is 9 cents per minute. chocolate. For the ensuing two weeks, the two Having a conversation via Skype requires of us were inseparable. Our conversations tackling a seven hour ranged from time difference and politics to music, spotty Wi-Fi. The and our outings birthday present I from shopping sent her this August to swimming. arrived two weeks late.

Teachers and While I do not know peers would often the mileage between confuse us for Zikhron Ya’akov, Israel one another; our and Boca Raton, I can shared blonde hair measure the distance and glasses made each way in cost and the distinction all time. Though I cannot the more difficult. account for all the Saying “goodbye” geographic boundaries at the end of the between Israel and two week period Florida, I know their was a challenge, impact on a long as the prospect of distance friendship. reuniting wasn’t Two summers ago, probable.

I was introduced to A day or two Hannah Mendelsohn, may have passed an Israeli resident, before Hannah and while participating in I each downloaded a Young Women’s Skype onto our Photo courtesy of Kayliegh Rubin Writing Workshop at computers and Hannah Mendelsohn and communications senior Kayleigh Rubin (L-R) reunited this August at the Metropolitian Smith College. The formulated a Museum of Art in New York City. Despite living 6,534 two of us instantly schedule for our miles from each other, the pair hopes to see each other

Commentary by KayleighRubin

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weekly recaps. One week, I would log on at 5 p.m. and she would be online at 2 a.m. The next week I would be online at 1 a.m. and she would log on at 8 a.m. The plan worked for a month before becoming too exhausting and inconvenient to continue. Hannah and I now attempt to Skype once a month for two hours. The long distance connection often renders our conversations incomprehensible and morphs our faces into twisted swirls and deformed figures. We have not been able to talk on the phone and have only seen each other in person once for two hours since that summer. Despite this, our friendship still thrives. The difficulties of a long distance friendship make us appreciate one another’s company even more, and the differences in our perspectives allow for more meaningful conversations.

The other day someone asked me why I bother to maintain a long distance friendship when I could form a new friendship instead.

I rejected this idea immediately. Friendships should neither be products of convenience, nor should they be discounted due to inconvenience. Camaraderie should not be determined by the mileage, time or cost between individuals. Rather, friendships should form because of inherent value and continue because of trust and respect. g

again this Winter Break.

FINANCIAL LIT. MAKES COMMON CENTS Why every student should learn how to manage their money Commentary by MichaelWang

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s students struggle to inflate their HPAs by regurgitating solubility rules, names of 14th century wars and trigonometric identities, it seems that one question many are asking is whether that knowledge will ever be used in their life. For many, it won’t.

One of the most basic life skills needed to be self-sufficient, writing a check, is a mystery for many high-achieving students. With AP classes dotting transcripts, taking personal finance over AP Statistics is a dent to future college applications.

I’m going to venture to say that learning how to balance a checkbook might be more important that balancing double-displacement reactions. As TIME noted in October of last

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year, a survey revealed that 99 percent of all adults agreed with the statement that personal finance should be taught in high school. Florida doesn’t require a personal finance course, nor does it require any type of instruction about money management.

This means that as teenagers, who might not understand the importance of financial knowledge, we are misguided by Florida standards that basically say it isn’t important enough to be a high school class.

Dreyfoos should at least put in place a workshop for every student to learn about personal finance and money management.

Since an economics and government credit is required now to graduate, a segment of personal finance taught in this class would benefit students. When graduating seniors commit to loans upwards of $60,000 for a year of college, it is key to make sure they understand the ramifications before taking on

a loan of that magnitude.

To understand the atrocious financial literacy rate in America right now, we can turn to the PISA 2012 tests. PISA, or Program for International Student Assessment, is a standardized test given to 15 year olds across the world. One of the subjects was financial literacy, and like in every other subject, the United States did poorly, scoring between two countries (Latvia and Russia) that were communist a little over 20 years ago.

In order to not fall in the pit of debt, it is incredibly important for schools everywhere to teach financial literacy. Our economy is becoming highly complex, and it takes the know-how of managing your assets, and not the know-how of cramming the order of the Tudor monarchs, to succeed in the world. g

THE ‘FEAR’BOLA CRISIS Commentary by MorgaanJessell

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ear mongering could be more damaging than Ebola itself. In the aftermath of the Ebola outbreak in the United States, Americans have been panicking over the deadly virus.

The Obama Administration’s refusal to block flights over West Africa has raised questions about controlling the outbreak in the United States.

However, there’s no reason to freak out just yet.

Ebola is a hemorrhagic fever associated with fever fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. The outbreak in West Africa is the most severe in history.

It has killed over 3,000 West Africans and infected many more.

The first recorded case of Ebola in the United States claimed the life of Liberian national Thomas Eric Duncan. While the two nurses who cared for him were also affected, they are currently Ebola-free. However, there are still concerns over the disease reentering and spreading in the United States.

According to NBC News, employees

Is the fear of Ebola more terrifying than the deadly disease itself?

access to doctors and healthcare. Also, Ebola is very hard to catch compared to other infectious diseases because it can only be transmitted through body fluids.

Ebola, while frightening now, hasn’t done nearly the amount of damage compared to other diseases. In 1919, the influenza pandemic, which was spread by coughing, infected 500 million people across the world, killed 5 percent of the world’s population in a year, including 625,000 Americans—the equivalent of the total combat deaths in all our wars. Finally, if Nigeria (which is Africa’s most populous country) can become Ebola-free, then there is no doubt that the United States can also take proactive measures in staying clear of Cartoon by Adrian Casanova the disease. from the Centers for Disease Control and If you’re planning a trip to West Africa, Prevention will be added to four airports in however, I would advise you to exercise the fight against Ebola. The health workers extreme caution. Here in the United States, will question travelers about where they have though, the chance that you are going to been and take their temperatures. A fever be handling the body of someone who died can be one of the first symptoms of Ebola from Ebola is not too likely. Rather than infection, although it’s also a symptom of panicking and retrieving your hazmat suit, malaria, influenza and many other infections. just remember to practice good hygiene by Despite being an airplane ride away from washing your hands and avoiding touching countries plagued with Ebola, in the United your face since, after all, you’re more likely to States, unlike in Ebola hot zones such as contract the flu than Ebola. g Liberia or Niger, citizens have much better

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News

FROM

HONOR ROLL TO

HONOR SOCIETY

Fall is the season of inductions for prestigious societies Photo by Julia Horneck

Digital media junior Madelyn Winchester receives her certificate for being accepted into the National History Honor Society on Oct. 23 in the media center. Co-vice presidents band senior Katie Meyers and digital media senior Abby Greentree announced and handed out certificates to the new inductees.

by TaylorRich

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rom history to communications, honor society inductions are meant to celebrate the academic and artistic accomplishments of students. Being inducted into an honor society is worth more than just an honor cord; it is also a chance for students to excel in leadership roles and be noticed by notable universities. At Dreyfoos, the first few months of the school year can be referred to as the induction season.

Requirements for induction into different honor societies vary depending on the society’s focus. Students inducted into the Communications Honor Society needed a 3.5 GPA, A’s and B’s in their communications classes and active participation in the department. New inductees into National Honor Society needed to have a 4.125 HPA, and an application complete with three teacher recommendations.

IN THIS SECTION:

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Learn about how math teacher Ellen Reilly integrates the importance of arts in her Probability and Statistics and Geometry I classes.

Read about Detective Raja's investigation in finding a reason behind the ''Watch for Falling Coconuts'' signs stationed around the school..

“The requirements for NHS this year were a lot stricter than previous years,” NHS president and communications senior Shane Meyers said. “[NHS] increased the community service requirements this year to 15 hours per semester. It pushes students in NHS to become more active in their communities.”

After their prospective inductees met the induction requirements, honor society sponsors and officers got to work on planning their induction ceremonies. Honor societies like the National English Honor Society have been working diligently to make sure that their induction ceremonies ran smoothly. “[The NEHS induction] ceremony [took] place during lunch on Nov. 6 in Meyer Hall,” NEHS president and communications senior Carina Haack said. “The other [NEHS] officers, [English teacher Theresa] Beermann and I all helped set up the induction ceremony and speak to the inductees.”

At the National History Honor Society induction on Oct. 23, political columnist from the Palm Beach Post Frank Cerabino spoke to the new inductees about how politics and history play a role in his journalism columns.

He emphasized how important being a member of NHHS is because his children were Dreyfoos alumni.

“The problem with history is that it’s written by the winners,” Mr. Cerabino said.

“History is important because it helps determine the future.”

The students at the NHHS induction

learned a lot from Mr. Cerabino’s speech.

Among the topics he spoke about were journalism, history and politics.

“Mr. Cerabino was a great speaker,” NHHS recording secretary and communications senior Kayleigh Rubin said. “I feel like the students at the induction learned a lot from Mr. Cerabino. Having such a wonderful speaker at our induction ceremony was a fantastic experience.”

Being inducted into an honor society isn’t just for the addition of something interesting for a college résumé; inductions serve as an opportunity to become a leader and learn more about the focus of the honor society.

“Being able to qualify for an honor society is something that should always be celebrated. It’s an honor,” CHS sponsor and communications dean Angela Weber said. “[Honor society inductions] allow students to feel accomplished for their achievements. It’s always great for students to be proud of what they’ve done.”

Not only do inductions allow for students to showcase their achievements, but they also allow students to become more active in the honor society’s subject, Dreyfoos and the whole community.

“Having been inducted into honor societies instills in me a sense of pride,” strings senior Felipe Bomeny said. “Underclassmen should strive to become members of multiple honor societies when they are juniors and seniors because they offer great opportunities and experiences.”g

NEWS

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TEACHINGWITH Teachers implement the arts into their teaching styles

by RileyFreese

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ath classes are commonly portrayed as unimaginative and uninspired. But at Dreyfoos, students are often given projects to help connect the math lessons with their art area. Math teacher Ellen Reilly uses the artistic inclination of her students to further their understanding of math concepts.

The arts are known Ellen Reilly to benefit students, sometimes equating to higher test scores and an increased understanding of the topic. Ms. Reilly embraces this idea in her geometry and statistics classes by implementing the arts into both classes through unique projects and assignments.

“The arts give students a way to express themselves and makes them more wellrounded individuals,” Ms. Reilly said.

Not only can mathematical concepts be

practiced or demonstrated through the arts, but there are similar skills required for both.

“Studying the arts takes time, dedication and focus. These qualities reflect on academics as well,” Ms. Reilly said.

Posters demonstrating the artistic abilities of her students are hung all over Ms. Reilly’s room. She plans on widening the scope of her projects as the year progresses.

“My Probability and Statistics class made stem and leaf, histogram and box and whisker posters.

My geometry students will be making three dimensional shapes out of straws or nets,” Ms. Reilly said. “I am thinking about a project for all my classes that involves math haiku or songs similar to the quadratic formula song.”

Like studies suggest, Ms. Reilly’s students

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feel like the use of arts in the curriculum is a fun and educational way to understand math principles.

“We had to… draw a graph, but I decided to make mine nicer by drawing the tree and leaves since that relates to a real life stem and leaf,” visual junior Daniela Rappel said. “[The project] was for learning about graphing numbers in different ways, [and] getting a visualization for it.”

This is Ms. Reilly’s first year at Dreyfoos, so when it came time to augment her curriculum towards the arts she kept state testing in mind.

“I cannot make too many changes to the curriculum due to state testing,” Ms. Reilly said. “But I have tried to add creative activities and projects to my curriculum to keep the Dreyfoos students interested in and enjoying mathematics.” g

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HOW CAN I ATTEND DREYFOOS?

APPLY:

Applications will be available online at: www.mypbchoiceapp. com after 10/31/14. The deadline for Dreyfoos Applications is 12/12/14.

AUDITION:

Once your application is accepted by the Choice office, you will be assigned a date and time for your audition and will be notified via e-mail or US Mail with audition information.

PREPARE:

Begin preparing for your audition immediately.

You can visit www. awdsoa.org to find the latest audition requirements. Each art area has an individual audition process.

the

BRIEFS a collection of bite-size, noteworthy stories

FLU VACCINATIONS

by LexiMarcellino

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nfluenza is a contagious virus that usually spreads in the winter, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. On Sept. 29, students gathered in the lobby of Meyer Hall to receive the flu prevention nasal mist from Healthy Schools LLC, a medical team sent by the school district.

Dreyfoos faculty was pleased with the turnout of the vaccination.

“I thought it was a success. I hope to see more students and staff in the future,” school nurse Rose Dascanio said. g

GISHWHES

by MaryRasura

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heatre senior Margo Gellert is a member of Team Impala, which is the 2014 winning team of The Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen. Abbreviated as GISHWHES, it is an international scavenger hunt started by “Supernatural” actor Misha Collins. It promotes random acts of kindness and absurdity, such as giving flowers to a stranger or covering yourself in cheese. These tasks are assigned a point value, and participants gain points by photographing their tasks. The team who accumulates the most points wins GISHWHES. Team Impala’s grand prize is a trip to Croatia with Collins for a pirate-style adventure.

“Meeting my team members is definitely the best part,” Gellert said. “We all recorded our reactions when we found out and we’re just crying into the camera saying ‘I get to meet you guys!’” g

COLLEGE FAIR

by UmaRaja

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he annual college fair visited Dreyfoos for the third time on Oct. 8. Parents Julie Dolce and Lauren Jorgensen were the co-chairs of the fair. “[The college fair] provides opportunity for students to meet with college representatives and [alumni] and learn about various colleges,” Ms. Dolce said.

Over 70 colleges attended, including Princeton, Columbia, Harvard and state colleges such as the University of Florida and Florida State University. Each college had a booth manned by alumni or admissions officers and offered educational pamphlets and fill out forms for students to receive extra information about specific colleges. g

CUCKOO

FOR COCONUTS

Detective Raja digs to find the scoop on falling palm fronds and coconuts

Coconuts” and two that said “Watch for veryone likes a good mystery.

Falling Palm Fronds.”

Cold-blooded murder. Convoluted “The district can’t remove the trees. robberies. “Watch for Falling Coconuts” They were donated,” Mr. Barrett said. “The signs. I decided to do some investigative [palm trees] were used to [brighten up] journalism about the “Watch for Falling the campus. Then they turned into selfCoconuts” sign by Building 2. Through shedding trees. You think of [palm fronds] some harrowing interrogations, I cracked as not very heavy, but they can break your the story behind the case. I started out by arm or cause a concussion.” attempting to gather clues from students.

There have been no further incidents “I’ve never seen a coconut fall on since the signs were put up. The mystery campus,” strings sophomore Anushka was solved, but I wanted more details. I Gotmare said. “Has anyone ever been headed out to interview the victim of the injured by a falling coconut in the history crime: Mr. Webb. of the campus?”

“As I’m walking [out of Building 1 a Dreyfoos palm frond] hit me students were [on my right arm],” intrigued by the Mr. Webb said. “[The mystery, but they frond] was 6 feet seemed to have long and it dropped more questions on me from 30 feet than answers. I high. Once [my moved on to higher injury] swelled Mr. ranking officials.

Miller grabbed me My first stop was and took me to the Assistant Principal clinic to make sure Leo Barrett. that nothing was Mr. Barrett broken. It hurt for a told me that two little while, but it was years ago a palm nothing major.” frond hit physical The four signs education teacher have been placed in John Webb and various crime scenes. bruised his arm.

Two signs that read Shortly after Mr. “Watch for Falling Webb was injured, Palm Fronds” are in another tragedy the student and staff Photo by Julia Horneck occurred. A second Three victims duck from projectile coconuts in one of parking lots. One the four warning signs on campus. palm frond fell “Watch for Falling in the student parking lot, damaging a Coconuts” sign is between the back of student’s automobile. It was decided that Building 3 and Building 4. Another is students and staff alike needed a sign to placed next to Building 2. warn them about the perilous palm trees.

“All students and staff should be “I remember walking around with more observant of our environment,” district [representatives] to [indicate] the Mr. Barrett said. “We get used to walking best place to put the signs,” Mr. Barrett without [noticing nature], and I’m not just said. talking about coconuts and palm fronds.

Administration realized that palm In life, we need to be more observant of fronds weren’t the only threat to innocent our environment.” students. Coconuts would soon fall This is Detective Raja signing out. g on their own time. Four signs were placed, two that said “Watch for Falling

by UmaRaja

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NEWS

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Features

DANCING

ACROSS THE COUNTRY Dance freshman Evan Gorbell steals the spotlight on hit Lifetime show 'Dance Moms'

Photo courtesy of Evan Gorbell

Dance freshman Evan Gorbell executes a grand jete onstage while performing a contemporary piece at the Intrigue Dance Convention on Oct. 25 and 26.

by StarrCourakos and KaraiMcLean

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s he stepped out onto the auditorium stage, rotating cameras captured dance freshman Evan Gorbell’s every leap, turn and lift. Cloaked in white from head to toe, Gorbell and partner Alyssa Chi depicted characters from an epic love story in their duet, Stars Align. After the final fouette, Gorbell and Chi exited the stage, awaiting the results of the competition. The stakes were at their highest; Gorbell and Chi had been selectively chosen from dozens of dancers to perform for Candy Apples Dance Center (CADC) on “Dance Moms” and compete against Maddie Ziegler and Gino Cosculluela, two dancers on the show. During the ceremony, Gorbell and Chi were awarded the highest scoring duet of the competition, making “Dance Moms” history and beating the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) prodigies’ performance.

“I sent in a video for ‘Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition’ and they interviewed me for [the show],” Gorbell said. “I didn’t get the role but they ended up needing a dancer for ‘Dance Moms’ and they had me on file so they called me. They set up a Skype interview with

IN THIS SECTION:

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Although the day is both historical and celebratory, Thanksgiving is not the only important day in November.

Learn about other prominent dates in This Month in History.

To alleviate the pressures of choosing a club to stick with throughout the year, use this guide to decide which student organization fits your personality.

me and my mom to ask us questions. I was fortunate enough to be chosen.”

After Gorbell was chosen to appear on the show and compete with CADC, he used his talent to compete against the girls that he once watched on television. Gorbell was even expected to meet the demanding schedule of a child in the television industry.

“I worked on the show three times for a week at a time. I would fly out on Tuesday and come back on Sunday,” Gorbell said. “It was really cool to see how a reality show works behind the scenes.”

At the end of the last season, Gorbell and the rest of the CADC traveled to Los Angeles to compete in In10sity (Intensity) National Dance Competition. In LA, they were once again pitted against the ALDC. CADC received fifth place, while the ALDC got first. Before the competition even began, the rivaling companies broke out into a dance battle on the streets of LA. “There was a select team that they hired specifically for the show,” Gorbell said. “I went and competed against the girls that are always on the show. At first I was a little starstruck, but after getting to know them, I found out that they were all really nice.”

While spending time with the companies, Gorbell realized that things didn’t stay sweet for too long. The fights didn’t occur solely on the stage, or even in the streets. Words flew as often and far as outstretched legs and pointed toes. According to Gorbell, the show is far from scripted; there are outbreaks and conflicts that didn’t even make the cut.

“Everyone’s all nice unless something goes down,” Gorbell said. “The [moms] really don’t hold back, and there are so many fights that aren’t even on the show.”

Despite the intimidation and constant

competition on the show, Gorbell was able to realize that behind the glitz and glamor, the dancers are all normal people who share a common love of dance. Now that he has started his first year of high school, Gorbell is thankful for the experience he has had on the show.

“I had such a great time working with both companies,” Gorbell said. “I learned lessons on not just dance but dealing with people in the real world. I wouldn’t be the same dancer without that experience.”g

Photo courtesy of Evan Gorbell

Dance freshman Evan Gorbell (far right) and four members of CADC prepare to perform in their first competition against the Abby Lee Dance Company in New York City.

Their group piece was titled Conspiracy Flight.

FEATURES

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THIS MONTH IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER More than just deep fried turkey and pumpkin patches Commentary by DanielMontoya

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ovember brings lots of things: a Floridian’s idea of arctic-level weather and “No Shave November.” But aside from the 72 degree weather and an abundance of teenagers with sparse facial hair, November is also a historical month.

Nov. 2, 1920

The first commercial radio broadcast took place in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Nov. 2,1920.

Westinghouse Electric Vice President Harry P. Davis discovered the potential of radio when he saw an advertisement for a wireless set that could be used to listen to radio.

This allowed students everywhere to listen to their favorite morning radio show with their AM radio. Since then, radio has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry, according to a study by Woods & Poole Economics.

Now stations constantly play 411- PAIN commercials at an annoying ‘‘frequency’’ and the same song ten times an hour.

Nov. 5, 1935

Monopoly: the game that is singlehandedly responsible for tearing apart families and destroying friendships. Today, almost everybody knows the iconic Monopoly Man, an obvious participant in“No Shave

November”. However, most do not know the full story behind Uncle Pennybags’ creation.

Using her loose change, inventor Elizabeth Phillips came up with the original concept of Monopoly, called The Landlord’s Game, in 1903. Her idea was to create a game that “practically demonstrates the present system of land-grabbing with all its usual outcomes and consequences.”

Phillips sold the patent of her game for $500 (not in Monopoly money) to Parker Brothers, the company behind other classic games such as Scrabble and Risk. After the purchase, Parker Brothers turned it into the Monopoly we know today.

Now you know who to thank when you go bankrupt, get sent to jail and threaten to injure your friends and family with the board and its various pieces.

Thanksgiving

the whole family gets together to eat and celebrate. This is easier said than done. Some family members end up fighting about how to cook or question whether the turkey should be allowed in the house because of it’s ‘‘fowl’’ language.

When the family isn’t busy cooking a big bird, they are watching Big Bird make his way through Manhattan in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This tradition of blowing up characters to float down the street dates back to 1924. Despite the Graphic by Amanda Goodman commotion, all that matters at the end of the day is the nice family dinner we get to enjoy. g

In case you are living under a rock, this is a wonderful holiday in November where

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FEATURES

FINDING LOVE IN THE CLUB Align your club choices with your interests and goals Commentary by RileyO’Connor

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t a school where clubs are tailored to suit a variety of interests ranging from napping to Harry Potter appreciation, nearly every student can find a club to fit their interests and personality. Of the 61 clubs at Dreyfoos this year, the ones featured below might just inspire you to join.

Dreyfoos Humane- The Animal Lover

That Instagram account you devoted to your French bulldog does not automatically make you the perfect candidate Graphic by Morgaan Jessell for this club. The Dreyfoos Humane goes beyond the simple appreciation of your purebred.

Members should be driven to make this world a better place for every animal. As a member, expect to make efforts to improve the treatment of elephants across the world and help find good homes for local homeless pets.

Spoonies- The Kind and Compassionate

All food lovers: please sit down. This club isn’t about the appreciation of food or anything related to actual spoons. Rather, the club is based on The Graphic by Kayleigh Rubin Spoon Theory - the idea that although one may not appear physically ill, that individual could nevertheless be suffering from a chronic illness. Spoonies allows fellow students to come together and discuss the struggles of dealing with an illness or anything else that crosses their minds throughout the day.

“It’s a safe place to voice your opinions about chronic illnesses, whether you have one or someone you know has one,” theatre junior and club president Jaycie Cohen said. “The

club is here to help you connect with people and be there to support each other.”

Being an understanding and caring person makes you the perfect fit for this club, because expressing your feelings openly is a large part of being a member. Knowing how to comfort and listen to those going through their own personal battles is equally important.

A Prom to RememberThe Philanthropist

SECME – The Aspiring Engineer

Taking the option of brain over brawn, students in the Science Engineering Communication Mathematics Enrichment (SECME) club pit themselves in battles Graphic by Claudia Zamora of intelligence against students from other schools.

Competitions include building bridges, constructing mouse trap cars and creating a visually appealing banner. Perfecting math and science skills are all a part of this club.

Students can even earn scholarships for their participation in events and competitions.

“I think [SECME] is for anyone that is interested in the sciences. [Those who aren’t,] you always need to try out things and see if you like them,” club sponsor and science teacher Sherry Little said.

For those with dreams of becoming some kind of an engineer, or simply those with an interest in math and science, SECME is sure to be their desired club. g

Putting the wishes of others above your own is what A Prom to Remember is all about.

Members of this club spend the year raising money for the organization dedicated to hosting a prom for kids with cancer. Most fundraisers Graphic by Morgaan Jessell they conduct even feature cancer patients and survivors. Next semester, a female survivor is coming to help crown a male Dreyfoos student as the winner of the Mr. Dreyfoos Beauty Pageant. These events all lead up to the special prom they put together for cancer patients, giving them a night they’ll never forget.

“It’s just so beautiful to see all the kids walk down the red carpet and have the time of their life,” dance junior and club vice president Olivia Izenwasser said.

P RI NCI P L E D ESIG N E R A selfless individual would fit in perfectly INTERIOR DESIGN, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, among the other HOME REDESIGN, EVENT, PARTY, HOLIDAY STYLING members of A Prom to Remember as they try to make an PAT R I C E F L A S H N E R F I T Z G E R A L D . C O M unforgettable night for SWEETDESIGNGROUP@GMAIL.COM 561.212.8620 those who deserve one most.

PATRICE FLASHNER FITZGERALD

FEATURES

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graphics by Madeleine Fitzgerald and Morgaan Jessell

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by TiffanyAbreu

extbooks are slammed open as students flip through the pages. They grimace as they rummage through bags for their flash cards. Paper cuts line the palms of their hands as they clench pencils like a lifeline, attempting what must be their fourth essay that day.

The teachers are in equal disarray as they struggle to cram in one more lesson before the FSA (Florida Standards Assessment) falls upon them - but there is too much to learn and too little time to teach it.

This year marks the start of a new era of testing with new standards and new exams, and it seems that only a few are prepared.

Testing v. The District

“We all have a serious concern about appropriate implementation and appropriate assessment of students,” said Cheryl Alligood, former Chief Academic Officer of the Palm Beach County School District.

The Palm Beach County School District has been hit by wave after wave of new

standards in testing, starting with the replacement of the Florida Comprehension Assessment Test (FCAT) with the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) as mandated by the state. Another state mandate is the inclusion of end of course exams (EOCs) for every available course, including art courses.

This means around 800 tests are planned for integration into the curriculum, 41 of which are already in development.

The district has met these new standards with apprehension. On Sept. 17, it passed a resolution calling for the state to slow down the testing process and give the schools a three-year transition period. As it is, schools have one year to teach students how to pass a test the FSA, a test the teachers themselves are not accustomed to. The resolution also calls for a reduction in testing and asks that test scores not be used to evaluate teachers.

The resolution stated, “It is widely recognized that standardized testing is an inadequate, limited and often unreliable measure of both student learning and educator effectiveness.”

The district aims to alleviate this burden by giving the teachers more time to familiarize themselves with the new

expectations. “[The resolution’s purpose was] to ask the state to pause or put a halt on implementation of the new tests so that we have enough time to truly get all our materials, information, and properly train our teachers,” Ms. Alligood said. “It’s coming on a very short timeline.”

Testing v. The Students

The students who have to sit through these exams have mixed feelings over the exam material, their usage, and the preparation required for each test. With several standardized exams to worry about, such as AP exams, the PSAT, the SAT, the ACT, the FSA and EOCs, and other forms of testing like juries and final exams, it can be stressful for any student.

Twenty-five percent of students believe testing is required to measure student proficiency. Thirty percent believe EOCs for all courses, including continued on page 16

COVERSTORY 15

Did you feel that you were ready to take the AP Human Geography class as a freshman?

12% did not take 44% yes

44% no

Do you think standardized testing is necessary to measure student proficiency?

25% yes

75% no

Do you think that end-of-course exams in all classes, including art classes, are necessary?

31% yes

69% no

Have you ever randomly bubbled the scantron on a standardized test?

53% no 47% yes

Which do you take more seriously?

42% equally

9% standardized tests

49% finals and juries

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COVERSTORY

continued from page 15 art classes, are necessary.

“Testing may seem unnecessary, but it is the only way for colleges and universities to gauge a student’s proficiency and capabilities,” strings junior Aaron Shulman said.

Not all students share this outlook on testing with EOCs in art areas.

“An arts EOC will take away from the passion and time students have to practice their art,” digital media junior Alexandria Glynn said. “Instead of working on our trade we will be forced to study redundant technical information for a test.”

All incoming freshmen with adequate FCAT scores are automatically sorted into AP Human Geography. Because of this, AP Human Geography is almost a “default” course - unless disputed, students are automatically placed into it. The majority of Dreyfoos students took AP Human Geography as their first AP course. Fortysix percent of students believe AP Human Geography should be a required course to incoming freshmen.

“Whether or not all freshmen should be required to take it, I believe it’s definitely one of the easiest AP courses so it’s a good way to ,get used to the AP style,” band junior Victoria Rossi said.

The use of the FSA over the FCAT has many juniors upset –whereas previously students were finished with the FCAT by the 11th grade, juniors will be required to take the FSA. “I think it’s unfair because throughout my entire educational career I was told that the last writing test I’d ever have to take would be in the tenth grade,” Rossi said.

“However, after my big sigh of [relief ] last semester, I come into this school year finding out [the rules had changed and I would] still have to take another [standardized test].”

Many students find issues with the use of state standardized testing and what little meaning they have to the student’s future, specifically in the case of college applications.

In contrast, students worry about the importance of national tests such as the ACT and SAT, and how they affect their college prospects. Of the ACT, SAT, EOC, and FSA, 56 percent of students say the SAT is the exam they take the most seriously.

“I think the SAT is better than [other] standardized testing because colleges actually care about that test,” communications senior Stephan Gawlikowski said.

Perhaps one of the few things the majority of students do agree on is that

students are being over tested.

“Testing and standardized tests have become so overwhelming,” communications sophomore Margot Heiser said. “Now students spend all their time studying for tests they have no interest in, instead of studying the things they are passionate about.”

Testing v. Faculty

Assistant Principal George Miller is in charge of testing at Dreyfoos and is not a fan of the state mandates. “[The new state mandates] mean more work for me,” Mr. Miller said. “And more accountability for the teachers.”

As the administrator in charge of testing, Mr. Miller creates all schedules for testing days, a task that will become more grueling with the growing number of exams.

“Any test we give disrupts the normal school day,” Mr. Miller said. “Testing is so complex nowadays. With all the testing that’s coming down, there should be a person whose sole job functionality is testing.”

Despite that, the school benefits from standardized testing financially. For every student who passes an AP exam, the school is granted between $600 and $1000 in funding. The amount varies based on a formula used by the state and district.

At Dreyfoos, teachers have faced the new standards with mixed feelings.

English teacher Geoffrey Johnston teaches both honors and AP courses. Under the new state mandates his AP students must take the AP exam and the FSA. One of many arguments against standardized testing is “teaching to the test” - focusing the course on how to pass a specific exam instead of mastering the material.

“There can be a temptation to teach to the test, since assessments have a lot attached to them. Tests show natural mastery of content.

Successful assessment reflects a successful class,” Mr. Johnston said. “Assessments should be a natural extension of a great class, not a focal point of the experience. Teaching to the test means that the test is the focal point, not the end result of a successful [educational] experience.”

While Mr. Johnston sees the usefulness in assessments, he believes that students are over tested. Math teacher and

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AP

FCAT/FSA

FCAT/FSA

Which Which exam do do most you take the most seriously? you exam take the seriously?

FCAT/FSA

FCAT/FSA

AP

AP

ACT

ACT

EOC

EOC

SAT

SAT

%

56%

SAT

SAT

%

6%

ACT

ACT

%

12%

EOC

EOC

%

20%

AP

AP

%

6%

FCAT/FSA

FCAT/FSA

graphic by Dana Thomas

magnet coordinator Patrick Marshall agrees.

“I think you need some level of assessment, but I think we’ve gone overboard in the state of Florida,” Mr. Marshall said.

“I like [testing] because it shows if the student knows the material.

I don’t like it because it creates stress for the student. “ Mr. Miller agrees that students are over tested, but doesn’t deny the importance of testing.

“Just because you keep weighing the hog, doesn’t mean it will get fatter,” Mr. Miller said. “Should there be a test on reading? Yes, absolutely, no question about it. To graduate past the 10th grade without knowing how to read is [a problem]. But there are all kinds of reading - can you compare and contrast, analyze, find cause and effect? How do you measure the types of reading?”

Arts teachers have not welcomed the introduction of EOCs to all courses, although they will be in art courses

in the future.

Communications dean Angela Weber and communications teacher Stephen Moore were asked to assist in drafting exams for speech and debate and journalism courses.

“The EOC is based on the state standards,” Ms. Weber said. “Because the standards are vague and debate and journalism EOCs are under language arts, I have to meet those standards.”

Though required by the state, Ms. Weber is not thrilled with the use of art EOCs. ‘‘We do juries,” Ms. Weber said.

“I don’t see why we need to do an EOC. We are testing from October to May. It’s crazy.” g

In a survey distributed by The Muse, 646 students were questioned on their views and opinions on their experiences relating to standardized testing.

PUTTING TESTS TO THE TEST All these acronyms can get confusing.

Here’s a study guide to what they really mean.

AP stands for... a) Annoying Pain b) Actual Problems c) Advanced Placement d) Already Panicking SAT stands for... a) Students Are Tortured b) short Amount of Time c) It doesn’t stand for anything anymore. d) Sudden Anxious Tears ACT stands for... a) All Children Tried b) Alarmingly Clueless Time c) American College Test d) Already Can’t Think FSA stands for... a) Florida Students’ Agony b) Fairly Stupid Assessment c) Florida Standards Assessment d) Florida Seems Aimless

COVERSTORY

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Arts

JUMPSTART TH E

ARTS

Dreyfoos juniors take the opportunity to share their artistic talents with children

by MichelleBirch

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any Dreyfoos students continue to practice their art areas even after they leave school for the day. But most take an art class, not teach one. Communications junior Cassandra Adair and theatre junior Rachael Labes have taken their diverse artistic talents to another level, each teaching their own dance and theatre classes.

Though her in-school concentrations are creative writing and TV production, Adair has diversified her artistic skills and teaches her own dance classes once a week at Spotlight of Wellington dance studio.

“I’ve been dancing at the same studio for almost six years now and the owner, [Niki Gilberti], who has been a mentor to me, sees my potential as a teacher,” Adair said. “She gave me the opportunity to teach my own class so that I can continue to grow as a dancer and as a leader.”

In contrast, Labes has focused on a single art: teaching improvisational classes at InterAct theatre camp and using those skills in her own acting.

“I’ve been going to InterAct for 10 years and I think of it as a second home,” Labes said. “[In] my class specifically I like to focus on getting the kids out of their comfort Photo courtesy of Rachael Labes Theatre junior Rachael Labes (center) ends the summer at InterAct with her students. zones and seeing how Labes has been teaching improvisational theatre classes for three years. far they can go.”

Labes and Adair both confidence. I love watching them grow.” find ways to individualize the way they teach Providing a cohesive and comfortable their classes. Having started as students, environment for their students has helped they were able to pinpoint the most effective many of them grow and become more ways to teach a class. confident in themselves.

“I like to create an area that is “A lot of these kids are introverted and comfortable. Sometimes in the midst of a creative, so I think being surrounded by class, we get off talking about something other people like them is good for the kids,” that has nothing to do with dance,” Adair Labes said. said. “Because I have connections with my “I’d like to think that I’ve inspired students, they know that they can mess students to continue on dancing. I’d also like up, that they don’t have to be perfect. A to think that I’ve been a role model to them,” successful learning environment needs to be Adair said.” “I know that they look to me for messy.” guidance and I try my hardest to be a person Teaching young children eager to learn that they should look [up] to.” g renews the spirit of artistic students, creating a rekindled passion for the things they love.

“It’s really refreshing to teach these kids who are really passionate about the arts and theatre and to see what creative ideas the future generations have for the arts,” Labes Two Dreyfoos juniors take the initiative to teach dance and theatre classes to said. “The kids are really great and funny and children. remind me of my childhood, so it’s great to see them having fun.”

Theatre alumnus Nicholas Galarza “Their passion inspires me. I have a few starts his journey to making it in the big city, skipping college to pursue acting girls who didn’t quite have the rhythm at and stand-up comedy. first. They were sort of awkward and unsure of themselves,” Adair said. “But they stuck Read about what the other art areas are working on in this issue's Arts Index. it out and kept coming week after week.

I’ve seen their dedication create this new

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Photo by Bailey Van Putten Vink

Communications junior Cassandra Adair (front) teaches class on Fridays at Spotlight of Wellington dance studio. She teaches hip-hop and also leads a Christian dance crew called “Lost & Found.”

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DREYFOOS

ALUMNUS MAKES IT

BIG

Nicholas Galarza achieves his goal of becoming a professional actor and comedian in California

Photo by the 2011 Muse Staff

Nicholas Galarza (left) plays the role of ''Puck'' in the 2012 Dreyfoos spring musical Photo of Nicholas Muse filecourtesy photo 2011 ''Midsummer.''

Galarza

by BrittanyMcKenzie

W

hile Dreyfoos alumni traditionally choose to attend Ivy League, state or technical colleges, theatre alumnus Nicholas Galarza decided to skip college and focus on his career as an actor and stand-up comedian.

Galarza is best remembered at Dreyfoos for his role as Puck in the 2012 spring musical “Midsummer.”

Galarza graduated in 2012 and the play still remains one of his favorite acting performances.

“Regardless of all the things I have done, ‘Midsummer’ was by far the most memorable,” Galarza said. “It was an experience that I will never forget and it stays with me not because it was my best performance but just the overall production itself.”

Galarza is making a name for himself in Los Angeles, doing stand-up comedy and making appearances on television shows such as “CSI” and “My Stepbrother is a Vampire.” Making the move to California shortly after graduating was a difficult, but integral, part in building his career.

“It was crazy. I thought about it for a while then finally I just went for it,” Galarza said. “I lived out here for six months with no couch. I had to just make my way slowly. It was such a big deal and it overshadowed any negativity that was happening at the time.”

Galarza fears audiences won’t take his comedy seriously due to his age.

“In LA, I am one of the youngest professional stand-up comedians, “Galarza said. “I started as soon as I graduated and my first time doing stand-up was at the West Palm Beach Improv in CityPlace.”

Galarza believes stand-up is more challenging than acting due to the immediate and direct criticism that comedians can receive from the audience while on stage.

“It is rough because I am only 20 years old,” Galarza said. “People don’t believe me if I am cracking jokes on relationships; they just assume I have no life experience because I am so young.”

Even after the move Galarza had to adjust to the new environment and focus on re-establishing himself and making new business connections.

“It is easier in Florida since it is so Photo courtesy of Nicholas Galarza much smaller than LA,” Galarza said. “[In LA] I had to build my name Galarza sits in a ''CSI'' cast chair after making his appearance as Mike Lassek in a 2014 episode entitled "''Long Road Home.'' by making new relationships and meeting new people. I had to build my

20 ARTS

reputation.”

Galarza’s dream of becoming an actor forces him to become a character and sometimes abandon all traces of his own personality.

“I started acting to entertain. I thought being myself was enough, but it is not like that. I lose everything to try and make my transformation pretty exact,” Galarza said.

“I try to reflect on what I would do as a character, to try and make it organic, but essentially I lose myself.”

Galarza found it more difficult being in California because there is such a multitude of talented actors.

“It is a whole new world [with] much more talent, people and personalities. In Florida I felt like a big fish in a small pond but here I am normal fish in a big ocean,” Galarza said.

Galarza does not credit his success to what he learned at Dreyfoos, but he does feel the school built on the innate skill he already had.

“I wouldn’t say it prepared me; Dreyfoos took what I had and developed it,” Galarza said. “I already had the skill from the beginning. They did not create actors at Dreyfoos, I was already doing auditions. It was nurturing, it was a big warm up.”

Galarza hopes that his work now will create a base for a successful career.

“I really just hope to be doing what I am doing now just on a larger scale—with stand up and acting and just living my dream,” Galarza said. “Acting is obviously my passion and [at] the forefront [of my ambitions] but I just want to succeed in both acting and standup.” g

Arts Index

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

DANCE

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he dance department is now in preparation for their Winter Concert. Every grade level will take part, but juniors and seniors will be mixed together in their pieces while freshmen and sophomores have their own individual dances.

“This year we have a fun jazz piece, a few ballet pieces and some cool contemporary stuff. Every day up until the concert we will be rehearsing for it, with our guest choreographers Christopher Huggins and Ryan Redman,” dance senior Hayley Mertens said. g

THEATRE

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ap workshops for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” started on Sept. 22. and continued through Oct. 6. Students have been preparing their individual and group pieces for the International Thespian Society (ITS) competition. “The Ugly Duckling” will be held in the Brandt Black Box Theater from Nov.15-22. g

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

Band freshman Cienna Camilleri practices the marimba in preparation for her next performance.

MUSIC T

he band department had their first concert on Oct. 2.

“I think it went as well as a first concert could have gone,” band junior Nick Zarins said. “It showed us as a band what we play well, as well as what needs improvement.”

The Chamber Winds Concert was held on Oct. 23.

Dreyfoos is one of three schools nationwide that qualified for the National American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) convention in February, which will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah. They will be performing in multiple locations in Salt Lake City.

There was a Strings Orchestra concert held on Oct. 22 in the Brandt Black Box Theater and there will be a Philharmonic Orchestra Concert on Nov. 12.

The entire music department is beginning preparation for the Prism concert, which will be held on Dec. 5 at the Kravis Center.

The piano department went on their annual New York City trip, visiting various music colleges and attending perfomances such as an ensemble concert at Juilliard, the New York Philharmonic and the Broadway play “Jersey Boys.” g

COMMUNICATIONS

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he speech and debate team attended the Blue Key tournament at University of Florida, which was held from Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The speech and debate team also attended a Palm Beach Catholic Forensics League tournament on Oct. 18. The team held the SpeakEasy fundraiser at Dreyfoos on Oct. 25, which was a showcase of the students’ speeches and live debates. Publication students are preparing to attend the National Scholastic Press Association convention in November. g

VISUAL AND DIGITAL

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he visual and digital departments are preparing for the upcoming trip to Art Basel. Art Basel is one of the largest contemporary art festivals in Miami.

“I’m most looking forward to getting a bunch of inspiration from the huge vast range of contemporary artwork,” visual sophomore Dalton Taylor said. “It’s a nice stress reliever from school, and was so memorable last year.” The trip will take place on Dec. 6. g

ARTS

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Sports

SOCCER STAR BECOMES

Participating in three sports makes visual sophomore Sophia Beaubien a year-round Jaguar athlete

TRIPLETHREAT JAGUAR PROFILE

by AlanaGomez

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t’s not too often that Dreyfoos has a student involved in more than one athletic program.

Even more unusual is a girl who participates in three. Visual sophomore Sophia Beaubien has been playing soccer since age 4 and, for her first time, has joined the cross country team and plans to try out for track and field during the spring season.

“I took a break [from soccer] and played basketball, gymnastics, cheerleading, dance and ice skating. [Then] I went back [to soccer] at age 7,” Beaubien said. “Soccer is my primary sport and takes up most of my time.”

Last year, Beaubien was on the Dreyfoos soccer team and she will be joining again this year.

“As a player, [Beaubien] has a relentless source of energy and always seems to be able to put forth her utmost effort and be where she needs to be,” girls soccer team captain and communications senior Alana Grnja said.

“Also, [Beaubien] is extremely fast; her speed is definitely a contributing factor to the team as we are able to play her balls at a full sprint and she can get to them every time.”

For two summers in a row now, Beaubien has been attending a soccer camp at the University of South Florida where she trains for the oncoming seasons. The camp lasts three days and Beaubien was required to wake up at 6 a.m. each morning and work

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Communications alumnus Alonso Rodriguez returns this season to coach the boys soccer team..

Check out a brief on what is happening in each of Dreyfoos' sports and how their season's progressing.

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out the rest of the day.

After this summer camp, Beaubien also attended a speed and agility camp for a week. “[At USF], we ran drills in the mornings,” Beaubien said. “[In the] afternoons we would do mini scrimmages and at night we would [play] games. We would be training three times a day.”

When she is not playing soccer for the Dreyfoos team, Beaubien is competing as a member of the Wellington Waves travel team. The team, U16 Blue Team, is Photo by Julia Horneck a top ranked team Visual sophomore Sophia Beaubien practices a soccer drill in preparation for the winter in the state and season. Beaubien plays the forward position where she focuses on the team's offense. offers Beaubien at Wellington High School. the opportunity to “My sister is amazing at cross country and experience the effects of being part of a group. track,” Beaubien said. “She inspired me to do According to Beaubien, the girls on the travel cross country and track and I trained with her team have morphed her into the person she is over the summer.” today and taught her that cooperation is key After realizing how much she enjoyed to success. running cross country, Beaubien decided “She’s a great team player,” Beaubien’s she wanted to join the girls track and field travel team coach Tony Cevallos said. “She team. Despite her inexperience in the sport, always thinks about teamwork. She knows Beaubien has already planned to run the 100 she has to do her part and if she doesn’t she and 200 meter races. lets the team down. She puts the pressure on “I have really good speed so that’s why I herself a lot.” thought I would be good for short distance,” This year, Beaubien has joined the Beaubien said. “Running is really relaxing Dreyfoos girls cross country team. Beaubien [and] track and cross country build up my is new to cross country and her best time endurance. I noticed this year that [my is 24:25. She became interested in the sport endurance] got stronger from cross because of her sister, a cross country runner country.” g

KICKIN' IT OLD SCHOOL

After playing for the U-15 Peruvian National soccer team, alumnus returns to coach soccer team

by AdamNir and JackReagan

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n 2003 the boys soccer team made understand some of the experiences that Dreyfoos athletic history. Under [Dreyfoos players] go through.” the coaching of social studies teacher Rodriguez’ coaching philosophy is Tom Ruth and led by team captain and to run intense conditioning exercises. communications alumnus (’05) Alonso By helping prospective players get into Rodriguez, the boys played in the state shape for the regular season, Rodriguez is semifinals match. After playing on the working to improve the teams record.

Peruvian U-15 national soccer team “We need to create a good team. We and training at their soccer academy, have a good freshman class as well as Rodriguez has returned to Dreyfoos to be some good sophomores that didn’t play the new boys soccer coach. last year,” Rodriguez said. “We need to Before attending Dreyfoos, Rodriguez help them develop; our goal is to win some lived in Peru where he attended a district games and do the best we can in professional soccer academy, giving him our district, taking into consideration we Photo by Bailey Van Putten Vink the opportunity to play on the National are a 3-A school playing in a 4-A district.”

Boys soccer coach Alonso Rodriguez returns to Dreyfoos after on the soccer team from 2003-'05. He lead the team to the Peruvian Soccer Team for boys under the playing Rodriguez must overcome the situation of state semifinals. age of 15. the team playing in a district of teams with Rodriguez said. “In my sophomore year we “I’ve played alongside some of the best a larger student body by improving practices went to the state semifinals.” players in Peru that play on the national and exercises done during practice.

Rodriguez feels confident about his team,” Rodriguez said.

“We need to run exercises that will apply position as coach due to his history and Rodriguez was able to claim a national the talents that our players have towards knowledge of the sport.

U-15 championship with the Peruvian team; soccer,” Rodriguez said. “They have creativity “[Since I was a player], I understand this championship was only the beginning of and organization. We need to create a soccer. Not only the situations in the game, Rodriguez’ soccer legacy. system that allows them to perform at their but also in practices,” Rodriguez said. “I know “When I moved [to Florida], I went to capacities.” g how to develop young players, as well as Dreyfoos and was soccer team captain,”

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SPORTS 23

SPORTSGUIDE A play by play of this season's meets, games and tournaments Cross Country

by JackYan

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he girls cross country team, keyboard senior Sean Fournier and theatre junior Mathew Dickinson are expected to qualify for regionals for the second year in a row.

“I’d like to improve my times. I’d like the whole team to run at districts and qualify for regionals,” communications junior Naomi Kelly said.

Fournier recently placed third at the Palm Beach County Cross Country Championships on Oct. 23 with a time of 16:46. At the same meet, visual junior Travis Moon ran a personal record of 18:46 and visual sophomore Kathryn Stenberg ran a personal record of 23:11. g

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Bowling

by AdamNir

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he girls bowling team has proved itself. The team has done well and is in third place in district rankings.

“It’s impressive how well we’re doing because we had mostly seniors last year,” digital media senior and girls team co-captain Emma

FALL Hillman said. “We didn’t think we’d have enough players this year, but we do. We have five.”

In their most recent game, the girls team came up short against Seminole Ridge.

“We bowled hard,” Hillman said. “We lost by a pin.” g

by AlanaGomez

F

Golf

or the second year in a row, digital media junior Bennett Ragan was the only boys golfer to qualify for regionals.

Ragan shot an 82 at districts and an 81 at regionals. His average is a 42.25. Right behind Ragan is band junior Ryan Hall with an average of 48.5. The team ended their season with a 0-4 record. g

Swimming and Volleyball

by TomasCabezas and BariBossis

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he boys and girls swim and dive team participated in a meet at the North Palm Aquatic Center on Oct. 15 against Lake Worth Community High School and The Benjamin School. Both teams won against Lake Worth, but the girls lost to Benjamin.

Communications senior and team captain Michael Rahrig won first place in the 200 individual

medley with a time of 2:08. Communications sophomore Nyna Van Eps won second place in the 200 freestyle finishing in 2:36.59. Band senior and team captain Nolan Mallet won first place in diving.

The girls volleyball team won against Palm Bay High School in their qualifying district match on Oct. 21. They advanced to the district finals, securing their spot in regionals. They finished their season with a record of 8-4, a record for the team. g

Lifestyle

YOUR WORKOUT AND YOU What your workout says about you Commentary by FelipeBomeny and BariBossis

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r. Oz’ excercise vision is alive in South Florida, where basically every middle-aged mom wears pink Juicy Couture sweatpants. From the most vigorous of calorie burning extravaganzas to simply climbing to the fourth floor of Building 1, here’s what your workout says about you.

Pure Barre

We know you actually don’t do the grueling workout. You show up in your Lululemon pants, pop a few squats and then leave to make an Instagram collage consisting of kale salad, cold-pressed juice and your local Pure Barre studio.

Yoga / Surfing

Most likely, you’re a girl who occasionally buys kombucha from your local yoga studio or surf shack. You abuse the words “Namaste,” “karma” and “vibes.” You probably own a poster of Ganesh, the elephant Hindu deity, despite being a Protestant. At one point, you also thought about burning incense in your room, until your parents thought you were trying to smoke.

Pilates

My grandmother does pilates.

Unless you’ve also gone through menopause, I don’t know why you’d do pilates. Isn’t it, like, basically yoga?

Spin Class

After forging your FLVS Physical Education workout log, you occasionally drop by LA Fitness, where you participate in a spin class with a

LEARN AND LUNGE

Library offers fitness classes

by GerniseGregoire

neon-obsessed instructor. You then leave after 15 minutes, telling the instructor you need a water break.

Instead, you hit up the nearby Auntie Anne’s kiosk, where you tell yourself that you’ve burned enough calories to warrant a glazed pretzel. Yum!

Lifting With Your Bros

“Nice pump, bro.”

“Thanks, bro.”

“Your ‘ceps look swole, bro.”

“Thanks, bro. You too.”

“Wanna work out your quads?”

“Nah, bro, I’m good. I only do my arms, bro.”

“Bro, wanna grab some protein shakes and watch ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ for like the seventh time?”

“Totally, dude.”

Slow, Introspective Walks Around the Neighborhood Lake

T

he LA Fitness on South Rosemary Avenue in City Place offers afterschool Zumba, while the Pure Barre down the street helps to tone, lift, and burn. Although it all sounds promising, the prices of these premiums tend to turn students away. Thankfully, there is hope. The local Palm Beach Mandel Library on Clematis Street has recently released the Fall Schedule for their free fitness classes which include Pilates, Zumba, yoga, Tai-Chi, teen jazz, karate, intro to ballet and more. There is no need to be a member to attend.

“I always thought that libraries only had books to offer. When I was researching online, I found a schedule to the fitness classes the Mandel Library had to offer,” digital media junior Madison Daorerk said.

Palm Beach Mandel Library may seem like a four story, awkwardly silent building filled with old books, but it also serves as a fitness wonderland. Above the dusty shelves, books and study rooms, lay classrooms filled with certified fitness coaches, available to assist those who are interested.

Nice quads, Henry David Thoreau.

You love listening to Drake or birdsong on walks, and you feel the need to Instagram a picture of your neighborhood lake and its surrounding trees, wading birds and sunsets. Is that Amaro or Mayfair?

Roller Skating

After the “Full House” Sunday re-runs finish for the day and you’ve gobbled up all of your grandmother’s tuna casserole leftovers, you proceed to knit yourself a multicolored yarn sweater as an early Hanukah present. You then pick up your roller blades and head down to the Boynton Beach Mall for a stroll. After you ride for a block and fall down three times, however, you decide to limp home and re-read Little House on the Prairie.

Football

Do you even go here?g

Photo by Gernise Gregoire

Visual juniors Emily Miller (left) and Kinsey Schorr participated in the Zumba class at the Mandel Library. This was their first time participating in a fitness class at the library.

Sara Franco, a dance alumna of the class of 2013 now teaches at the Mandel Library. After graduating, as a trainee at Ballet Met in Columbus, Ohio, she broke her tibia. Once surgery was completed, she came back to West Palm Beach, Florida, to enroll in college classes, and study as an athletic training major. Through the Mandel Library website, she found a job as a dance and Zumba instructor.

“I’m teaching an actual Jazz Technique class.

Many people do not think that the library and dance go together but it can,” Franco said. “Students can get a good background on an art that they probably wouldn’t be exposed to otherwise.”

Students can join a class and be in the presence of others who aim towards a similar goal, losing weight and gaining happiness. Going to the gym to lose weight is no longer an issue, since students can go to their local library and do the same.

“Why would I pay to walk or run in doors for 60 minutes, when I could dance and practice defensive moves, burning even more calories in the same amount of time for free?” Daorerk said. g

Graphic by Dana Thomas

LIFESTYLE

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november 20, 2014 – february 15, 2015

This exhibition has been organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, Minneapolis/Paris/Lausanne. Local presentation of this exhibition is made possible with support from The Sydelle and Arthur I. Meyer Endowment Fund.

www.norton.org 1501 S. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401

26 AD

image Guy Bourdin, French Vogue, February 1955 Š Estate of Guy Bourdin Reproduced by permission of Art + Commerce

Entertainment

JUMBO SHRIMP

SPLASHES ONTO THE SCENE

by IsaacOchoa

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he lights dim around the platform while the stage’s blue beacon intensifies to prepare the audience for the night’s performance. Four teenagers gather on a stage a few inches tall. The audience sits still.

The band members confidently grab their microphones to introduce themselves, their voices flowing with ease. Only in high school, they are the one and only Jumbo Shrimp Inc. Theatre sophomore Ben Rothschild, lead singer and guitarist, starts up “Fall Apart,” the band’s recently released song available on iTunes. Strumming his guitar, Rothschild plays by himself until the other three members join in an enthusiastic opening.

Theatre junior Angel Leiser plays the bass.

Junior John Cardillo III of Palm Beach Gardens High School beats to the rhythm on his drums while eighth-grader Dylan Thomas from Bak Middle School of the Arts jams on his guitar. Leiser, Cardillo, Thomas and Rothschild share a passion for music that reflects in Jumbo Shrimp Inc. In 2012, Thomas and Rothschild started Jumbo Shrimp Inc. on an open mic-night at The South Palm Beach School of Rock as a two-person ensemble with a sit-in drummer. The band aimed to create authentic rock with influences from personal favorites such as Pink Floyd, Young The Giant, Foo Fighters, Arctic Photo by Rowan Bennetti Monkeys, Eighth-grader of Bak Tame Impala Middle School of the and The Arts, Dylan Thomas, is a member of the band Beatles.

Jumbo Shrimp Inc. “We’re trying to capture the vibe [of rock] while keeping our music more [relaxed]. I just want to make music that is easy to listen to in headphones and sounds good in cars,” Rothschild said.

Soon after the band’s creation, Rothschild and Thomas scouted for a bassist and drummer to complete their group. They knew Cardillo and Leiser from The School of Rock, a music

academy in which they all actively participate, and added them to their group. In order to move forward, they needed to find a name. “Jumbo Shrimp Inc.” was discovered on a createband-name generator.

As up-and-coming artists, however, the band has met several difficulties in its development.

“Gigging on Friday and Saturday nights has been one of our biggest obstacles along with finding a balance between school and the band. Dreyfoos [demands] a lot of a dedication and we have practices for The School of Rock Band every Friday from 5 [p.m.] to 8 [p.m.],” Leiser said. “Overall, finding Photo by Rowan Bennetti good gigs that open more doors Theatre junior Angel Leiser plays Jumbo Shrimp Inc.'s recently released for our band has been our song, ““Fall Apart,“ at Revolutions in CityPlace. The band performs at [greatest] challenge.”

Revolutions on the first Wednesday of every month..

Despite the academic first self-titled EP with five songs, which is rigor in their schools, the band has available on iTunes for 99 cents, yet the band managed to perform at Revolutions in continues to write singles to have a sturdy CityPlace, Swampgrass Willys in Palm music repertoire for fans to enjoy.

Beach Gardens and the Ritz-Carlton in “We keep ourselves busy. In October, we Naples with the help of dedicated parents recorded three songs in Miami and plan to do such as Cathleen Scott, Dylan Thomas’ more, but the future is a bit foggy because of mother. Mrs. Scott has promoted the band our age differences,” Rothschild said. “We’re since its formation. She has given the band figuring out a plan to keep the band going opportunities to perform for her firm in the after high school.”

Ritz-Carlton in Naples for two years and has The band produces its music attended every gig to provide moral support. independently, but wishes to join a label in “[They are] amazing and inspirational. the future. Therefore, their success depends [However], the greatest obstacle is [fitting on their fan base. Jumbo Shrimp Inc. events] into their schedule,” Mrs. Scott influences teenagers at Dreyfoos such as said. “These kids are all multi-talented communications sophomore Adriana Toro. and all have other school obligations: jazz “[Jumbo Shrimp Inc.’s] sound is very band, marching band and theater, [but the indie/rock,” Toro said. “They have a wide members of Jumbo Shrimp Inc.] always spectrum of songs that make you want to make time to do charitable events and honor dance and others that make you want to sway their commitment to The School of Rock and listen.” g House Band. [Jumbo Shrimp Inc.] is my favorite project by far [because of ] their professionalism and work ethic.”

Jumbo Shrimp Inc.’s main focus lies in mediums of expression other than performing. As a new band, Cardillo, Theatre sophomore Ben Rothschild and theatre junior Angel Leiser take Rothschild, Leiser and Thomas must their talents to Revolutions in CityPlace persistently write songs that bring a new with their band Jumbo Shrimp Inc. twist to the music industry. For the most part, ''Star Wars'' revives its legacy with a Rothschild functions as the main songwriter, new boss. but all members have contributed to songs such as “She Walks By” and “Fall Apart.”

Find out the story behind Dreyfoos' In the ever changing and unpredictable Book Club and Battle of the Books. music industry, the band plans to keep itself in the spotlight and constantly has something in the works. This spring, they released their

IN THIS SECTION:

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ENTERTAINMENT 27

A NEW HOPE FOR AN OLD FRANCHISE Disney has big plans for 'Star Wars' sequel byBennettMorgan

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long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

Disney purchased Lucasfilms, and its Star Wars franchise for $4.05 billion, according to Fox News. “Star Wars: Episode VII” is set to be released in 2015, and as much as I would love to see Disney show us a Randy Newmancomposed musical number between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, Mickey Mouse seems to have other plans.

In recent years, we have seen two animated ‘‘Star Wars’’ spin offs airing on Cartoon Network depicting the events of the clone wars in between the prequel movies.

We have also seen a ridiculous comic book

series that derailed from an honest ‘‘Star Wars’’ story. However, “Episode VII” has declared all of that nonsense of the past few years non-canonical, and promises to deliver to us a brand new story that will be a sequel to the original trilogy.

The story was mapped out by George Lucas, the mastermind behind the past two ‘‘Star Wars’’ trilogies (excluding The “Phantom Menace”…we don’t speak of those times). Lucas’ genius will be aided by the vision of J.J. Abrams (“Star Trek” and “Super 8”), who has signed on to direct the new film. Fans of the original trilogy were ecstatic to hear that Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher

and Harrison Ford returned to reprise their respective roles as Luke, Leia and Han. Our beloved heroes will be joined by a new cast of characters that have some big shoes to fill.

Our friends at Disney have been keeping details on the new film under steel wraps, but leaks are inevitable. Rumors continue to circulate about the opening scene involving Luke Skywalker’s severed arm, lightsaber still clutched in his hand, floating through space.

It is then supposedly picked up by a new character who claims that he has been looking for it.

A lot to look forward to, we have. Much to speculate upon, there is. g

Graphic by Claudia Zamora

Boca ATA proudly sponsors Dreyfoos School of the Arts!

ATA TAEKWONDO CLUB OF BOCA RATON

CLASSES FOR STUDENTS OF ALL AGES NO CONTRACTS – STUDENT DISCOUNTS VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND GIVE US A CALL TODAY! MENTION THIS AD FOR ONE WEEK FREE

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28 ENTERTAINMENT

BATTLING FOR

FAME

Students prepare for Battle of the Books answer,” band sophomore Wyatt ovies and video games better Mischler said. watch out. The time for books In the second part of Battle of the is now as the list of books for the Books, students answer questions Dreyfoos Book Club has finally been about the books on live television. It released. This year the new book list is appears on the Educational Network sponsored by the Florida Association and on the School District website. for Media in The winning Education team in every (FAME). The competition participants receives gold in the club first-place discuss the medals and books on a trophy to this list and take back to prepare for their school to The Battle of showcase their the Books, a success. competition “In Book among school Club, it’s all teams across about reading the county. and retainment The list for the of books contest. [The changes each announcer] year, giving no asks specific advantages to questions about Photo by Rowan Bennetti any returning The 2014 Battle of the Books trophy from Dreyfoos' the books,” previous victory is located in the media center. teams. This Mischler said. year the “It’s fun to get list includes “Eleanor & Park,” “In together in a team and do something the Shadow of Blackbirds” and “The you love.”

Naturals.” Club members must read at With each passing year, least one of the books on the list and Dreyfoos has managed to retain its be prepared to discuss it in groups. championship status. New faces will Students who know the books well, appear this year in hopes of keeping have a chance to participate in the the trophy for their school, and the Battle of the Books competition, which competition will rise between not only is held every year in February. the schools, but also the Dreyfoos The first battle, which is held teams participating. Students who online and includes questions about wish to get a head start can check out all the books, begins on Jan. 8. The the books in the library now. best two teams in the county for “I want to win. [We have] won five elementary, middle and high school out of six years, and [we] want to keep will move on to the televised portion the trophy,” media specialist and club of the competition on Feb. 7. sponsor Cookie Davis said. “I do think Dreyfoos had new and returning the team will win. With the experience teams who worked to defend last of the online battle and the TV battles, year’s title. we’ll do better this year.” “[Last year] I threw myself across For more information, contact Ms. the table because I was afraid [the Davis in the media center. g captain] was going to give the wrong

by RebeccaBullock

M

BriPOSNER

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hile most students gain their power from rising in popularity or being awarded Best Dressed, I gain mine from the music I listen to. Nothing sparks my desire to excel and conquer my enemies—I mean classmates—more than a deep bass line, fast guitar riffs and insane drum beats. Listening to “Miss Nothing” by The Pretty Reckless gets my heart racing and inspires me to my get work done. g

IsaacOCHOA

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here are days bathed in sunlight and there are days clouded by the evening sky. But there are no days in which one cannot walk on sunshine like in Katrina & The Waves’ 1985 hit single, “Walking on Sunshine.” The song’s upbeat tempo and positive lyrics inspire teenagers, like myself, to believe in a positive future that lacks stress and heavy workloads. Unfortunately, the song is only optimistic and never insinuates hints of reality. I recommend listening to “Walking on Sunshine” when attempting to finish an assignment that matches the caliber of starting and finishing a 10-page essay the night before it’s due. Do not overwhelm your negativity with the song’s optimism unless prepared to pull an all-nighter. g

BennettMORGAN

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ometimes I wake up for school and feel a little down. Sometimes I just feel like I need a song to get me pumped and ready for my day. When I need that sudden burst of “umph” to get me going, my go-to song is the classic McDonalds tune, “I’m lovin’ it.” With healthy choices like apples and milk in every Happy Meal, I can feel good about a balanced diet doused in preservatives and chemicals. g

OscarHAMILTON

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he song that gets me hyped up is “God’s Whisper (Flosstradamus Remix)” by Raury. Flosstradamus gives this uniquely weird-sounding, gospel-like song an interesting twist.

This song is perfect for when your day is going well or you are trying to cheer yourself up. This remix is an enjoyable combination of techno gospel-rock and trap. For those looking for a tune to make those long walks to class peaceful and happy, this is the one to listen to.g

ENTERTAINMENT 29

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THESTAFF

EDITORIALPOLICY

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

EDITORLETTER

O

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

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

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

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

ABOUTUS

The Muse is a national award-winning newsmagazine. The publication has won numerous awards from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) including a Pacemaker in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012 and a Silver Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and was recently awarded with a 2013 Pacemaker. In 2013, The Muse placed fifth for the newsmagazine and second for the website in Best of Show at NSPA . This publication is completely funded and created by its staff, advertisers and donors. Over 1,300 students and a multitude of subscribers receive copies of the magazine annually. All aspects of the magazine from the cover to the Exposure on the back page are written and designed by the students. There are 61 staffers, grades 10-12, from the communications department and some from other art areas, as well, including cartoonists from the visual department, who work during and after school to make this publication possible. We would like to thank the School of the Arts Foundation for their continuous support. Your donations are greatly appreciated by everyone on this staff. Please visit our website at www.themuseatdreyfoos.com. g

ur days of torture are over—as seniors, standardized tests are memories that will not be missed. While we complain, some standardized tests are essential for measuring intellectual capabilities. However, after analyzing the seemingly endless list of tests that high school students will be required to take this upcoming year, it is safe to say that students will be burned out. We hope you enjoyed this issue’s coverage of testing changes.

Our News reporters uncovered some serious on-campus mysteries this issue—we know you appreciated the investigative “coconut sleuthing” from our own Detective Raja. You may have even learned something new about your workout habits (maybe).

In lieu of our Cover Story, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving and we gracefully remind you to begin preparing for your juries. g

Photo by Jennifer Yoon

This photo was taken last year at the annual NSPA conference in Boston. This year it will be in Washington D.C. from Nov. 6 to 9. Visit The Muse website that weekend to see how we place.

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EXPOSURE ‘‘Control”

Morgan Aumick Dance junior

by TaylorRich

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Photos by Chad Feierstone

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“bunhead” since she was 2 years old, dance junior Morgan Aumick has always shown a passion for her talent.

Since she started dancing at Dreyfoos, Aumick has been able to adapt to many new forms of dance while also learning more about it.

“The dance instructors at Dreyfoos give us such a supportive environment,” Aumick said. “It allows for students to openly encourage each other in the studio. We all then grow as dancers because of the encouragement.”

The photos featured were taken by digital media alumnus Chad Feierstone (‘13) in early August at Aumick’s dance studio, the Florida School for Dance Education (FSDE).

“The hardest part of dance is how easy you have to make it look,” Aumick said. “Even the most simple step takes a lot of control to do correctly.”

Through her years dancing at Dreyfoos and FSDE, Aumick has been able to grow tremendously as a dancer.

Although ballet is her forte, over the years she has been able to grow in other areas of dance such as modern, jazz and contemporary.

“I’ve learned so much about dance from all of my instructors,” Aumick said.

“It may seem difficult to develop the energy to be able to dance in the middle of a school day. But one of the most important parts of dance is that you have to make it work, no matter what.” g