Issue 4 Volume 11 by The Muse at Dreyfoos

Volume 11 Issue 4 February 2014

Never Forget Alex and Jackie â&#x20AC;&#x153;This photo really captures their personalities,â&#x20AC;? - Richard Berman Pages 19-21 Spirit Week coverage can be found in the insert.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

TABLE OF

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

Gun control debate

A driving danger

Born to be wild

OP/ED

As the topic of gun control continues to be a political issue, educate yourself on the facts.

Friends of strings junior Alex Berman and strings sophomore Jackie Berman got together to make a collage of their favorite pictures of the two.

NEWS

Although texting and driving is dangerous, both teenage and adult drivers do it every day.

FEATURES

Crossing tough bridges

Students tested their problem solving skills in a bridge building challenge.

College critiques

Winter sport domination

ARTS

Visual and digital media students benefitted from college representatives’ critiques.

SPORTS

Dreyfoos Jaguars showed their competitive side this past sports season.

WELLNESS

Sit to your death

Learn how your hours in class can end up negatively affecting your health.

For more Museworthy stories visit:

ENTERTAINMENT

“Blackfish” blowout

A new documentary has made people question the realities of SeaWorld.

THEMUSEATDREYFOOS.COM Please recycle

The Muse

Photo by Aubrey Levin

Editors-in-chiefs Jennifer Yoon (left) and Camille Sanches show their class spirit on this Spirit Week’s Rebellious Youth Day.

fter the pep rally on Friday, Jan. 31 we were bummed to say the least. We had envisioned what our senior pep rally would be like for four years and concluding with tears and chaos was not in our plans. The week was filled with excitement as we explored our alter egos on Rebellious Youth Day and jazzercised on ‘80s day, yet the ending was unexpected. As seniors, we understand why the majority of our class, and even the other classes, were upset, but there was no reason for students to be so disrespectful to administration. Despite what happened, we ended up having a brand new Spirit Week, something that other Dreyfoos graduates never got to experience. This Spirit Week also taught us that regardless of the competition, the festivities are supposed to bring us together, not tear the student body and administration apart. The Muse staff came together and wrote an editorial about the disarray of the first Spirit Week, giving a student’s perspective on the events (pg. 3). So now it’s time to look towards our last semester of senior year. The next couple of months are destined to be full of memories as we enjoy our time as high school students. This issue we decided to do something different and devote

an entire mini magazine to the first Spirit Week. The mini magazine features captivating photos and stories that describe the exciting events of Spirit Week. For the regular magazine, we remembered the lives of strings junior Alex Berman and strings sophomore Jackie Berman in our cover story. When the news reached the school regarding their untimely deaths, both students and faculty were shocke.d. However, through the tragedy we were able to unite as a family and learn more about appreciating each other (pg. 15). In this issue, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages regarding SparkNotes (pg. 5) and even went through the dangers of texting and driving (pg. 9). If you’ve ever wondered about how accepting our school is to the LGBTQ community, find out through the feature on the Gay Student Alliance (pg. 13). We even covered the DreyFusion event (pg. 23). A lot occurred since the beginning of the third nine weeks and as a staff we’ve done our best to cover these events. Although this school has been through a great deal of hurdles, we have been able to learn from the experiences and grow together as a community.g

STAFF EDITORIAL

A clash of the classes Pep rally fiasco causes a backlash among all grades

by MuseStaff

ants are strewn across the floor. Sidewalk chalk drawings are being vandalized. Students are sobbing hysterically. On Jan. 31, 2014 all hell broke loose. Just another day at a Dreyfoos pep rally. The pep rally was supposed to have started at 2:20 p.m. but due to poor planning, it didn’t start until about 2:35 p.m. As a result, the sophomore, junior and senior dances were cut short and there was no screaming competition. Naturally, the students were upset, but no one was prepared for the uproar that ensued. Tweets were fired, seniors threatened to skip school and freshmen were tormented. “It was just a series of chaotic events,” visual senior and SGA co-president Juan Granados said. “I know we heard there was sort of a riot going on in the parking lot, but honestly the school behaved as well as they could. We were very disappointed that some of the kids took it to the extreme.” Though rumors were flying about fights breaking out and vandalism occurring, the majority of the drama was occurring on Facebook and Twitter. In fact, Officer James O’Sullivan stated that he didn’t receive any official reports of vandalism. Someone may have played a prank on a friend, but no one reported any crime that had been committed. Social media, on the other hand, was a very different issue. People were tweeting and posting comments that ranged from angsty to downright threatening. Some students were even called in by administration because what they had said on the Internet could have been construed as a threat against another student. “I called down probably 15 kids. There were consequences,” Assistant Principal Corey Ferrera said. “Students don’t think we have access to Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Now we have access to everything.” This was just another example of the all too well known fact that when you post something on the Internet, anyone can see it and you will be held accountable for your words.

“A lot of people on Twitter were looking for a scapegoat as to who to blame after the pep rally happened, and a lot of them turned on the freshmen when they shouldn’t have,” said digital media sophomore and class co-president Bennett Ragan. “The ways people reacted were immature, but I understand that the upperclassmen [were] in the heat of the moment, angry and wanted to automatically put the blame on someone. Although a lot of what was said was immature, it’s not surprising.” Throughout the uproar, the seniors were justifiably the most upset. They didn’t take their senior picture on the day of the pep rally and their much anticipated dance was cut short. On the senior class Facebook page, students argued whether or not they should skip the next day of school in protest. It was their last pep rally and they had no idea whether or not administration would make it up to them. “I didn’t really know what to say to anyone. I agreed that what happened to us wasn’t fair,” said digital media senior and senior class president Daniel Martin. “I was defending the class and trying to explain the unfairness that had just occurred.” With such a shaky Pep Rally Part One, it will be difficult to move forward. After being insulted so much over social media, some of the freshmen were too afraid of

Illustration by Santiago Ramirez

the upperclassmen to repeat their dance during the second pep rally. The fact that the underclassmen were blamed for the Pep Rally Part One fiasco is ridiculous. Mean-spirited Tweets and Facebook statuses only divided the classes as opposed to bringing them together—the original intent of Spirit Week. “From what I heard, when [Dr. Atherley] cut the pep rally short, she was planning on resuming the pep rally next week,” visual senior and SGA co-president Charlie Krumholz said. “What made everything more complicated was the rumors that kids were acting so bad that we didn’t deserve a pep rally.” Despite a few bad apples, the Dreyfoos population as a whole handled their disappointment well. Many tweeted their support of their SGA and class council officers and stated that they were still proud to be members of their respective classes. It was as a result of this positive behavior that the Pep Rally Part Two was able to occur. “It offers a lot of closure after what happened at the pep rally, mostly for the seniors,” Ragan said. “They were the most passionate about the pep rally since it was their last one, so this new Spirit Week is especially to make it up to them.” g

Contributor: Tess Saperstein

OP/ED

A need for gun control legislation After so much tragedy, the U.S. government needs to step up on gun control by TessSaperstein

n Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. On Dec. 21, 2013, Karl Pierson shot two high school students in less than 80 seconds. On Jan. 13, 2014, Dreyfoos became just another name on a seemingly unending list of young people dying as a result of gun violence. After every tragic incident of gun violence, politicians ask, “What could have been done to prevent this?” This question is generally answered with rhetoric instead of actual solutions or discussion of the problem. In the wake of heartbreak, it is natural to mourn instead of discuss issues, but ultimately, something must change. It is the job of policymakers to recognize that the United States’ current gun policies are insufficient. Since Sandy Hook, a tragedy that many decried as one of the worst incidences of gun violence causing innocent deaths, nothing has changed. According to a research project conducted by Slate, 28,117 Americans have died by gunfire since Sandy Hook. How is this possible? More importantly, when will this change? As of now, there is no comprehensive control legislation in the U.S. The average citizen is allowed to buy some of the most advanced weaponry on the market without even waiting three days. According to the Guttmacher Institute, only 11 states require people to wait for any period of time before they are allowed to take home a gun. Attempts to improve current gun control

Data compiled from World Health Organization and the Small Arms Survey

laws have been met with opposition from many conservatives and some leftists. Touting the Second Amendment as their reasoning, lobbyist groups such as the National Rifle Association have prevented many bills from passing. With massive amounts of funds, the NRA is capable of launching nationwide, anti-gun law campaigns without it making even a dent in their bank accounts. Despite this, a Gallup poll reported that over 90 percent of Americans support background checks for all gun purchases. Clearly, Americans want change, but partisan politics have impeded this process. This is just one factor that contributes to the widespread occurrence of criminals and the mentally unstable being able to obtain weapons. Background checks that are conducted are generally insufficient and spotty because of flaws in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The NICS is the most widely used background check system, but as of now,

Graphics by Kyle Bell

states aren’t required to submit records to the system. As a result, gun sellers rarely get the full picture of the people they are selling weapons to. According to the Government Accountability Office, in one state, only 4.4 percent of all relevant information was submitted to the NICS and made available to the FBI. The issue of gun control manifests itself in the larger problem of violence in the US. Since 1949, there have been 12 mass shootings in which 12 or more people died. Half of those shootings occurred in the past six years. Of all the facts and statistics, this is perhaps the most terrifying. While it may be difficult to discuss politics in the wake of a tragedy, but now more than ever we must recognize the need for change. This problem is clearly too large for one person—let alone one student newspaper’s Op/Ed editor to fix. But if we don’t at least talk about the problem, nothing will come into fruition. It all starts with a conversation. g

Putting culture back in Black History Month by CamilleSanches

rowing up, my dad tried to teach me and my brothers about embracing AfricanAmerican culture. We would gather around the kinara and light the different colored candles and my aunt and uncle even had a traditional African-American Camille Sanches wedding. The problem was that I didn’t know what everything meant and although I know the lyrics to “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” by Heart, I wasn’t sure of what we were celebrating and I wasn’t the only one. In elementary school, it seems as if teachers were more prone to educating students about heritage months; we read poetry written by Hispanic authors, watched “Our Friend Martin” and learned about the

strides that women made to gain rights, but in high school, things are a bit different. My peers and I have started to forget the purpose of the heritage months, and it’s even gotten to the point that others see Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a nice excuse for a three-day weekend. I cannot speak for the rest of this school, but other than the fact that it was made to honor the achievements of African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement, my knowledge regarding Black History Month is limited. The reason as to why there’s such limited exposure about Black History Month, or any heritage month, is because people often forget about them. The importance of the months have dwindled and the fear of them losing their meanings entirely is growing. My advice to the African Americans who are angry because the heritage month is losing its importance is to target African American’s

themselves rather than the entire population. The source of the awareness issue stems from the lack of knowledge within AfricanAmerican communities. Once the group that the heritage month is targeting appreciates it, the rest of the population will start showing signs of admiration as well. My dad had good intentions when trying to instill in his children the foundations of African-American culture; the issue is that it never stuck with me. At a time when our society is trying to blend together, it’s still important to remember the backgrounds of each heritage that makes our culture unique. So although students still claim that my “blackness is limited” because I don’t have an immense knowledge regarding rap music, I plan to look towards Black History Month as a time to appreciate my culture and not just a time to score some discount chocolate and indulge in Nicholas Sparks’ movies. g

To SparkNote or not to SparkNote

THE ISSUE

OP/ED

Is SparkNotes beneficial or detrimental to reading assignments?

Point

Counterpoint

by StarrCourakos

by SydneyMcAuliffe

he book “Great Expectations,” by the revered Charles Dickens, was required reading in freshman year. Books where kids fight to the death or learn witchcraft and wizardry have nothing on this gem about the life of Pip, a boring boy who grows into a boring man. The story didn’t gain momentum until the 14th chapter, but if you, like me, are unable to survive to that point, maybe SparkNotes is the answer. SparkNotes, created by Harvard students, is a website of study guides for all subjects, but is most renowned for its abridged versions of novels. The thorough chapter analysis may seem like an excuse to skip the reading all together, but they are actually vital to any late night cram session. For readers like me, boredom can make a novel impossible to get through. I give my regards to Mr. Dickens, an excellent writer for whom I lacked patience. I read “Great Expectations” cover to cover, but with glazed eyes and a slacked jaw. Everyone has experienced that at some point: reading the same page over and over but never fully comprehending it. SparkNotes was the bridge to lucidity I needed. I could read a chapter in the novel, read the SparkNotes analysis, and then check for myself if I had understood. More often than not, I missed details, symbols and important events. SparkNotes was a quick summary written with easy comprehension. Understanding is as important as reading. For students who have trouble in English class, its particularly beneficial. Take William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” another required reading assignment. This play was written over five hundred years ago in 1595. Language has changed. The poetry of “thou art” and “hark!” of Shakespeare’s time has been replaced with the crude “you are” and “swag!” With little direction, students must have trouble deciphering Mercutio’s monologue on dreams. Was it actual speculation or did he have too much wine? SparkNotes offers a ye olde English to modern English translation of the play, act by act, so even the most confused students have a chance at recognizing the skill of Shakespeare. In the end, there will always be someone to abuse a privilege, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken away. SparkNotes is a helpful study guide regardless of an individual using it as a shortcut. g

t is 12:30 a.m., you are on your I-can’t-remember-how-many cup of coffee and you have a test tomorrow in English on a book you have not read. At this point, you have two available options: place book between a pillow and your head to absorb the information through osmosis or read the SparkNotes analysis of the book. For most students, resorting to SparkNotes as a quick fix it to their procrastination predicament is becoming increasingly popular. However, this solution offers a short-term answer that is outweighed by the negative long-term consequences. While SparkNotes can be used as a useful tool to introduce students to general plots, context clues and character analysis, this information should only be used as a starting point in attempting to truly understand the material. In fact, the SparkNotes official website clearly states: “we’re here to help you learn, not to help you cheat. Our literature guides are meant to be read along with the books they analyze.” However, the truth is that short sighted and stressed (and maybe some lazy) students take the short cut and get a quick hit of information. Illustration by Santiago Ramirez Reading the actual literary text in full provides students with meaningful insight. This information enables students to use critical thinking skills and develop interpretations on their own. A work of literature is a unique collection of words, phrases, grammar, sentences and chapters that all combine to create a narrative. The author included each for a reason so it follows that the reader needs to experience it all. SparkNotes just creates the illusion that students have read the book because they know just enough material to pass a test. The notion that students can get by in a class by not putting in the full effort sets students up for a future of taking short cuts to achieve the immediate goal. As students get used to slacking, there is no telling where this work ethic will lead in college and even future job endeavors. Substituting actual literary works with SparkNotes also begs the ethical question of whether this action constitutes as cheating. While certain schools have different policies on the usage of SparkNotes, the integrity of effort ultimately is in the hands of the student. SparkNotes isn’t the real thing. SparkNotes is a poor substitute for the actual literary work. It is the equivalent of hearing a trip described to you rather than actually taking it. g

OP/ED

You can’t spell lonely without ‘one’

Although annoying at times, group projects can be beneficial by MorgaanJessell

his is anarchy. Glitter is flying, PowerPoint slides are quickly thrown together and the sound of students bickering dominates the room. This dystopian classroom scene is the war that results when students are forced to work under the harshest of conditions: group projects. Some students relish the opportunity to sit back and allow others to complete the project, but for the control freak like myself, it can be a nightmare. I don’t mean to be difficult, but for as long as I can remember, group projects have been the bane of my existence - there might not be an ‘I’ in team but I needed an ‘A’ in my future. Control freaks aren’t just the difficult over achievers in your class that you make them out to be-they really can’t help it because group projects suck. If you don’t believe me then perhaps you will believe the University of Oregon 2006 issue of Teaching Effectiveness Program where they said, “Group Projects Suck!” See, I don’t make this stuff up. The exact origin of the pandemic plaguing students that prevents them from being

team players is unknown. But author Ellen Once the slackers step up their game and Breman suggests that while some students the control freaks in the group learn to loosen feel compelled to do all the work in order to up, then there will be increased productivity, preserve their grade, others are okay skills development and, ideally, you will with just sitting back and learn a little putting in as little bit about as possible to yourself. help the group. Through With this in collaboration mind, there is with others, no way group you will projects become can be a more familiar reliable way with your to ensure own strengths students are and weaknesses. absorbing Speaking from personal information. experience, I have learned In that although I tend to be a Illustration by Charlie Krumholz theory, group leader in a group project, I can be projects serve as a great just as useful as a listener. resource. Students can collaborate with one If the past month has taught us anything another and find new ways to interpret the it is that we all appreciate each other. We material. But when not everyone chooses need to keep that in mind every time we to participate, the responsibility falls to one are assigned a group project because our or two students. When that happens, group classmates have great ideas and all we need to projects are not effective. do is learn to listen and work together. g

News • News • News • News • News • News • News• News • News • News

Prepping for pep Student Government Association and the class councils go through the ins and outs of getting ready for Spirit Week

Photo by Maria Grosso

Digital media sophomore Valentina Suarez (left), communications sophomore Michelle Birch, visual sophomore Frances Landrum, digital media sophomores Victoria Morejon, Spencer Altus, Madelyn Winchester, band sophomore Molly Lynch and keyboard sophomore Catherine Zeng hang up their army-themed banner while preparing the sophomore section.

Photo by Elizabeth Lane Photo by Maria Grosso

Photo by Maria Grosso

Members of the senior class council and SGA walk around in their crowns, displaying their class theme “senior royalty” as they decorate their section of the gym for the pep rally.

by TaylorRich

nce a year, Dreyfoos students gather to show their school spirit by competing in competitions and dressing up daily for class spirit, all leading up to the annual pep rally. What goes unnoticed, however, is the time, work and energy put into each day of spirit week and the pep rally by Student Government Association and the class councils individually. “SGA is the group that handles all of the activities that involve the whole school like spirit week,” visual senior and SGA copresident Juan Granados said. “We have been planning Spirit Week since November, so there has been a lot of time put into this week by itself. From behind the scenes, there is a lot that SGA and the class councils have to

Visual freshman Makenzie Black (left), communications freshman Matthew Nadel, theatre freshman Danielle Francois, visual freshman Shannon Cruz, strings freshman Weronika Dziak and dance freshman Alexandra Faife show off their freshmen class poster.

coordinate.” Prior to Spirit Week, each class council was given a roster for each day of Spirit Week with all of the events that required a certain amount of participants. It was up to the class councils to recruit members of their class to compete. Rosters were required this year in order for SGA to know who is competing in advance so there were no discrepancies between participants. This year, the freshman class had an obvious breakthrough. Typically, the freshman class is unaware of the happenings during Spirit Week, but this year, with the “Freshmeat” pep rally theme, they proved the other classes wrong in their judgment. “The freshman class council contributed a lot of time and effort into preparation for Spirit Week,” visual freshman and class co-

president Shannon Cruz said. “The [freshman class council] stayed after school and missed multiple lunches to put together decorations, find participants for events, fundraise and make sure the freshmen did as well as possible in every event.” As for the class of 2016, the sophomores were prepared for each day of Spirit Week and the pep rally, rocking the military theme. “Our obligation as the sophomore class council was to have this year be studentdriven,” communications sophomore and class co-president Bennett Morgan said. “We started pitching theme ideas for the pep rally on day one of the school year. We narrowed down some options and proceeded to let our classmates vote on it. In the end, they chose the military theme.” continued on page 8

NEWS

Living on the wild side The Stout family prefers to fill its house with dozens of pets by KayleighRubin

izards and ferrets and chickens, oh my! Each day when social studies teacher Sara Stout returns home from school, she is greeted by over 30 animals. These family pets, which range from dogs and cats to veiled chameleons and bearded dragons, are a source of important life lessons and endless entertainment. “There are a million reasons why my family has animals. Pets teach my children and me compassion and responsibility,” Ms. Stout said. “We now have four chickens because of our interest in having organic eggs.” In addition to chickens, Ms. Stout also has a variety of tortoises and turtles. Ms. Stout’s yard has transformed into a habitat for these creatures. Ponds around the house provide a home for the water turtles and goldfish. Outside pens are nesting grounds for the tortoises and there are gardens for grazing. Though the pens are secured, on one occasion a tortoise managed to escape. “Our red headed tortoise got loose once and we searched the entire neighborhood looking for him,” said digital media

LIVES

sophomore and Ms. Stout’s son, Keel Condy. “About a month later our family was driving to the pet store and saw something in the middle of the road. My sister screeched ‘Stop,’ and jumped out of the car. It turned out to be the red headed tortoise crossing a four lane road.” Ms. Stout’s menagerie also includes a variety of mammals. A large amount of Ms. Stout’s pets were acquired through adoption. One year ago, a lady came to Ms. Stout in search of a new nurturing environment for her boxer, Jack. Ms. Stout embraced the dog who, in turn, accepted Ms. Stout. Her two cats, however, were obtained in a different way. “For my daughter’s fourteenth birthday, she wanted a cat, so we went to the pound,” Ms. Stout said. “We brought my mother because it was senior citizen day and there was a discount. A lady in the pound walked up to us and said ‘I’m glad to tell you that it’s two-for-one day.’ We went home with two cats much to my chagrin.” Even though the animals create a more crowded home, they provide lots of room for excitement. “Sometimes I wonder if I have too many animals. During the cold spell, it was

Photo courtesy of Sara Stout

Social studies teacher Sara Stout poses with her favorite pet, a velied chameleon named Calypso. Ms. Stout is drawn to the chameleon because of its unique looks.

crazy; we had birds, turtles and tortoises all around the living room,” Ms. Stout said. “But ultimately I love animals and my home wouldn’t be the same without them.” g

Spirit Week

continued from page 7 “We started pitching theme ideas for utilize all the talented students we have the pep rally on day one of the school year,” here at Dreyfoos.” Morgan said. “We narrowed down some With the senior class’ pep rally theme options and proceeded to let our classmates as “Senior Royalty,” they brought a lot to vote on it. In the end, they chose the military the table by taking wins in events such as theme.” the generation dance and musical chairs. Rocking red at the “Spirit Week took pep rally and sporting a lot of preparation the circus theme, the and hard work,” junior class served communications senior as great competition and class co-historian for the other classes Siena Del Mastro said. throughout all of spirit “As a senior class week. council, we had to work “I am so grateful in tandem with the -communications junior Morgaan Jessell to have such a senior class to ensure hardworking that everything during and dedicated class council that has Spirit Week went smoothly.” been preparing for several months,” Without the hard work and dedication communications junior and class coof both the class councils and SGA, the president Morgaan Jessell said. “Mainly by highly anticipated event known as Spirit establishing a theme and of course planning Week would be unable to occur. The the decorations, I think it is so important to months of preparation brought on to create

‘I think it is so important to utilize all the talented students we have here at Dreyfoos.’

Photo courtesy of Morgaan Jessell

Members of the junior class council (front row) communications junior Shane Meyers (left), dance junior Courtney Sheehan, communications junior Haley Lickstein, communications junior Morgaan Jessell, strings junior Aagam Vakil, (back row) communications junior Bari Bossis (left), strings junior Felipe Bomeny, digital media junior Jesse Bornstein, band junior Samantha Freedman, communications junior Claudia Zamora and communications junior Taylor Hendrickson spend the moments before the pep rally decorating the junior class section with their circus theme.

NEWS

Save the text, save your life Florida’s new texting-while driving law has small impact on crime by JosieRusso

exting while driving surpassed drinking and driving as the biggest cause of death among teenagers last year. According to a study by Cohen Children’s Medical Center, more than 3,000 teenagers are killed every year in car crashes caused by texting while driving compared to 2,700 from drunk driving. “The reality is kids aren’t drinking seven days per week—they are carrying their phones and texting seven days per week, so you intuitively know this a more common occurrence,” Dr. Andrew Adesman, Chief Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, told CBS. Florida became one of 41 states to ban texting while driving last October when a statute making it illegal was passed. Florida is one of only four states that makes texting while driving a secondary offense. Police cannot pull over a driver for breaking that rule alone; they must also see a primary offense, such as not wearing seatbelts. “It’s almost worthless as far as I’m concerned,” David Teater, senior director of the National Safety Council, told The

Miami Herald. “The state is telling kids that you can text as long as you don’t do anything else wrong. The degree of risk involved in driving while texting is similar to drunk driving, speeding and reckless driving — and it’s a secondary offense?” Law enforcement issued only 16 tickets in Palm Beach County the first month after the law went into effect according to the Governor’s Highway Association. In the same month, 1,412 drivers in Palm Beach County alone were ticketed for not wearing their seat belts. “I think texting while driving should be a Does this primary offense because law even a lot of people are killed work? or injured every year

Only

tickets

handed out for texting while driving in the first month of enforcement

Graphic by Kyle Bell

from drivers texting,” communications junior Megan Walsch said. “It’s a big issue that needs to be more seriously dealt with.” While the 15-to-20-year-old age group only accounts for 6 percent of drivers, they also account for 10 percent of traffic deaths and 14 percent of police-reported crashes with injuries. According to Ad Council, a consumer research group, 34 percent of teens admitted to texting while driving and 55 percent claim it is easy to text while driving. Some schools have introduced educational classes to try and prevent its students from texting while driving. According to The Palm Beach Post, “A public service announcement [on texting while driving was] distributed to Florida high schools.” Students were supposed to hear the 15-second spot on Oct. 1 during school announcements. Dreyfoos did not air the spot. “I feel that the school could promote it and give lectures on it, but the responsibility doesn’t fall on the school,” visual senior Juan Granados said. “It’s ultimately the driver’s choice if he wants to text and drive. The school can try to prevent it, but anyways we are just at school for education, not driving education.” g

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NEWS

the

S F E I BR

of n o i t , llec a co ite-sizestories b rthy wo e t o n

Yay for YPA by TaylorRich

n Jan. 22, the Young Politicians of America club held their first event in which Florida Democratic Representative Mark S. Pafford came to Dreyfoos and spoke to 11 students who excel academically, are passionate about giving back to their community and have demonstrated an interest in government, politics and economics.

‘It was so exciting to see a member of [Florida’s] Congress at our school. It was eye opening to see him reach out to students who have aspirations to go into government.’ -communications junior Madeleine Fitzgerald “It was so exciting to see a member of [Florida’s] Congress at our school,” communications junior and YPA member Madeleine Fitzgerald said. “It was eye-opening to see him reach out to students who have aspirations to go into government.” In his presentation, Rep. Pafford spoke about his role as a politician, representing the people and operating a political campaign. Students were able to get a better view into the world of politics by an actual Florida Representative. “I think it was a phenomenal first event,” communications junior and YPA president Morgaan Jessell said. “Hopefully [it] will provide our students with the resources and opportunities to get involved with politics on at least a local level and maybe even at a higher level.” g

Reliance on science effects of theatre,” Ms. Pedek said. n Jan. 30, the science department put Halfway through the second performance, on a show for the student population. It students were surprised with a special guest demonstrated chemistry and physics, focusing appearance by Alexander W. Dreyfoos. He on the ways energy is able to be transformed. even participated in an act about electrical Marilynn Pedek, returning chemistry teacher, currents. Mr. Dreyfoos held a light bulb led the science between his shows when she teeth as the worked at Dreyfoos audience in the past. watched it light “Teachers that up because were here 12 years of the electric ago, when I taught current going here, were excited through the air. about seeing it After last again,” Ms. Pedek year’s buzz said. about changing Ms. Pedek’s Dreyfoos fiancé and former School of Dreyfoos science the Arts to teacher, Scotty Dreyfoos High Howard, came School of from Suncoast the Arts and to help put on Sciences, it is the production. no coincidence Photo by Elizabeth Lane Science teacher Stephen Anand crushes a block of concrete on the While Ms. Pedek Mr. Dreyfoos chest of science teacher William Wood while he lays on a bed of nails, covered most of the demonstrating the distribution of force. came to chemistry aspects of support the the show, Mr. Howard contributed with many science department. Plans to act on this name physics-based experiments. change are being pursued. Armed with a “smoke ring cannon” made “If you know I have been trying to get the out of a trash can, shots were fired towards name of the school changed, then that is how cups placed on students’ heads. Much of the I feel about [science at Dreyfoos]. I feel more show’s success can be placed on the strategic importantly about it than I did last year. I am audience involvement. going to start another campaign,” Mr. Dreyfoos “[The production] taught us a lot about said. chemistry and it was a good experience for Despite the hazy future of Dreyfoos’ name, students to learn in a hands-on environment,” the science show ended with a bang. Clouds of theatre sophomore Jamie Salinger said. smoke reached the ceiling of Meyer Hall and Ms. Pedek hoped that this show would set the fire alarms off as students were being excite her students for an upcoming project dismissed. The science show was successful she is doing in conjunction with the theatre in entertaining and informing students about department. chemistry and it could potentially augment the “It is the kick-off for some of the projects importance of science at our school. g we are working on in chemistry, the special by RileyFreese

Chira causes chemistry chaos A by RowanBennetti

t the beginning of the third quarter, science teacher Diana Chira left Dreyfoos in pursuit of further schooling. This year, she had taught for a semester at Dreyfoos before announcing her departure at the end of the second quarter. With Chira’s absence, schedule changes occurred, causing many classes to be overpopulated. “It’s an inconvenience because not only have our schedules switched around, but now we do not get the personal attention we

used to,” theatre sophomore Sarah Linares said. “Being a struggling chemistry student, it’s a problem.” Teachers as well as students are showing concern for the changes, wondering how this will affect their teaching. “Students are used to a system and when you get moved to a new classroom, you have to adjust,” science teacher William Wood said. “There will probably be less labs due to the extra people since safety is a big concern, but it’s nothing we can’t overcome.” g

NEWS

The admin project:

Becoming

Most students spend their years at Dreyfoos without realizing what it takes to maintain an entire school. Join me on my journey as I take on the roles of various administrators. by ValeriaRivadeneira

ssistant Principal Corey Ferrera arrives at her office at 7:40 a.m. There, she checks and responds to important emails from parents and teachers, followed by a brief walk to the car loop, where she greets students and often jokes with parents, asking to test drive some of their lavish vehicles. When the bell rings at 8:30 a.m., Ms. Ferrera checks her mailbox and walks to her office where she looks at the online calendar for the week; it highlights school-wide events in purple and person-specific events in blue, which often point out which schoolsponsored events will be supervised by which assistant principal. “All [the assistant principals] are really flexible,” Ms. Ferrera said. “For example, I really wanted to go to the piano show, so I was scheduled to supervise it.” While showing me how the calendar is managed on her computer, Ms. Ferrera also demonstrated the complex computer system, TERMS that administration uses in order to manage a specific student’s information. “Every admin has to be used to TERMS,” Ms. Ferrera said. “We use it often.” TERMS is a complex, county-wide system that sorts out information by screens. Administrators usually memorize certain screen numbers. Screen five, for example, shows parent contact information. Screen 10 shows a student’s full schedule. Screen 17 shows attendance records, while screen 14 shows which credits each student has

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Dressed as a rapper for Spirit Week’s musical genre day, communications senior Valeria Rivadeneira talks to Assistant Principal Corey Ferrera about the newly created Student of The Month program.

completed and which they still need to graduate. “One of my duties as assistant principal is overseeing the dance department, English department and communications department,” Ms. Ferrera said. At 9 a.m., as part of supervising the English department, Ms. Ferrera called down specific sophomores to sign them up for FCAT Writes tutorial sessions. She spoke calmly to them and offered several options in order to facilitate the process. “We have the money to offer incentives,” Ms. Ferrera said. “Sometimes we buy things like pizza for the students being tutored.” A large part of being an assistant principal is communicating with the teachers in order to encourage Photo by Alexandra Lopez professional growth. This Assistant Principal Corey Ferrera demonstrates the use of TERMS, the electronic computer system that stores all of the information on Palm includes informal, 15-minute Beach County students. observations, where an evaluation

model is used in order to ensure the teachers are presenting new material, reaching every student and clearly displaying objectives. “I always ask myself what kind of helpful feedback I can give to the teacher,” Ms. Ferrera said. “I believe that teachers should be able to turn to administrators for guidance if they need it.” In order to boost morale and performance, Ms. Ferrera came up with the Student of the Month program, where teachers can nominate a student who has demonstrated exceptional qualities and dedication. “I think I’m one of the few people who really love their job. I don’t have too many bad days,” Ms. Ferrera said. “The worst thing is having to do all the extra stuff that makes it hard to spend time with kids.” In order to be closer to the students, Ms. Ferrera moved her office from Building 2 to the first floor of Building 1. “When an assistant principal forgets what it’s like to be a teacher, they should leave their job and get out of their office,” Ms. Ferrera said. “That’s where we all started.” g

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Features • Features • Features • Features • Features • Features • Features

llied with

cceptance

92 percent of students identify Dreyfoos as accepting of the LGBTQ community Would you consider Dreyfoos accepting of the LGBTq community?

8% no

by KayleighRubin

or many students, Dreyfoos is not only a school where they can hone their artistic skills, but also a safe haven. Dreyfoos is a place where students are granted the freedoms of self-expression and experimentation. However, even though students attend an accepting school, Photo by Aubrey Levin this does not exempt Communications senior Carson Baez-Smith hangs a poster encouraging students them from experiencing to join The Alliance. The Alliance meets every Tuesday during lunch in English teacher Martha Warwick’s room, room 3-104. bullying. The Alliance, a club which formed this year, response to students experiencing these has brought together people in the Lesbian, instances of harassment. The club attempts Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning to lessen these occurrences by increasing [LGBTQ] community with their allies in tolerance among the student body. an attempt to raise awareness and foster “The Alliance brings together LGBTQ understanding. youth and straight allies to meet new people, “It is important for people that are hang out and have fun,” co-president and like minded to come together and spread communications junior Ebony Lewis said. awareness and raise pride,” theatre junior “Through acceptance in everything we do, we and club member Margo Gellert said. “The hope to fight homophobia and transphobia way to solve oppression is through education on campus and in our community.” and this is what The Alliance works for. The An even greater number of students, club ensures that people respect every letter 78 percent, have witnessed some form of of the LGBTQ acronym.” bullying directed towards members of the In a recent survery by The Muse, 17 LGBTQ community. percent of Dreyfoos students reported “I see cliques of guys bullying experiencing some form of bullying due to transgendered people all the time. They think their sexual and/or gender identity. it’s cool to be mean to them, but they don’t “I have been bullied pretty much as long understand how much it hurts to be bullied,” as the word ‘gay’ had entered the vocabulary communications senior Tessa Bravata said. of my peers,” said visual sophomore Calil “Having a different identity or orientation Russell Arguedas. “[Bullying bothered] me than someone else is never a reason to to the point where I felt that even getting say terrible things about them. I just try to a girlfriend would not suffice my claims to educate these people whenever I can.” heterosexuality, but over time I came to While bullying still occurs, these actions realize that it did not matter.” are slightly mitigated by the 64 percent of The Alliance was formed this year in students who insist on standing up for continued on page 14

Have you ever been called a derogatory term because of your sexuality?

17% Yes

83% no

92% yes Have you ever been called a derogatory term because of your sexuality?

17% Yes 83% no Graphics by Kyle Bell

Has someone ever come to your defense or have you come to someone’s defense when Surveys are conducted by someone derogatory name The was Musecalled staff.a Statistics becauseaofsampling their sexuali ty?of represent size

38% no

759 students.

In this section:

62% yes

14 Have you ever heard someone being called 16 a derogatory term about their sexuality? 1722% no Dreyfoos prospers from a close student body. Read how Dreyfoos can be considered a family.

This issue’s fun page features a resturaunt review of the Mexican cuisine offered at Moe’s Southwestern Grill. Digital media sophomore Nina Marchell has competed in a bridge building competition. Read how she transformed a passion for achitecture into a major success.

78% Yes

Have you ever heard someone being called a derogatory term about their sexuality?

22% no

78% Yes

Have you ever called someone a derogatory term because of their sexuality?

FEATURES

United we stand

The connections we make at Dreyfoos as a family truly matter undoubtedly the foundation for our successes. privilege that we must honor and respect, for he Oxford Dictionary defines a family as We have the responsibility to cherish these fear that it will one day be gone. a group of objects united by significant moments for the rest of our lives. We are As we unite over the profound silence that Would you consider Dreyfoos accepting of surrounds shared characteristics. connected, not by a spoken word, but an art us,Have we become stronger. When a derogatory you ever been called the LGBTq community? The size of a family form. Although our novel has many plots, it is we look around we see the people that have because of Our yourfamily sexuality? is undetermined by connected by one passion, one goal and one helped us and oneterm day will help us. the definition, but for love. We know continues to grow an important reason. each other, we accepting of and lend a helping Would you consider Dreyfoos Have you ever been called a derogatory My family has 1,306 the LGBTq may not know hand to those in community? members, connected by each other’s need. When we term because of your sexuality? Would you consider Dreyfoos accepting of many strings that tie us names, but we feel like we can no Have you ever been called a derogatory the LGBTq community? together. Every fiber of identify with longer continue we term because of your sexuality? those strings contains an underlining lean on our family, Madeleine Fitzger- pieces of a story, a 8% no similarity: art. who feels the pain 17% Yes story with different plots that intertwine. We pass by deep within their Eventually a novel is written, and each family one another hearts, in hopes that member is an author. We write our own path, everyday, failing comfort will bring -communications junior Madeleine Fitzgerald 83% no us back to a state but it is the people who surround us that to see what is in influence where that path will be paved. front of us. Each of neutrality. The 92% yes In times of desperation and doubt we turn member of the family possesses a special gift, perceptions change of each other and we to one another for guidance and love. We act a gift that is unique and to the make up of our develop a sense of acceptance, a newly formed as a safety net for each other, to pick us up unit. We build from each other, we learn from love for our friends, loved ones and family when we are down. Over four years we begin each other and we prosper from each other. members. to create friendships that bind us, that shape More times than less, we take one another We are strong. We are brave. We are us and last with us. These memories are for granted. The simplicity of friendship is a powerful. We are Dreyfoos. g

by MadeleineFitzgerald

8% no

‘Over four years we begin to create friendships that bind us, that shape us and last 83% no 17% Yes with us. These memories are 92% yes undoubtedly the foundation 83% no for our successes.’ 92% yes

17% Yes

Has someone ever come to your defense or have you come to someone’s defense when Have you ever heard someone being called someone was called a derogatory name a derogatory term about their sexuality? because ofdefense their sexuality? Has someone ever come to your or continued from page 13 22% no someone sever come when to your defense or have you comeHas to someone’ defense Have you ever heard someone being called those who are unable to themselves. 38% no youa come to someone’ was have called derogatory names defense when Have youabout ever heard someone being called During instances of bullying, it is someone these a derogatory term their sexuality? was called a derogatory name courageous students who preserve the because someone a derogatory term about their sexuality? of their sexuality?

The Alliance dignity and morale of their peers. “This girl came out on her Facebook status as transgender a few weeks ago, and some guys from our school were saying how ridiculous she was and insulting her,” Bravata said. “So I asked the guys why they were bullying her and told them that they should never talk down to another human being just for being different. I’m not sure if the message got through, but they left her alone and that made all the difference.” Regardless of the fact that Dreyfoos students have experienced their fair share of bullying, overall our school has a warm environment. This fact is confirmed by the 92 percent of students who identify Dreyfoos as an accepting place of the LGBTQ community. “I think not only Dreyfoos is accepting of the LGBTQ community, but I think the world is also becoming more accepting of LGBT [members],” theatre senior Lexis Haligowski. “It’s all about respect and honor of everyone’s quality of life.” Administration agrees. Dreyfoos is a

38% no

because of their sexuality? 62% yes

22% no

78% Yes

22% no

38% no

62% yes

78% Yes 78% Yes

62% yes

Have you ever called someone a unique school as students here celebrate, derogatory term because of their rather than shun, their peers. sexuality? “One of my first observations of Have you ever calleda someone a Haveofyou ever called someone Dreyfoos was how respectful and tolerant individuals students are. At the school where derogatory term derogatory term because of because their of their I worked previously, it was very common for sexuality? sexuality? individuals to belittle and demean students that are different,” said Assistant Principal 23% Yes Dan Stafford. “This is not the case at Dreyfoos though. Everyone here is either an artist or Graphics by Kyle Bell performer so they learn to respect their peers and others.” g

23% Yes

77% no

no conducted by The Muse 77% Surveys no 77%are

staff. Statistics represent a sampling size of 759 students.

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FEATURES

Ms. Free Booty

eats: Good Moe’s Southwest Grill

Diaries of a Booty addict by ClaudiaZamora

ooty, booty, booty, booty is indeed rocking everywhere. On Dec. 30, the blessings of Ms. New Booty were packaged, shipped and delivered to my doorstep. Back that booty up two months. As you may recall, I defied the norms of social snackification, utilizing personal columns and Twitter to encourage Costco Wholesale to resume selling Pirate’s Booty. With Costco shelves stocked and my mind in a state of euphoria, I published a column in Issue 3 of The Muse depicting my accomplishment. When Issue 3 went to press, I took Claudia Zamora a photo of my column fully laid out and tweeted it at Pirate’s Booty. The account re-tweeted the photo—all of the thousands of Pirate’s Booty followers were graced with my honest prose. My message got over 30 favorites. The next day Pirate’s Booty tweeted me, asking me to direct message them my address. Risking every aspect of my personal security and without confirming the legitimacy of the account, I sent Pirate’s Booty my address. I imagined all the things they could possibly be sending me for promoting them—an internship, maybe? After a few weeks, I completely forgot about the whole incident and resumed my life as Generic Claude. The wavelengths released from my mouth the moment I found a plus-sized UPS box with the Pirate’s Booty logo have yet to be defined on a decibel sound scale. I keyed open the box faster than Carrie Underwood. Inside lay 60 bags of cheese puffs. Moral of the story: booty fiesta, my pad, BYOB (bring your own booty.) g

For stories on fashion and popular culture, scan this QR code or go to: www.themuseatdreyfoos.com

Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf

The menu at Moe’s offers options ranging from salads and burritos to nachos and quesadillas. They offer vegetarian choices and reasonable prices for a student’s wallet.

Rosemary Avenue in West Palm eing only a five minute Beach, Moe’s is found around walk from Dreyfoos, Moe’s other food places such as Rita’s Southwestern Grill is known and Revolutions, the new bowling for its variety of Southwesternalley/bar and restaurant right themed cuisine and recently had across the street. g its grand opening on Jan. 9. From Service: burrito bowls to quesadillas, Food: Moe’s will always welcome you with delectable food, energetic Prices: staff and their trademark Overall Experience: greeting, “Welcome to Moe’s.” Tacos and burrito bowls sounds a lot like Chipotle, but Chipotle is not a short walk from school and it does not have as many options to choose from when customizing your menu option. Moe’s offers food selections from $1 to $20. A quick and cheap option, the food comes Photo by Jade Lenkersdorf in a wide variety and the service The burrito bowl at Moe’s is shown here brightens your day. Located on along with complementary tortilla chips. by TomasCabezas

Only at Dreyfoos: A day in the life of an art student

Cartoon by Erik Ridd, Bennett Morgan and Amanda Goodman

FEATURES

Eye see you Stoloff captures students’ eyes on a grand scale

Photo courtesy of Samii Stoloff

Digital media junior Samii Stoloff’s reflection can be seen in an artistic capture of theatre junior Margo Gellert’s eye.

by JadeLenkersdorf

reyfoos students are having their eyes showcased in an Instagram named, “idsoa” or “Eyes Of DSOA,” created by digital media junior Samii Stoloff. What started off as a way to share pictures grew into people stopping her to ask for their picture. “[It started when] I got a macro lens for my phone, and a lot of people like looking at it and seeing what it does. I’ll take pictures of eyes because you don’t usually see the details of your eye,” Stoloff said. A macro lens is a type of camera lens that focuses on small details, and usually goes onto digital cameras. When fellow students wanted their eye pictures sent to them through text, Stoloff figured it would be easier to post them online, where students could save them from there. “To be honest, I really just didn’t want to send them over text, I just wanted all the pictures in one place, so I just made an Instagram for it,” Stoloff said. Stoloff says she will keep the Instagram active and post eye pictures if any student wants them and she’ll take your picture if she has the lens available. Later on, Stoloff used the pictures she took for a digital photography assignment. “I really did it for a concentration role for photography. We had to do a contact sheet with different photos that made up one big photo. So I took 35 pictures of the eyes and arranged all the small parts [through Photoshop] to make one big eye, and they’re all different colors,” Stoloff said. g

Student Shortlist by TomasCabezas

What does your phone’s screensaver say about you?

Building new bridges

One student’s dedication to architecture

“Knowing I’m going to Chicago again or the past four years, she has dedicated is awesome. It’s such a great experience. I her time to the craft of architecture. It is went last year for the same competition,” not one you can listen to or say in a string Marchell said. of sentences. Rather, From a young age, Marchell thought the something that takes idea of designing a bridge was interesting. extreme concentration, She was inspired by her father who is an precise measurements engineer. Although she doesn’t plan on and a lot of faith. becoming an engineer, Marchell is thankful Digital sophomore for the opportunities and experiences this Nina Marchell has competition has provided her. participated in the Bridge “This was more of a hobby. I plan to Nina Marchell Building Competition do something else as a career, but I’m sure digital media through the Palm Beach it will help me in some way because I’m sophomore County Science Fair for leaning towards a science related field,” four consecutive years, placing in first all Marchell said. four times. Looking fowards to her future in “I was actually surprised this year. The high school, Marchell plans to continue second place bridge was able to hold more to participate in the Bridge Building weight than mine. But it all came down to Competition. However, she plans to enforce efficiency,” Marchell said. a new strategy in her bridge building. Each bridge is judged on two factors: “Years before I focused a lot on holding the weight of the bridge and the amount as much as possible, and not focusing too it can hold. The weight that each bridge much on my bridge’s weight. I’m going to can hold is divided by the bridge’s weight try next year and make it lighter, because and the quotient is the efficiency. Although even if the bridge can’t hold much at all, it’ll Marchell’s bridge did not hold as much as still have good efficiency,” Marchell said. “I the second place bridge, it weighed a lot know that it will be a challenge.” g less and therefore had a greater efficiency. “It’s amazing. She competed against all the math, science and engineering kids at Suncoast and beat them all,” Marilynn Pedek, Marchell’s AP Chemistry teacher, said. For Marchell, the competition includes benefits other than just a trophy. The top two bridge builders are given the opportunity to go to Chicago for the International Bridge Photo courtesy of Nina Marchell Building Competition. Digital media sophomore Nina Marchell created a bridge that held the most by StarrCourakos

weight and had the greatest efficiency. This resulted in her bridge winning first place at the Palm Beach County Science Fair.

“My screensaver of my friends says that I’m a really social person, and that my friends are what really matters Alexandra Scirrotto most.” theatre sophomore

Brent Nolan band senior

“My phone screensaver shows that I really like a certain type of music and the kind of music I like shows what I want to do in the future.”

MAKE ME PROUD!

their dreams will continue to grow bigger with each passing day as big and beautiful as these coconut trees through the success & efforts of all their friends

ALEX and JACKIE BERMAN 18

COVER STORY

Family means

nobody

forgotten gets left behind or

by EstherMendoza and JosieRusso

solemn Hebrew prayer rang through the Dreyfoos campus as students in white stood silent, wiping their tears. Gathered in front of Building 2, friends and classmates alike tried to console one another, connected by one main thread: the loss of fellow peers. On the morning of Jan. 13 strings junior Alex Berman and strings sophomore Jackie Berman were found dead in their home, victims of a murder-suicide. The sudden loss left the school to reminisce on the time they had with Alex and Jackie. “We need to keep each of them individual,” strings sophomore Juliet Schreiber said. “They were different people completely. Alex was a really sweet and genuine person and Jackie was funnier. They were both funny, but that was like her thing, she was the hilarious one, especially in our group.” Digital media junior Dominik Czaczyk remembers Alex as a happy person. Even if it was something as small as a hallway greeting, Alex would ensure there was never an awkward moment. “For Alex, you could be comfortable around him. He’s one of those guys that you would see in the hallways and it’s not awkward,” Czaczyk said. “He would always say ‘hey.’ It wouldn’t be that thing where he looks away and ignores you, or wants to avoid an awkward confrontation he would always greet people. That’s why you couldn’t stay mad at him for long.”

Alex and Jackie Berman live on in the memories of their friends and in the hearts of the Dreyfoos family.

He was also protective of his friends. to find Bolivia on a map. Jackie said it was in Communications junior Matt Feuer recalls how Asia, but when Felipe corrected her and said it Alex would always try to dissuade his friends was in South America. Jackie replied, ‘I don’t from doing something if he thought it wasn’t in Bolivi-ya!’” Warren said. their best interest. However, Jackie was never a dedicated “One thing I found terribly annoying before athlete. Schreiber, who is a member of the was whenever we would go and do something cross country team, laughs about the time he would always just complain and say like Jackie joined the team. ‘that’s not safe.’ He would always worry if we “I remember when she did cross country were safe or not,” Feuer said. “It was annoying this year, she went to [about] two practices at the time but now in retrospect you think and then at the end of the season she was like about the fact that he was doing that because ‘why am I not in shape?’ and then the very he cared [and] not because he hated us. He just last practice she ran a full mile and she was so didn’t want to see us get hurt.” proud of herself,” Schreiber said. Despite his protective nature, Alex was According to Warren, Jackie was also fond also adventurous and outgoing with women. of pranks. She recalls when they seized the Czaczyk says that one of Alex’s biggest desires opportunity to sabotage Alex’s breakfast. was to meet girls. “We opened the Bisquick [...] and there was “He wanted us to go to the club,” Czaczyk a huge cockroach in it and we were like ‘well said. “He was [like] ‘oh, there’s this club for let’s not throw it away, let’s leave it out so if teenagers, man’ and he’s like ‘oh yeah just Alex wants to make pancakes he’ll have the wear like a dress shirt and roll the sleeves up, cockroach Bisquick,’” Warren said. “So [Alex] unbutton like two buttons, man, you’re going to comes in and he starts making the batter and be golden, with teamwork we’re going to get a we’re laughing and he sees the cockroach […] whole bunch of girls.’ Everywhere we went he so he put it on a spoon and he started chasing was like ‘we’ve got to go find girls.’ That was his us around the house with it.” thing.” Their differences aside, Jackie and Alex However, all that came to an end when Alex both made lasting impacts on met dance sophomore Morgan Aumick. They the people that they met. were introduced by digital media sophomore According to strings senior Beatrice Hood and since their first date the two Sarah Senderling, they both were inseparable. were equally unforgettable. “Our first date was to Palm Beach and we “I’ve known them since walked to Clematis for pizza,” Aumick said. I was eight, and to watch “We talked about life and laughed hysterically. them grow into the people He stopped random people on the street to say I loved was great,” hi or make a joke. It was funny because they Senderling said. “Alex were all so uptight and he was so warm and knew how to love outgoing and didn’t care what anyone thought.” unconditionally. As where Alex was the protective and Jackie was just outgoing older sibling, Jackie was the quirky funny all the time. and hilarious little sister. Strings sophomore They are souls Bailey Warren and her best friend Jackie could that could never be make light of any situation, like when tutoring replaced in the for the AP Human Geography test with strings world.” g junior Felipe Bomeny. “Felipe asked Jackie All photos provided by Richard what the two sects of Berman and the friends of Alex Islam were and Jackie and Jackie Berman replied ‘male and female.’ He then asked her where

Strings sophomore Jackie Berman poses for the camera during an outing at the mall. “Jackie was unintentionally funny. We told her she should go into comedy,” said strings senior Megan-Joy Daorerk.

Strings junior Alex Berman smiles for a photo. “I’ve never meet someone so full of optimism or who cared about other people’s feelings like he did,” Aumick said.

COVER STORY

‘Alex was a guy who loved music, loved his friends. Like I had my pride and I couldn’t swallow that but he could; to him it didn’t matter. When we went to Coastline David was really into this band Surfer Blood and Alex could see that David was really into them. So then he went home and bought the vinyl and he went home to listen to the whole vinyl and bought the other albums by the band. We got the vinyl signed.’

‘Juliet [Schrieber], Jackie and I were riding our bikes when we saw a stray dog. We began to chase it to some person’s house. That person said that they thought that the stray was the neighbor’s dog. We asked Jackie to open the neighbor’s window and shove the dog inside. Jackie opened the window and pushed the dog inside, even though there was a Christmas tree right by the window. We then ran away. To this day, we don’t know if the dog belonged to them or if it fit through the window.’ -strings sophomore Kristin Janos

-digital media junior Dominik Czaczyk

‘Like last week me and Jackie and Lauren and my friend Zack we all went to go get ice cream and Alex texted me and I was like “Oh my friend Zack is driving us,” and he was like “I’m coming to get you right now, like you’re not getting in a car with some guy.” I was like “Alex, we’re totally fine.” He’s like a big brother to all of us.’ -strings sophomore Bailey Warren

(from left to right) Strings sophomore Kristin Janos, strings junior Alex Berman, strings sophomore Bailey Warren and vocal sophomore Lauren Bates pose for a silly photo near the soccer field. “[Alex] is like a big brother to all of us,” Warren said.

Strings junior David Esposito (left) stands next to strings junior Alex Berman (right) following a strings performance. The two have been close friends for years, and their girlfriends are best friends as well.

‘He was on SoundCloud and he came up to me during a practice and was like “David, I just spent four hours making this song last night, I am so proud of it, it is the best thing I’ve ever written,” and he showed it to me and it was awful. He was just like “This is it, I think this is my song.”’ -strings junior David Esposito

‘The first sleepover we had she comes over and we didn’t know what to do so we’re like “Let’s have a photo shoot.” We rode our bikes to Publix and got 30 balloons. Then we tied them to the backs of our bikes and rode two miles home and all these cars are honking at us. The balloons are everywhere and it’s raining. We were at Publix for like three hours because there was a storm. So, we get back and we’re like “Let’s be cute,” so we put some scarves in the basket and then we took really ugly pictures.’ -vocal sophomore Lauren Bates After an adventurous night spent biking through a thunderstorm, strings sophomore Jacqueline Berman unwinds with friends during an impromptu photo shoot. “Jackie was quirky—she needs her own adjective but quirky is pretty close,” said strings director Wendell Simmons.

COVER STORY ‘We talked about life and laughed hysterically. He stopped random people on the street to say “hi” or make a joke. It was funny because they were all so uptight and he was warm and outgoing and didn’t care what anyone thought. All I can is be thankful for every memory and everything we’ve shared. I’ve never met someone so full of optimism or who cared about other people’s feelings like he did. Nor have I met someone who had as much perspective on life or such a serious plan about his future. I wish we could’ve seen that future unfold because he would have been spectacular.’ -dance sophomore Morgan Aumick

A portrait of Alex and Jackie O by FelipeBomeny

Dance sophomore Morgan Aumick and strings junior Alex Berman share a moment together at the South Florida Fairgrounds while enjoying the Coastline Music Festival. “He was so happy [with Morgan] it was like his dream. It was a life achievement,” said digital media junior Dominik Czaczyk.

(left to right) Strings sophomore Jackie Berman, strings sophomore Bailey Warren and friend Carly McNall pose in costumes they tried on while visiting Downtown Disney.

‘We went to Downtown Disney and we went to the Disney Store and we found these costumes for like really fat kindergartners and we put them on. I was Sleeping Beauty, Jackie was Cinderella and Carley was the Little Mermaid. We took pictures and walked around the store. We thought we were so funny.’

n Monday, Jan. 13, the names of my friends Alexander and Jacqueline Berman became entangled with tragic headlines that suggested the seemingly impossible. The circumstances of their untimely passing have shocked not only Dreyfoos, but the entire local community as well. But just as Julius Fucik said, “Let sadness not be linked to my name,” let sadness not be linked with the names of Alex and Jackie Berman. Instead, let us commemorate their legacies, personalities and artistic achievements. I was not Alex Berman’s best friend, and I do not offer any pretenses that I ever was. I do believe that I was, if not at an earlier time, one of his close friends. I vividly recall Alex, or Berman, as he was called, from middle school, and his evolution into the promising young man he became in his passing. In middle school, he wore oversized shoes in the hopes of convincing others that he would grow tall (he eventually did). He was a gifted cellist and qualified for “All State” three times. I sat next to him on every school trip, where alphabetical order took the form of camaraderie. From plane trips to New York to bus rides to Tampa, Berman would always make the journey better than the destination. He was the only person who called me by my last name. He liked to eat protein bars and protein shakes. He thought I was pretentious. He would mispronounce the words “vanilla” and “tartare.” He could beat any of us in a fight. He wanted to drive a Ford Mustang. He was loyal. He was talented. He was my friend. Jacqueline Berman, with her musical talent and magnetic personality, was also destined for success. Jackie, like her brother Alex, had her own set of unique and endearing idiosyncrasies. Her vibrant character and impish sense of humor left a similar first impression—and smile—on the people she met. From friends to teachers, all who knew her fondly recalled the laughs that the gifted Jackie Berman gave them. “From the day I met her, whether she wanted to or not, she’d make me laugh. I’d call her Lisa after Lisa Kudrow from “Friends.” Jackie was real bright and she just made me laugh. She was just a funny girl. Jackie was quirky—she needs her own adjective but quirky is pretty close. Talented, bright, motivated and sweet would also describe her,” said strings director Wendell Simmons. All of these little elements of these two outstanding siblings offer a kaleidoscopic portrait of a pair of talented friends who deserved bright futures. People pass away but memories never do. g

-strings sophomore Bailey Warren

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DreyFusion makes a difference The 2014 DreyFusion talent show raises money for abused women and children

by XimenaHasbach

very day at Dreyfoos, students get to take classes in their majors, working to hone their skills in one medium. Only once a year, however, do students from every major come together to perform any art they please, with the purpose of benefiting a local non-profit organization. This show is called DreyFusion and took place on Jan. 17. “Our goal was to display all sorts of talent from Dreyfoos,” said communications senior Hanai Garcia, DreyFusion’s assistant producer. “This doesn’t mean that they were going to necessarily sing a song if they’re a vocal major.” The most prevalent cross-over involved non-music majors performing songs. Communications senior Veronica Faison, who participates in Speech and Debate and creative writing, sang “Angel Eyes” by Ella Fitzgerald. “Singing is something I’m passionate about,” Faison said. “Even though it’s not what I focus on at school, I enjoy it.” Even the students who performed within their art area incorporated aspects that are not commonly a part of the piece. Communications junior Gianna Delgado performed an original poem using vocal and facial expression to add to the words. “My poem is about body acceptance and love,” Delgado said. “I drew on my own experiences and on the views of society. I really want to benefit this organization as much as I can.” This year, all of the proceeds from DreyFusion went towards the Association for Abused Women and Children. This organization provides food, housing, counseling and group support for people who have fled abusive homes or are trying to recover from past experiences. During the show, Ms. Ronetta, a woman who fled her

abusive husband and currently helps run the organization, gave a short speech on their cause. “If it weren’t for people like you, we wouldn’t be able to give help to people who need it,” Ms. Ronetta said. “They need a safe place to go so they can start over in life.” Theatre senior Cris Carianna and visual senior Robert Norris performed a song with their band S.S. Francis. “A primary reason we decided to get involved in this particular show is that [Carianna] and I believe in the cause the show represented,” Norris said. “We both believe in helping people in any way we can[...] With [our] passion for music [we’re] always trying to find ways to serve and benefit others.”

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

All backstage crew and talent join communications seniors Valeria Rivadeneira (7th from right) and Hanai Garcia (6th from right) in taking a bow as they thank the audience for attending the DreyFusion talent show.

Communications senior and producer of DreyFusion Valeria Rivadeneira was extremely pleased with how the show turned out after everyone worked so hard to put it together. “Having to do everything has been stressful, but rewarding,” Rivadeneira said. “We’ve had to interview for crew spots, get the gym for auditions, host auditions, handle advertising, rehearsals and then fight for a spot in Meyer Hall. Hanai and I have had the honor of working with incredibly talented individuals and we’re especially grateful for everything our sponsor, Mr. Bauer, has done for the show.” g

Photo by Alexandra Lopez

Strings junior Vincent Moore (left) on bass joins communications senior Timothy DiTocco on guitar as vocal junior Sophia Marques and vocal senior Elizabeth Honor sing a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” at DreyFusion.

ARTS

Painting a future by SamanthaRose

Colleges give feedback in response to students’ art portfolios

rowds of eager visual and digital media students filled the gym, eager to speak with representatives from several accredited art and design colleges. Everyone was excited for Portfolio Review Day, commonly known as Portfolio Day, which occurred on Jan. 22. About 50 colleges came to Dreyfoos, including University of the Arts London and New World School of the Arts. At the event, all visual and digital media students had the opportunity to receive critiques and insight on their artwork by art professionals, as well as consider the college and career choices. “You see people from all over the world. It’s amazing for Dreyfoos students to talk to all these [college representatives],” digital media sophomore Beatrice Hood said. Students from different grade levels have varying goals on Portfolio Day. Underclass students are looking to gather advice and receive constructive criticism on their pieces. They are Photo by Elizabeth Lane also starting to think about the A college representative (left) and visual senior Emily Wallmeuller discuss Wallmeuller’s artwork during the college fair. Some seniors who had their portfolio reviewed in the gym were accepted into the school on the spot. colleges and programs available to them in the future. Upperclassmen, freshman Eloise Janssen said. “They talk they are planning to go into a different field. who typically have more solid college plans, about what kind of programs they have and “Even if you’re not going to an arts school are looking for guidance on what they can what would best fit you based on your art.” it’s still good to participate and show your do to reach their goals. A few seniors even The college and university faculty took art. It’s a good experience and a good way applied for schools while at the event. In the time to understand what students aim to to prepare for any sort of presentation, in some cases, students were accepted into express in their art. anything you’re majoring in,” visual senior schools right on the gym floor. “Their work continues to impress me. It’s Brooke Adams said. “I got into two colleges, Cornish and as strong as I’ve ever seen it,” said Christian Portfolio Day gives Dreyfoos’ growing SAIC [School of the Art Institute of Chicago]. Unverzagt, lecturer in architecture at A. Alfred artists more confidence in their work. It’s been a happy day,” visual senior Helen Taubman College of Architecture and Urban “It’s really heartwarming to see students Morales said. “I applied online and I got my Planning at University of Michigan. “When see that [these professionals] like their work,” portfolio reviewed here. I’m officially in.” I look at the work it’s important that I learn visual dean Jennifer Gifford said. “I’m just Students were prepared to present the about the individual’s process and what grateful that these schools are coming to our college representatives their best work. The they’re trying to accomplish.” school.” representatives, who were both admissions All seniors got their own spots along the Although representatives were trying to officers and professors from the school, gym’s walls with their work displayed for recruit potential applicants, they were also offered personal advice on what students representatives to come and view. The rest of there to help students grow as artists. could do to improve their work and increase the students carried around large portfolios “It’s very inspirational how they actually their chances of being admitted into their and sketchbooks that contained a variety of go into your personal artwork instead of schools. pieces. Many digital media majors opted to only talking about school and requirements,” “They go through your portfolio, which present their work on laptops. visual sophomore Maria Schuller said. “They is a combination of your work. They give Although Portfolio Day focuses on art help you out and answer all your questions. you feedback and help you improve,” visual colleges, some students find it helpful even if It’s really amazing.” g

ARTS

It takes

two to tango Keyboard majors perform duets in a showcase Photo by Taylor Hendrickson

Keyboard junior Elizabeth Priegues (left) turns the pages of keyboard junior Jordan Reich’s sheet music as she performs the first piece of the recital.

by AmandaGoodman

he lights in Meyer Hall dimmed, the crowd hushed and notes began to fill the air. On Feb. 7, 13 pianists sat down at the two available grand pianos and played 11 different pieces in their latest concert, Duets For More Than One Person. This performance featured an array of songs. There were slower, deeper pieces

like “Romance” by Rachmaninoff, played by keyboard seniors Cara Harbaugh and Abigail Schirmer and keyboard sophomore Annie Fong. There were also lighter, bouncier pieces such as “Rondo Op. 73” composed by Chopin and performed by keyboard sophomore Josh McDougal and keyboard junior Sean Johnston. Harbaugh, Schirmer, keyboard seniors

Brianna Seanor, Jazmin Ewers and Nick Natural performed solos even though the concert focused on duets. The concert closed with keyboard juniors Sean Fournier and Dante Alvarado performing “La Muerte Del Angel” composed by Piazzolla. Though the pieces were challenging, the pianists knew how to prepare. “I started about five months ago, I just practiced a lot, slowly and deliberately,” Alvarado said. “It was a lot of hard work on everyone’s part and it paid off. Everyone did really well, it was awesome.” Most of the pianists were nervous but excited about this concert. They all felt a sense of relief after the great turnout. “We had some challenges, but we pulled it off in the end,” Johnston said. “Before the show I was only a little nervous, but when I walked on stage I was very nervous. Overall I think it was a really good concert.” This concert gave keyboard majors a chance to showcase their talent together. “I found a new respect for piano majors,” digital media junior Amia Melian said. “The things they do are really cool. I thought it was easy before, but it seems extremely complicated now.” The crowd was clearly pleased with what they heard, and when all of the performers took their final bows, they received an enthusiastic standing ovation. g

Dreyfoos sweeps Emory

compared to national level.” n the third floor of Building 1, there Communications senior Micaela Fagan is a room lined with multiple plaques has participated in the Emory tournament and trophies stretching from wall to wall before. She placed fourth in Humorous commemorating the Dreyfoos debate Interpretation last year. team for its accomplishments throughout “Emory is an interesting tournament the years. Students were hoping to bring because it takes us out of Florida,” Fagan home more gold from the Barkley Forum said. “A lot of the people that come are from Debate Tournament held at Emory the Midwest and from the South and they University on Jan. 25. kind of bring in different perspectives to “There were over a hundred debates than we get in Florida. I think there competitors within the actual are a lot more conservative arguments, competition,” communications senior Max especially with interpretation pieces.” Fields said. “[The tournament] helps you Compared to local tournaments, Photo courtesy of Kayleigh Rubin not only get better but it helps you form the Emory debate judges take scoring Communications seniors and juniors Micaela Fagan (left), Haley Lickstein, Morgaan Jessell, Tess Saperstein and Kayleigh Rubin wait new arguments. Overall, it’s one of the seriously. outside of their hotel before the first day of the Barkley Forum best trips I think we go to. And this year “You’ll be judged on the content debate tournament. we did pretty well.” of your piece and not necessarily the affirmative or the negative side and then Events in which students participated your performance,” Fagan said. “They you give a two minute speech.” include Congressional Debate, Public Forum, [accumulate] all of your rankings because Although Feuer had competed in debate Lincoln Douglas, Humorous Interpretation, there is no fifth round, so every single ranking tournaments before, the Emory tournament Original Oratory, Extemporaneous Speaking has a lot of weight.” was a new challenge for him. and Oral Interpretation. Fagan reached quarterfinals in Humorous “It was a little bit surprising,” Feuer “I was in Congress,” communications Interpretation and communications senior said. “There was a lot of stuff that I didn’t junior Matthew Feuer said. “Basically, every Tess Saperstein placed sixth in Congressional see at local tournaments. I wouldn’t say it school gives out their own legislation and you Debate. g was overwhelming but it was an interesting have to choose whether you want to speak in experience. I learned a lot about my level by KaraiMclean

ARTS

Arts Index

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

by ArtsStaff

Communications Band

he communications department started the semester working on films to be submitted to the White House Film Festival. Schools around the nation uploaded their films onto YouTube or Vimeo for review by White House staff. “The topic of the film that we are to produce is how technology helps in schools and how technology of the future will help in schools,” communications junior Ian Steele said. “We’re putting a focus on how Dreyfoos in particular puts a focus on academics and arts.” The TV production classes are adopting a new structure for their packages by forming committees in class. “We have developed an actual standard of our show, a format which actually works better,” TV production teacher Anyerson Hernandez said. “This makes it easier to delegate what kind of package and stories you were looking for, as far as topics are concerned.” g

everal band majors attended this year’s Florida Music Educators Association Conference, commonly known as “All State,” which took place from Jan. 9-12. After “All State,” some band students began working on their music for the District Band concert. These students had to audition for their spot and got to work with a renowned conductor. “The conductor is really cool,” band junior Joshua Drourr said. “His name is Dr. Kyle Prescott and he works at FAU. We had an all-day rehearsal [on Jan. 23] and the concert was [on Jan. 24].” In March, students who are in Wind Ensemble will take part in the Music Performance Assessment. This assessment involves playing for a panel of judges, who will grade them and give them feedback. The MPA will take place at Park Vista Community High School this year. “[Music Performance Assessment] is kind of like band FCAT,” band junior Kimberly Le said. g

Digital Media

igital media majors have been busy with various projects and preparations for Portfolio Review Day, which is an art college fair offered to all visual and digital media students. Digital media students were required to have at least ten pieces in their portfolio. “I like that you get a lot of feedback. [Portfolio Review Day] helps you a lot with your art and what you need to improve on,” visual sophomore Camila Rodriguez said. “It helps you decide what path you want to take and helps you get there and reach your goals.” Other students worked on producing high quality photos of Alexander and Jacqueline Berman in their memorial. Winners of the Scholastic Art and Writing awards were announced. Students who submitted pieces to the Florida State Fair and were selected were able to travel to Tampa to represent their work. Some digital media students have been hard at work on specific projects. “A lot of us are doing installation pieces where we build [pieces] in a [confined] space,” digital media senior Kyra Dalton said. g

Photo by Dana Miller

Band freshman Adam Nelles practices the song “Sugaria,” a percussion concerto for the Spring Concert. “All the practice rooms were taken, so it was easier to concentrate outside. It’s more peaceful,” Nelles said.

Dance Theatre

rom belting out “Omigod You Guys” to practicing the “Bend and Snap,” the theatre department is hard at work preparing for their upcoming production of “Legally Blonde.” “I’m so excited for everyone to see the show,” said theatre junior Olivia Dei Cicchi, who has been cast as Elle Woods. “There have been so many new friendships made throughout the process and it’s great to be seeing every single person involved with the production giving 110 percent in rehearsal.” On Jan. 10, the theatre department performed Short Attention Span Theatre, which consisted of the same material students will be performing at state competition. The theatre collective is currently performing their end of the year show, which will take place on May 17. g

he dance department began the year with multiple practices for their upcoming concerts. Many Dreyfoos dance alumni are guest choreographing the performances. One of the choreographers, Michael Figararo, is doing two pieces: one for a pointe class and one for a regular dance class. “He is doing something that we’re actually choreographing ourselves,” dance junior Mycaela Everly said. “So he throws something at us, we take our interpretation and we throw it back at him, whatever way we can possibly come up with.” Many of the dance alumni are students of professional art schools, such as Juilliard alumna Lauren Carey who is currently earning her Master’s degree at NYU and Michael Figaro who is studying at Boston Conservatory. The dance department has five concerts and performances this semester. g

ARTS

Strings

Photo by Dana Miller

Visual sophomore Zachary Rapaport (center) makes a mold with plaster to then cast with urethane spray foam to manipulate for a sculpture in architecture teacher Jade Henderson’s Sculpture 1 class.

Visual

he strings department worked hard to prepare for the Philharmonic Orchestra Concert on Feb. 11. The performance was pushed back due to the recent passings of strings majors Alexander and Jacqueline Berman; the concert served as a tribute to the Bermans. The concert featured a cinema theme, with music from “Superman” and “Indiana Jones,” but opened with the “Allegretto” from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 as a remembrance of the Berman siblings. Strings students placed roses on the chairs that Alex and Jackie would have been sitting in for each piece. Aside from the dedication of the Philharmonic Orchestra Concert to the Berman siblings, the strings department and Ms. Naomi Wagner, the music and guidance administrative assistant, are also sponsoring fundraisers in their memory. “I am sponsoring the sale of Alex and Jackie rubber wristbands, which will be sold at $5 apiece. Mr. Berman wants everyone to wear them and the money will go to a second scholarship fund. This will go through Dreyfoos, and not [School of the Arts Foundation, Inc.],” Ms. Wagner said. g

bdi Farah, artist and winner of season one of Bravo’s reality competition “Work of Art: The Next Great Artist,” came to Dreyfoos and led a workshop for a select group of visual and digital media students Jan. 14-16. Students had to apply and were chosen by visual dean Jennifer Gifford based on artwork they submitted. At the workshop, students made sculptures based on parts of the body. “We paired up and used each other’s body parts, such as hands, feet and collar bones, and covered them in plaster and then let the plaster dry to use as a mold,” visual sophomore Victoria Pouille said. “We filled the molds with foam to make sculptures.” Portfolio Day took place in the gym on Jan. 22. Students had the chance to discuss their artwork and future college plans with representatives from various art and design schools, such as California Institute of the Arts, University of the Arts London and New World School of the Arts. g

Keyboard

he first Klavier recital was held in the Brandt Black Box Theater on Jan. 24. There are four Klavier recitals every year, which feature the top pianists in the department. The Klavier pianists in this first show will be keyboard senior Ian Lao and sophomores Catherine Zeng, Michael Sison and Alvin Xue. “I think the Klavier recitals are going to be really cool to watch. Each pianist has to play 20 minutes of music, which will be interesting and entertaining,” keyboard freshman Caroline Miller said. The Piano Duet Recital took place in Meyer Hall on Feb. 7. Upperclassmen were chosen to perform duets on one or two pianos. The second Klavier recital will be held in Meyer Hall on Feb. 21. g

Vocal

nderclassmen held a recital in the main chorus room on Jan. 29. Vocal students performed in a Valentine’s Day concert on Feb. 14. It was held in Meyer Hall and featured songs such as “All the Things You Are” by Ella Fitzgerald. “There [was] a mixture of solos, duets and performances by various choruses. It’s my favorite concert,” vocal junior Alexandra Zaidspiner said. In addition, the vocal and strings department will be coming together for the American Music Concert held on March 12. This is a concert in which students will perform songs by famous American composers. Vocal teacher Arlene Sparks held a fundraiser concert to support the students in their trip to Scotland, Ireland and Wales. They will perform at Llangollen Eistaddfod, an international music festival. “We’re all really excited to go and can’t wait for the incredible experience,” vocal junior Sarah Rogers said. g

Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports

Kicking their way

to success

A wrap-up on the winter season’s sports, featuring the girls soccer team and a preview to the spring season

by SeanFournier

Girls Soccer

here were high hopes for this year’s girls soccer team after their respectable season last winter, and they did not disappoint. For the first time in Dreyfoos’ history, the team battled for the regional championship title where they eventually lost in a sudden death shoot out against Martin County High School. With a strong standing record of 13-5-1, the team finished second place in the district. “We all played well together from the start,” communications senior Sarah Maclean said. “And due to our freshmen talent, I had a feeling we would be going far.” The team clinched the number two spot in the district championship on their way to competing in regionals. In a double overtime match in the first round of Districts, the team defeated its archrival Suncoast when theatre freshman Aston Royal scored the game winning goal to win 2-1. “In the past, we often lost to Suncoast,” said digital media sophomore Madeline Winchester’s father John Winchester. “But we beat them [during] the regular season last year and this year we beat them during Districts.” While previous stars of the team returned for this season, the new and dynamic defensive line consisting of Royal and strings freshman Sarah King allowed for a more uniform team rather than a somewhat inconsistent group from last winter. “We are very lucky to have these freshmen,” Mr. Winchester said. “And the good news is [that] they are only going to get better.”

In this section:

29 30 31 28

Get an on-the-sidelines look of how girls soccer coach and science teacher Stephen Anand leads his team to success. Read about how twin sisters and co-captains of the girls soccer team have led the Jaguars to their best season ever. Dealing with losing is hard to do. Columnist Bari Bossis advises players on how to cope with being on the wrong end of an athletic competition.

Photo by Elizabeth Lane

Communications senior and girls soccer player (left) Sarah Maclean battles for the ball in her team’s second district match that took place at Olympic Heights High School against William T. Dwyer High School.

Boys Soccer

At the start of the season, the boys soccer team was unexpectedly placed into the 4A division, a much more competitive league with a high school population and a wider amount of competitive players. Accompanied with the loss of key players such as theatre senior Ramiro Retes, who signed a contract to play for an Argentinean soccer team, the boys soccer team finished with a record of 1-12-1. “We’re really good to start the game,” communications junior Steffan Gawlikowski said. “But we need more training in order to have [the stamina] to finish off the game.” The team will be losing three seniors at the end of this year, but they hope to train the players that will remain on their roster in order to be ready for next season.

Boys Basketball

Coming off their 13-2 season last year, the boys basketball team has stood strong and finished off the season with a 10-6 record. Despite the team’s overall success, the team has had to overcome hardships since the beginning of the season: the team has lost three of its key players. “As a team we are like a well-oiled machine,” communications senior Munashe Kwangwari said. “I’m the conductor and everyone else plays their roles. However because players quit at the beginning this year, other players were forced to play roles they are not used to.” continued on page 29

SPORTS

Wrap-up continued from page 28 The team came in first in the North Division and faced off against South Division Champion American Prep in the East Coast Conference game resulting in a 62-37 loss. Coaches attending the conference awarded communications senior Munashe Kwangwari as the Most Valuable Player and nominated strings sophomore Joshua Ewers to a spot on the All-Conference team.

Track

Track and field head coach and English teacher Catherine Duncan is preparing to begin her first season as coach, and has many changes to workouts and practices that she plans to implement. “I do feel strongly that every practice should be 30 to 40 percent conditioning so that the event will seem easy, compared to the practice,” Ms. Duncan said. “I am witnessing a wonderful can-do spirit within the team and they are being very helpful to their new coach.”

Duncan expects to foster a spirit of camaraderie this season, where everyone will push each other to reach new personal records for the school. In particular, she aims for pole vaulter and strings senior Jenna Meyers-Sinnet to make it to regionals and beyond.

Tennis

With their first match on Feb. 4, guidance counselor and tennis coach John Webb has seeded the team to best position his players. After losing three key seniors from last year’s team, the door is open for all of the other players to prove themselves. “We had the dream team last year,” strings senior Reed Rabideau said. “We had a decent performance at regionals and two of our guys went to states. All I’m hoping is [that] we do as good as we did. With our freshmen, I don’t think that will be a problem.” Three matches in, the boys’ team is 2-1 and the girls team is 1-2. g

Photo by Emily Greentree

Communications senior Kevin Levine sets up to hit a forehand in a match against Seminole Ridge High School. Levine won the match 8-0.

Coach’s Corner: Mr. Anand by CharlesBonani

oaching a soccer game demands the nearly impossible ability to follow the rapid pace of the game while simultaneously managing the players and making strategic adjustments that will put the team in the best position to win. Coaching a game also allows a unique perspective of the field and the players which allows girls soccer coach and science teacher Stephen Anand to see where adjustments need to be made. “A lot of times we can tell [the players] exactly where the ball is going to end up because we can see the game differently from where we are at,” Mr. Anand said. “[The coaches] might take a player from one position and put them in a completely different position. We can have some influence there.” Countering the punches from the opposing team is a vital part of being successful, and Mr. Anand watches the way the

teams he faces play very closely in order to adjust his team’s game accordingly. “We pick apart some of the things that we’ve seen the other team do and try to encourage our players to adjust those things in the game,” Mr. Anand said. “We talk about what we’ve seen in the game and how we are going to deal with it.” g

The Six-Minute Drill: soccer The boys soccer team gets in shape athlete. Other workouts, such as he Six-Minute Drill is an mountain climbers, help build the endurance drill which focuses core and legs. These give players on overall fitness, helping players better endurance and allow them during games. Soccer coach to run for a longer portion of the and social studies teacher Tom game without becoming tired. Ruth gives this inside look at an Each time the players important drill that he makes the successfully make it back and team run. forth, the length of the next “I like using the six-minute sprint expands: the workout drill; they’re sprints that gradually intensifies. g expand,” Mr. Ruth said. = Pushups, “You punctuate this by mountain intense pushups, ups and climbers, aquaman, downs and other things of crunches, that nature.” superman or bicycle kicks Much like running ‘suicide’ drills, this drill requires players to run back and forth repetitively, but there is a twist. In between each suicide a simple workout is done to intensify the drill. Pushups get the upper body in better shape, which helps with throw-ins, running and being a better overall Graphic by Kyle Bell

by AdamNir

Suicide sprints

Photo by Elizabeth Lane

Girls soccer coach and science dean Stephen Anand incorporates a defensive strategy in the team’s deciding district match against William T. Dwyer High School.

SPORTS

Twinning &

winning

The Graham twins lead the girls soccer team into their most successful season ever

JAGUAR PROFILE by JackReagan

captain’s job is not only to serve as middleman between the players and the coaches but is to also be an on-field mentor, a person everyone can trust. On the girls varsity soccer team here at Dreyfoos, the power of the captain has now been given to not one but two people, twin strings seniors Gabrielle “Gabby” and Giselle Graham. “We started playing soccer when we were 7 years old at [the] Wellington Wave [soccer club],” Giselle Graham said. The Grahams were chosen at the beginning of the season to be the co-captains of the team after three years of playing on the Dreyfoos team. They came in as freshmen and were taken by girls soccer coach and science teacher Stephen Anand. “[Gabby and Giselle] have been hard workers throughout their entire time here,” Mr. Anand said. “They are silent strengths and are able to direct the team without yelling or screaming.” The Grahams were delighted to hear that they were chosen as captains after many years of work on the team and say that without Mr. Anand, they would have not been able to get to the position they are in today. “[Mr. Anand] pushed us towards being leaders,” Giselle Graham said. “In his own way he is able to teach us to be leaders of the soccer team.” Being a captain is a huge responsibility and can put a lot of pressure if the position is given to a single person. With the sisters

Photo by Elizabeth Lane

Strings seniors Giselle (left) and Gabrielle Graham practice high knees and they prepare for practice. Their hard work at practice helps them play well at games.

Photo by Elizabeth Lane

Strings seniors Giselle (left) and Gabrielle Graham (right) warm up at practice. The sisters have been playing for the Lady Jaguars since their freshman year.

splitting the responsibility, they have realized that the only way they will be able to organize the team is if they get along. There may be times where disagreement and misunderstanding can pull a team apart, yet the Grahams are able to keep it together. “[Being captain with my sister] is a lot of fun because I’m used to playing with [Gabby],” Giselle Graham said. “But it can be difficult because we are siblings and there is always that light tension, but we get along in the end and we always work together to get the team to be the best they can possibly be.” The Graham twins know how to run a team with efficiency and they always make sure that their team comes out on top. They are able to get into the minds of the players to calm them down or fire them up. “If [the team is] going against a hard team we just talk to [everyone] and tell them that you can’t go somewhere thinking you are going to lose because that’s what going to happen,” Giselle Graham said. “We tell them to go in with a positive attitude, focus and that they have the skill to overcome the opponent.” With these two girls as the co-captains,

they have made a team that is more courageous, brave and skillful than they started out to be in the beginning of the season. “[The most important part of being the captain of the soccer team is] to not act in charge but listen to what everybody has to say and make sure that everyone feels like they are a voice and an important part of the team by treating them with respect,” Giselle Graham said. With their intuitive ways of being a leader and bringing the team closer on the field and off the field, the Grahams have shown that an incredible team can be made out of anyone, with any skill, from anywhere. “To play like a team you can’t just play on the field, you have to do things outside of the actual sport to become better friends,” Gabby Graham said. “You can’t know a person unless you spend time with them. A team is about making friends, playing on the field, doing well together and collaborating to make it work.” The Grahams led the girls soccer team to the district championships, ending up as the second team in their district. g

Dealing with being a

loser

by BariBossis

ife is a game: as we grow more mature from experience, we learn that we cannot quit after things don’t go our way. We acquire from our failures that after every attempt, we will fight harder next time. But for those who seem to fail excessively, the process of loss becomes both repetitive and depressing. I was 5 years old, and like many other females Bari Bossis of my age, I wanted to be a gymnast. So I signed up for gymnastic classes. I practiced so much trapeze that the chalk on my hands made me sneeze. I did so many round-offs that I felt like a boss. Ask me about the high beam and I’d tell you I was the queen. When the time came for my first competition I walked in with the confidence of Kanye West.

SPORTS

When life gives you lemons, stuff yourself with ice cream

Not worrying about a thing, I completed each event and strut my way down to the awards without a worry in the world, until I didn’t win a single event. Sobbing on the car ride home seemed to annoy my mother enough to buy me some McDonald’s. Ever since this first reality of defeat, I have felt the need to reward myself for all of my athletic failures, and I have come to the conclusion that everyone should do the same. If your loss is very small in score, my advice to you is “go big or go home,” since you clearly didn’t do so while competing. This can be achieved in many mediums, but my best suggestion is to eat your troubles away. The greatest way to do so is either a heaping serving of Chipotle, notorious for unbuttoning people’s jeans since 1993, or any Cold Stone Creamery that you can find near you. Alternatives include driving home blasting anything from classic Eminem to The Spice Girls at the highest volume and bass levels your car provides. Let’s say you tied. This is a very sensitive time for you, for you were so close to success

as well as failure and you chose to have neither. I recommend playing a majestic instrumental while sitting in a meditation position. You really need to contemplate your choices in not only your athletic endeavors but all other departments in your life. Also try similar spiritual methods described in Herman Hesse’s “Siddhartha.” Finally, the cloud to a sunny day. The ugly to the duckling. The unforgiving loss. So you lost by a lot, and you know there wasn’t a chance that you could have walked away with a win. Your opposing side possessed the physical assets of Hulk Hogan and the mind of Mahatma Gandhi. All you want to do is go home, curl into a ball and sob about your failures, but as we know that life is a game, we know we can’t always get what we want. The first and only option you have in this scenario is to go to the gym. You clearly have a lot of development awaiting you, and if you want to succeed in anything you must start now. After you are physically drained, you may go home, eat a balanced diet and before you know it, you will be LeBron James. g

Sitting is the new smoking

Long periods of sitting down can be hazardous to your health

by JessicaRalph

here is something so undeniably comforting about finally plopping down into a firm, black “chair” after walking the exhausting two flights of stairs to get to class. As uncomfortable as the pieces of plastic we sit on almost all day may be, we cherish that moment when we can finally sit down and rid our backs of the 20 pounds of AP textbooks and laptops. However, researchers have found that sitting for long periods of time can be as detrimental to your health as smoking cigarettes. In 2011, the Center for Disease Control did a study on what percentage of high school students had smoked cigarettes, and found that only 18.1 percent of all high school students in the nation had smoked a cigarette, meaning that 81.9 percent had never smoked. So if someone offered you a cigarette, and you were a part of this 81.9 percent your immediate reaction may be to say no and walk away. But if someone offered you to have a seat, you would probably accept the offer. You may be unaware of how similar the two are. Studies done by James A. Levine, M.D and Ph.D of the MayoClinic, have shown that sitting can be just as bad for your health as having a dependency on lethal substances. Prolonged periods of sitting can lead to a metabolic deficiency or obesity, due to the lack of movement. Although, what you may not know about sitting is that it can cause increased blood pressure, high blood sugar and fluctuating cholesterol levels. The slouched position most people presume while

sitting causes fat cells to build up around the waist area. All these effects are major causes of heart attack and heart disease because of the clogged veins and arteries that these conditions attribute to, and according to the

of 14 years and found that men who sat leisurely for six or more hours a day had a 20 percent higher death rate than those who sat for three or less, and that women who sat for this long had a 40 percent higher rate of death due to heart disease and failure, as well as various types of cancer. Now, back to those black chairs we all love. Here at Dreyfoos, a regular week consists of four of our five school days as block periods, so we sit for approximately 90 minutes before moving again. A majority of our seven-hour day is spent absolutely still, except for those classes like gym and dance that allow us to move around. Simply getting up for a few minutes allows blood to flow better instead of pooling in the legs and feet, which can cause blood clots. During class try simple things like refilling water bottles, offering to make copies, or even just getting up to sharpen a pencil instead of pulling out a new one. These things may help with clotting, but they wont reverse the affect of prolonged sitting. The only way to counteract this is through daily exercise. It sounds awful, but you don’t have to do push-ups until your arms fall off, or try to bench more weight than you weigh, especially if you do not even lift. Just adding more cardiovascular activity to your daily routine can add years onto your life. At home, try to fit in a 30 minute walk every day, and move as much as possible. Instead of sitting on the phone, walk laps around the house while talking, or try reading books on a treadmill. Every bit of movement helps. So, if you are a part of that 81.9 percent that had never smoked, think about how many hours you spend sitting on a daily basis. If one hour of sitting equals one cigarette, how many packs do you smoke, or sit, every day? g

WELLNESS

Which is worse?

sitting

smoking

Graphic by Dana Thomas

Center for Disease Control, the use of tobacco leads to plaque buildup in the walls of the veins and arteries, the same way sitting does. As plaque collects, the pressure needed to move blood must increase, quickening heart rate and increasing blood pressure. Over a lifetime, sitting for a majority of the day can take years off of your life. The American Cancer Society tracked the health of 123,000 Americans over the course

Affordable snack act Calorie information required to be displayed on vending machine snacks natural and organic ingredients, Healthy Choice Vending, the provider of the vending machines, adheres with the school district’s goal of promoting healthy eating for its students. Since 2007, the school district has been working to reduce the portion size and increase the nutritional value of vending machine offerings, but does the new labeling requirement help? “I don’t think the requirement will make much of a difference when making healthier choices. People purchasing food from the vending machines are usually doing it onthe-go or last minute,” digital media senior Arianna Leon said. “Very few students actually look at the calorie count of the snack they’re about to eat. Having it required only creates trouble for vending machine companies.”

by AlexLopez

ou may have heard heated discussion over what the Affordable Care Act, also known by the politically-fueled term “Obamacare,” changes for families across the nation. While the debate touches more on healthcare reform, starting this year, it will also be impacting Dreyfoos students with labeling requirements in our vending machines. “Requiring calorie information to be displayed on roughly 5 million vending machines nationwide will help consumers make healthier choices,” the Food and Drug Administration said in a CBS news report. Since early last year, Dreyfoos underwent its own reform with new vending machines stocked with snacks that promote healthy eating. Containing snacks that only have

Fro-yo vs. ice cream by MichelleBirch

EAT THIS

ven though they both look the same when drenched in sprinkles, chocolate chips and peanut butter cups, the health difference between regular ice cream and frozen yogurt will have you rethinking your decision while standing in front of the Publix freezer. Popular frozen yogurt self-serve bars such as YoWay and Swirls have become incredibly popular in the last few years even though there are healthier options than this sweet and easy snack. Trading in ice cream for “fro-yo” can save you a large amount of calories and fat. There are a multitude of different ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors but traditional vanilla is a good base for comparison. Along with having a significant difference in calorie count there is a pretty hefty gap between total fat. The Breyer’s frozen yogurt has a total of 4.5g of fat while Ben & Jerry’s have 14g; mind you this is per serving. Breyer’s low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt’s average serving size is a ½ cup, which is 90 calories. Comparing this to the Ben & Jerry’s traditional vanilla ice cream with a serving size of a ½ cup, which is 230 calories; you can already imagine how much the calorie count spikes upward when you’re cuddling on the couch watching Nicholas Sparks’ movies and end up eating the entire carton. g

Photo by Haagen-Dazs

Photo by Ben &Jerry’s

NOT THAT

The impact on vending machine companies is clear. According to Time Magazine, “an estimated 5 million vending machines provided by over 10,000 companies will have to comply with the new rules, which are expected to cost the vending machine industry $25.8 million in the first year and $24 million every year following.” The requirement may be a burden to companies who are already working on improving their snack choices to begin with. Overall, the vending machine industry is taking a beneficial path for students with strives towards healthy eating choices. Only a couple of years ago, Dreyfoos was littered with Coca-Cola products and now students are taking sips of apple-sauce Buddy Fruits. g

Spitting oil New method releases body toxins by RickyMorris

s the start of a new year finally sets in, many began to abandon their goals to start off the 2014 in a positive light. Whether it is going to the gym more often or eating healthier, we are familiar with the many New Year’s resolutions we set that eventually falls through the cracks due to a loss of motivation. However, many are unaware of an easy trick to keep your dieting goal. Oil gargling may sound like a strange technique, but this process has been proven to be extremely beneficial to your health. Gargling either sunflower or sesame oil for about 10 minutes a day has proven to get rid of headaches, tooth pain, intestinal diseases, blood diseases and many more disorders. The oil healing process works by killing harmful bacteria on the tongue. The tongue directly links to different organs in the body; different regions in the tongue are connected to various organ locations. According to The Huffington Post, the oil’s bacteriakilling nature helps fight off many diseases and disorders that are caused by poisonous bacteria-embryos. Simply swish the oil around in your mouth for about 10 minutes, until it turns into a white foam, then rinse your mouth with water. This technique is not only known to have health benefits, but users also have noticed a whiter smile because of the oil swishing. This newfound craze will have you smiling brighter because of your healthy, bacteria-free lifestyle. g

Entertainment • Entertainment • Entertainment • Entertainment • Entertainment Photo by Magnolia Pictures

Tilikum killed trainer Dawn Bracheau in 2010 and is the subject of a large portion of the documentary.

Photo by Magnolia Pictures

Tilikum, a bull orca, roars at the camera. SeaWorld was outraged at the Blackfish documentary and claimed that it was misleading and inaccurately portrayed the tragedy of Dawn Bracheau’s death.

‘Blackfish’

The film raises makes controversy about SeaWorld and orcas in captivity

waves by JuanRamirez

iving in Florida, it’s easy to take all the attractions and tourist traps for granted as Floridian institutions and not think too much about what happens behind the scenes. Places like SeaWorld, an Orlando vacation staple since 1973, are known for providing tourists and residents with aquatic-themed fun and up-close interactions with orcas, including the world famous Shamu. Year after year, people from across the globe pour

In this section:

Want to binge watch but bad at making decisions? Read this story to find the best movies on Netflix.

The entertainment staff shares their frustration about the second semester by sharing their favorite songs.

After a years-long feud, Escape the Fate and Falling in Reverse go on tour together, Burying the Hatchet.

into a sweaty, moist stadium to obliviously watch trainers perform stunts with these gigantic animals without giving it a second thought. “Blackfish,” directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, seeks to inform the public as to what is happening behind closed tanks and expose the wrong-doings of the SeaWorld facilities. First screened at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, “Blackfish” follows two tragically interrelated stories: the story of Tilikum, a 12,000-pound orca involved in the death of three people throughout his life in captivity, and a history of SeaWorld’s sometimes-fatal killer whale incidents. Captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983 at the age of 2, Tilikum was first placed in captivity in Sealand of the Pacific, a small aquarium in Canada. The film claims Tilikum was bullied by the larger orcas, who were all forced to share a tiny, windowless capsule overnight, which psychologically scarred the whale. When a young trainer that fell into the orca tank in 1991 was dragged down and drowned by the orcas, fingers were pointed at Tilikum and he was transferred to SeaWorld

Orlando. In 1999, a man evaded park security and managed to sneak into the orca pool and was found dead, stripped and draped across Tilikum’s back. Through interviews with past trainers and staff as well security footage, Cowperthwaite questions the validity of someone sneaking into such a highly guarded area and being mauled by a giant orca without anyone, including the park’s security, noticing anything. She also exposes several aspects of the whales’ captivity that SeaWorld vehemently opposes. Former trainers state that the whales are often denied proper medical care and attention. Another issue stems from the fact that orcas have a highly developed language that varies from pod to pod. This causes problems when SeaWorld management carelessly separates whales from their pod and the whales suffer the consequences of miscommunication-fueled violence. Although Tilikum had already posed a threat to the safety status of SeaWorld, he was not the first orca to cause problems. One of Cowperthwaite’s main claims was that continued on page 35

ENTERTAINMENT

“Blackfish” continued from page 34 animals, while usually docile and cooperative, often defy their trainers and sometimes injure them. Graphic footage of whales dragging, pinning, tossing around, roughing up and in one instance, jumping on top of a trainer, reveal that altercations between whales and humans have been happening since they were first put together. The bulk of the film focuses on the 2010 death of experienced trainer Dawn Brancheau, who was dragged underwater and torn apart by Tilikum during one of the “Shamu” shows. While this incident set off a number of lawsuits against SeaWorld, Tilikum continues to perform in public shows with minimal new measures taken to ensure safety. Keeping animals in captivity has always proved controversial. Many claim that companies exploit animals’ freedom in exchange for money and others see it as a harmless venture. The film does an incredible job of advocating its agenda; it presents fact after fact in a creative, well-paced way. Interviews with everyone from former and current orca trainers from around the world, marine biologists and former whalers make it apparent that close contact with these enormous creatures is not only dangerous to humans but destructive to the whales themselves.

Although it was released in cinemas in July, “Blackfish” was somewhat of a sleeper hit, not coming to the forefront of the public’s knowledge until the film’s availability on Netflix. The film gained serious press coverage in December, when several highprofile music acts such as the Beach Boys, Heart, Willie Nelson, Pat Benatar and the Barenaked Ladies canceled concerts at SeaWorld and its sister park, Busch Gardens. “I don’t agree with the way they treat their animals,” Willie Nelson explained in an interview with CNN. “It wasn’t that hard [of ] a deal for me.” The highly anticipated upcoming Pixar film “Finding Dory” altered its ending after the producers saw the documentary. In addition to refusing to participate in the film’s production, SeaWorld printed a full-page open letter in several magazines and set up a section on their website titled “Truth About Blackfish,” in hopes to correct what they think are inaccuracies in the film’s arguments. The documentary has now found itself in the middle of a media circus, with each side constantly attempting to have the final word on the issue. When several interviewees, as well as some of Brancheau’s family members, were quoted saying they did not approve of the final product’s agenda, Cowperthwaite invited SeaWorld representatives to a debate in a public forum,

Photo by Magnolia Pictures

The “Blackfish” documentary on SeaWorld’s killer whale, Tilikum, is as real as it gets.

which SeaWorld promptly rejected. It’s unfortunate that an accurate representation of the truth will be hard to come across, since the nature of the situation is not as black-and-white as the downtrodden victims caught in the middle of it. “Ultimately,” Cowperthwaite said. “I think the trainers and the animals are safer as a result of this film. I can only hope [Brancheau] would be happy about that.” g

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERT AINMENT

Something about fandoms by ToRiFernandez

ince the dawn of time, people have worshipped. Whether it be the worshipping of gods, people or even cats, civilizations have been built purely on the concept of faith. Now, however, people have a different object to worship: celebrities. However, where there is devotion, there tends to be obsession. While most fans show their admiration of a particular music group or celebrity by wearing T-shirts with their faces on it, some tend to go way too far. In order, here are the top three extreme fan bases in music:

3. Selena Gomez’s “Selenators”

Although there are good and bad fans in every fanbase, Selena Gomez’s extreme “Selenators” tend to go above and beyond when it comes to being rude. The “Selenators” often publicly bash other pop singers such as Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande by saying that Ms. Gomez is better. Regardless of the few critics who claim Ms. Gomez cannot sing live, the “Selenators” dismiss this theory and focus all their attention on posting comments on Demi Lovato’s music videos on YouTube, telling her fans to “go cut themselves”—a direct insult to Lovato’s personal struggle with self-harm. While there is nothing wrong with liking Selena Gomez, being offensive and rude to those who do not guaranteed this fan base a spot on the list.

2. Justin Bieber’s “Beleibers”

“cuts for Bieber” incident—where his fans decided to cut their wrists to mourn the fact that Bieber was caught with marijuana—leads to the conclusion that the “Beliebers” are one of the most ridiculous fan bases ever. All we can do is hope Bieber gets deported back to Canada.

Justin Bieber has not only made a name for himself as the worst person ever, but he also is the president of one of the worst fan bases. Over the past few years, Bieber has built up a 1. One Direction’s bad reputation due to various “Directioners” misdemeanors One Direction such as being madness has swept all carried up the seven continents at a Great Wall of rate unseen since the China, spitting bubonic plague. Although on fans from the One Direction fan rooftops, egging base is versatile in age, his neighbor’s the extremity that some house and, Photo by London Evening Standard of their more ardent hold up pillows directed to Harry Styles, onenow, his arrest “Directioners” fans reach is beyond fifth of the boy band, One Direction at the premiere of their for drag racing new movie, “This Is Us”. the normal means of under the obsession. While many influence of alcohol and prescription drugs. “Directioners” target the boys’ girlfriends with These offenses have made Bieber the butt of death threats and insults, these antics seem many jokes from fellow celebrities on Twitter, almost tame compared with a couple of the causing a handful of his “super fans” to leap more “proactive” ones. For instance, one fan in to defend him with bad grammar, pitiful got braces on her teeth purely for the fact spelling and comebacks that make the jokes that Niall Horan needed them, and, allegedly, you told in elementary school seem clever. an obsessed “Directioner” posted a picture of The “Beliebers” didn’t stop there. In 2011, after a dead Chihuahua, saying she killed her dog Esperanza Spalding won the Grammy for after the band ignored her tweets. Loving One Best New Artist, Bieber’s fan base attacked Direction is not a crime or a bad thing: but her Wikipedia page, telling the artist to “go when their fans resort to killing small animals, die in a hole” because Bieber deserved the it may be time for an intervention. g award instead of her. This, coupled with the

Even more Netflix: second semester edition

by AubreyLevin

s the second semester goes on, join the class of 2014 in a serious bout of senioritis. When you find yourself struggling to complete your AP Microeconomics homework, or just can’t muster the motivation to study for your statistics test, here are the Netflix movies you should turn to instead.

1. “LOL”

Critics absolutely hated this romantic comedy, calling it a shapeless, plotless teen chick flick. Yes, this may be true. This clichéd coming-of-age movie follows Lola’s journey towards independence and self-discovery, while addressing relatable issues such as family and romance, as she struggles through a painfully inaccurate portrayal of high school filled with Abercrombie catalog models.

2. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

We all have those days where we feel like throwing in the towel, calling it a day and taking a break. Ferris Bueller is notorious at his school for skipping class and getting away with it. In his last effort to leave a mark in the history books, or at least the yearbook,

he kidnaps his friends, hijacks a red Ferrari and spends an unforgettable day in Chicago, all the while trying to dodge administration. If this movie doesn’t speak to your soul, or at least make you incredibly jealous, you’re doing school wrong.

3. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”

As a self proclaimed addict of the food, anything about sushi screams my name. Chef Jiro Ono is the owner of a 10-table restaurant in a Tokyo subway station. Don’t let this fool you- people make reservations years in advance. Holding the title of best sushi chef in the world, Japan has declared him a national icon. Connoisseurs everywhere fly to this legendary fish Mecca, shelling out over $300 a plate at this 3 Michelin-starred restaurant. Following the life of Ono, viewers watch as he strives to perfect his art, and teaches his reluctant son, who will one day inherit the restaurant, how to be as good of a chef as he is.

Emily Taylor. After her husband Martin is released from jail, the two seek therapy for Emily. Her psychologist prescribes her a new antidepressant, however the side effects cause strange things to happen- in a most severe case, she stabs her husband while asleep. With an intense plot twist and surprising ending, this movie is sure to be one of those you won’t forget. g

Oh my god. I can’t stop watching

4. “Side Effects”

This psychological thriller takes a look inside the life of clinically depressed

Graphic by Kyle Bell

ENTERTAINMENT

Jarrod’s Oscar picks by JarrodCarman

n America we’ve celebrated the tradition of the Oscars, in which handsomely crafted people vie for shiny gold trophies that they earned by making films that distract us from more meaningful things. 2013 was a banner year for film and this year’s races promise to be close. Here’s the rundown on this year’s Oscars. Best Actress Will win: I wager everything on Cate Blanchett winning her second Oscar for her performance in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine,” which is the story of a woman whose life takes a turn for the worse when her husband is arrested for fraud and she’s forced to move in with her plebian sister. Blanchett is strong and mesmerizing. Should win: Judi Dench should win for “Philomena,” the story of an elderly woman looking for the son she was forced to give up for adoption by a nunnery years ago. Dench, strongwilled and heartrending, gives a pitchperfect performance that won’t leave a dry eye in the audience. Best Actor Will win: If anybody told me five years ago that Matthew McConaughey would one day win an Oscar, I would have locked that person away in a mental asylum. Now, the often shirtless star of romantic comedies has rebranded himself as a serious actor as part of his career renaissance. McConaughey will likely win for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club,” where he plays a homophobic electrician who is diagnosed with AIDS. McConaughey lost 47 pounds for the role and his commitment will likely pay off in the form of a gold statue come Oscar night. Should win: Oscar Isaac of “Inside Llewyn Davis” deserves to win, however. His performance as an unlikable, chronically

failing folk singer in ‘60s New York is impressive in how he forces the audience to hate him and root for him at the same time. Every time he picks up his guitar, melancholy drops from each note and Isaac becomes Davis. Best Director Will win and should win: Alfonso Cuaron, master of the extended take, will take home his first Oscar for his work on “Gravity,” or “Oh No Sandra Bullock Please Don’t Hit That Flying Piece of Space Metal!” Cuaron realistically depicted a journey into the abyss of space while allowing the audience to tag along with Sandra Bullock and her struggle to survive. “Gravity” proves that movie theaters won’t go extinct any time soon. Best Picture Will win: Since “Argo 2: Argo Further” was not nominated, the three-way race between “American Hustle,” “Gravity” and “12 Years” could go any way. Luckily, nothing prevents a three-way tie from occurring, so if I (somewhat illegally) put money on all three to win, I can maybe pay for college. “12 Years” will likely win because it has the necessary ingredients to win Best Picture: a true story, a sad moment in history and Brad Pitt. Should win: The real Best Picture of the year is “Her.” The love story between Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix), an emotionally devastated writer, and Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson), an advanced operating system, is stunningly beautiful. “Her” manages to capture every nuance of relationships while depicting a provocative future that is within reach. “Her” is simply the most human film of the year. g Statistics from graphic from the head of Jarrod Carman

Graphic by Morgaan Jessell

What song gets you through the second semester? AubreyLEVIN

I have been waiting for May 16, 2014 at precisely 12:00 p.m. since before the day I was born - the day I would join the class of 2014 in turning our tassels to the left and heading off to college to begin our lives. In an attempt to not flunk out Photo by Apple Records of high school or graduate with a 0.9 GPA, I will listen to “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz. Although this may be a love song, and I truly do want to give up, I will scream these lyrics at the top of my lungs as I cry over my AP European History notecards.

JuanRAMIREZ

January is a cold, cold time of year. Not only because winter sets in and everyone becomes more rude, but because it signifies the start of a dreadful second semester, which, for a junior, is the equivalent of being stuck in a blizzard of SAT Photo by Apple Records practice, GPA worries and other acronyms I should probably be familiar with. Warm yourself up than with Beyoncé’s sexy new self-titled album, BEYONCÉ.

MaggiePATTERSON

I’ve spent the last twelve years of my life being as perfect as possible. Hours spent laboring over thankless tasks, homework piling up, social life neglected. Now that I’ve turned in my Photo by Disney college apps and sent off my midyear report, I can throw off the chains that bound me and finally be free. As I become one with the wind and sky, I listen to “Let it Go” from “Frozen.” Let the juniors study. I’m a queen.

ToriFERNANDEZ

After exactly 630 days of AP homework, crying over my GPA and participating in #thecollegestruggle, I’m finally ready for my last semester of high school. As the countdown to graduation draws nearer (79 days) I plan to push Photo by Apple Records myself through the last semester of tears and hardship with the song “My Last Semester” by the Wonder Years.

JarrodCARMAN

School is more or less over. I fully intend to get a 1.8 GPA this semester and nobody is going to stop me. To help me accomplish this task I will listen to “I’m So Tired” by The Beatles. It captures Photo by Apple Records the emotional complexity associated with sleep, lethargy and the desire to do nothing. On second thought, I think I’m too tired to even listen to “I’m So Tired” or to even finish this staff pi

ENTERTAINMENT

scream for screamo

We all

Rock bands reconcile through music byBriPosner

fter years of an infamous feud between alternative rock bands Escape The Fate and Falling In Reverse, the musicians have decided to put the past behind them and go on tour together. Frontmen Craig Mabbitt (ETF) and Ronnie Radke (FIR) announced the tour dates on Oct. 28. They are co-headlining the Bury The Hatchet tour, which began on Jan. 15 and will end on Feb. 24. Mr. Radke was the original singer for Escape The Fate, but he was asked to leave the band in 2008. He had a rough history with the police which restricted the band from touring out of their home state, Nevada. During Mr. Radke’s absence, the band asked Mr. Mabbitt, then-frontman of Bless The Fall, to join ETF. Mr. Mabbitt accepted and within the year began producing an album, This War Is Ours. It was released in 2010 with his lead vocals. Outraged that the band he had once called family turned their backs on him, Mr. Radke began the search for a new one.

Falling In Reverse was officially announced themselves as a band in late 2009, and in January 2011 began work on their debut album, The Drug In Me Is You. It was released in the U.S. on July 26, 2011. The rift between the bands grew with each month and the fanbase soon followed suit. Massive fights between fans over Ronnie vs. Craig began to get ugly. Verbal attacks on the opposing side took place daily on YouTube music videos and social media sites. Fans thought that if you were a fan of one of the bands, you weren’t allowed to enjoy the other’s music. The fan wars escalated from cyber attacks to physical ones in the mosh pit at concerts. If someone was wearing a shirt with new ETF on it and someone else’s had old ETF, or FIR, they would get into aggravated fist fights. After hearing the rumors, fans waited on pins and needles for confirmation. The tour was announced through an interview video on Alternative Press’s website. The video opened

Photo courtesy of Epitaph Records

with Mr. Mabbitt and Mr. Radke walking toward each other, resulting in an embrace. The affection was shocking due to the rocky history between the frontmen, but it was the perfect image to show the fanbases that the fighting was over. They discussed their previous issues and that they have agreed to move on. “This tour will change the long-standing tension with Escape The Fate. We’re now friends and all is forgiven,” Mr. Radke said to Pure Volume. The sudden light-hearted attitude between the two men who used to be at each other’s throats was the fresh start that the bands and their fans needed. “This tour means new beginnings and I couldn’t be happier doing it,” Mr. Mabbit said to Pure Volume. With Cheshire smiles, the tour was launched. Check The Muse website for a concert review and to see how the tour is going. g

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STAFF LIST

The Muse Staff Editors-In-Chief Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editors Layout Editor Assistant Layout Editor Op/Ed Editor Op/Ed Staff News Editor News Staff Features Editor Features Staff Arts Editor Arts Staff Wellness Editor Wellness Staff Sports Editor Sports Staff Entertainment Editor Entertainment Staff Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor Photo Staff Business Manager Business Staff Publicity Head Head Copy Editor Copy Editors Graphics Editor Website Editor Cartoonists Adviser

Camille Sanches, Jennifer Yoon Claudia Zamora Madeleine Fitzgerald, Taylor Hendrickson, Kevin Levine Remi Lederman Max Fields Tess Saperstein Felipe Bomeny, Tiffany Abreu, Morgaan Jessell, Sydney McAuliffe, Michelly Gonzalez Josie Russo Riley Freese, Valeria Rivadeneira, Taylor Rich, Rowan Bennetti, Kaleigh Rubin Natasha Leonard Paula Galvan, Starr Courakos, Jade Lenkersdorf, Tomas Cabezas Ximena Hasbach Kate Nouhan, Amanda Goodman, Samantha Rose, Karai McLean Dana Thomas Alexandra Lopez, Michelle Birch, Jessica Ralph Charles Bonani Sean Fournier, Adam Nir, Jack Reagan, Bari Bossis, Timothy DiTocco Maggie Patterson Juan Ramirez, Bri Posner, Tori Fernandez Elizabeth Lane Aubrey Levin Rowan Bennetti, Alexandra Lopez, Dana Miller Marlena Houck Delaney Cotton, Jensen Tate Erica Maltz Jarrod Carman Bari Bossis, Ricky Morris, Mackenzie White Kyle Bell Maria Grosso Charlie Krumholz, Santiago Ramirez Stephen Moore

Editorial Policy 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

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

About The Muse

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, 2013 and Silver Crown awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in 2011 and 2013. 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. themuseatdreyfooos.com. g

EXPOSURE “Misplaced Thoughts”

Laura Gordon

by AlexandraLopez

xperimenting is common for artists and naturally encouraged by art teachers at Dreyfoos. Visual senior Laura Gordon created “Misplaced Thoughts” this past summer at an art program at University of Michigan. The objective of trying new things is clear in her project. “The assignment was to create a collage, keeping in mind negative space,” Gordon said. “I wanted to relate it to photos I have taken in the past since I usually cover faces.” At the summer program, Gordon was given various

magazines like Seventeen and National Geographic to clip photograghs that she had to place in order to create a desired image. She then sewed embroidery into the collage using three hues of blue thread that complimented the cool color palette of the piece overall. “I started layering images and using mixed media with my photography, so it was a nice way to experiment with my art,” Gordon said. g