The Muse Issue 1: September 2013 by The Muse at Dreyfoos

Volume 11 Issue 1 October 2013

Remembering

Ted & Chris Investigation continues as Dreyfoos mourns. Pages 19-21

Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

New year brings changes

OP/ED

Job Struggles

See how much of a struggle it is to find a part-time job as a teen in the job market world.

NEWS

New Teachers

Find out what new teachers are on the school’s staff for this new school year.

Cover by Peter Stodolak

The cover features various images of Dreyfoos life that unite to create the portraits of Ted Orama and Chris Marshall.

FEATURES

On Pointe

See how dance freshman Madison O’Connor danced her way to fame on “Abbey’s Ultimate Dance Competition.”

ARTS

Starring Mims

Find out how successful singing student and aspiring opera performer developed her future plans from her past history.

SPORTS

Striking it big

Read about a boys soccer player who struck it big with a professional Argentinian soccer team.

32 Follow The Muse on Instagram at: themuseatdreyfoos

For more Museworthy stories visit:

WELLNESS

Protein Power

Read about the positive and negative consequences of using protein products in order to gain muscle.

Wild Cyrus

THEMUSEATDREYFOOS.COM The Muse

s soon as we were adjusted to the new school year, the chaos of The Muse set in. We began to drown in bylines, mastheads and layouts while trying to put together our first issue. We reviewed the past issues by previous editors and decided that this year we wanted to make a few changes to the publication. We changed the fonts, section layouts and website to produce work that we could call our own. Finally, after our 10 hour Muse “sleep over”, we are proud to share The Muse with everyone. With this issue we wanted to ensure that we paid tribute to the lives of custodians Chris Marshall and Ted Orama. As we remember the contributions of those who kept our school functioning, we reminisce on the ways that they impacted the

ENTERTAINMENT

See what controversies are being discussed about Miley Cyrus’ latest performances.

Please recycle

Photo by Dana Miller

Editor-in-chiefs Jennifer Yoon and Camille Sanches look forward to reading the first issue of The Muse for the 2013-2014 school year. There have been many changes made to the magazine that they hope the student body and staff will enjoy.

lives of students and teachers. Apart from covering this somber, but need-to-know event, this issue includes a variety of stories that each of us could relate to. You could learn how to flirt just in time to pick up a Winter Formal date (pg. 5) or even get to know the new teachers and administration that have become a part of the Dreyfoos family (pg. 12). This issue will get you ready for the new school year and even enlighten some about the past antics of Miley Cyrus (pg. 38). In all honesty, putting together this issue of The Muse was stressful, but it was rewarding and at times thoroughly entertaining. As you journey through the first nine weeks, look to The Muse when you take a break from the stress of high school.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Wi-Fi or why try? Should physical education remain a graduation requirement? by MuseStaff

he Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adolescents between 6 and 17-yearsold get at least one hour of exercise per day. Unless the rapid thumb movement associated with texting counts as exercise, odds are that most teenagers aren’t meeting this requirement. In order to combat this epidemic that is growing faster than an American’s waistline many states require that high school students take some sort of fitness class to graduate. Currently, Florida requires that students complete a Graphic by Kyle Bell year-long personal fitness them from taking another art or AP class, course. Not surprisingly, many which makes them less attractive to colleges. students try to circumvent this requirement A study by Florida health department by completing gym online. With 54 percent of officials found that 58 percent of students Dreyfoos students taking gym online and 71 do not have a physical education class every percent reporting not actually completing the week. assignments, this begs the question: should “The reasons they didn’t exercise in school gym even be required in the first place? was because they didn’t like getting dressed, The Florida state legislature implemented getting sweaty during the day and this their classes were over-capacitated,” requirement ‘The reasons they said Cathy Brewton, coordinator for in 1998. the obesity prevention program for Fifteen years didn’t exercise in the Florida Department of Health. later, high school was because “Kids said if they were going to do schoolers are they didn’t like getting [physical education], they wanted to just as obese. do something fun.” The only dressed, getting State legislators and educators thing that sweaty during the day need to rethink the way that healthy changed was and their classes were lifestyles are taught. There are plenty their ability of ways to get young people to enjoy to avoid this over-capacitated.’ requirement. -Cathy Brewton from the Florida themselves while exercising. (Twerk In 1997, the Department of Health dance class, anyone?) Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like yoga or kickboxing first year that will be offered at public schools anytime FLVS was soon, but we can still dream. The bottom offered as an alternative to in school learning, line is that the traditional model of physical students across the state completed a total education just isn’t working anymore. While of 77 courses online. In 2012, that number there are plenty of people who would love increased to over 300,000. Since the guidance to spend a class period hurling balls at one counselors can’t stand over every student’s another, those students are hard to find at computer and make sure they are completing Dreyfoos. the necessary assignments, there is little that High schoolers need to develop healthy can be done to ensure that they are actually eating and exercise habits that they will carry exercising. into adulthood, but this won’t happen through So what are the alternatives? Requiring one year of sweaty gym clothes and awkward students to take gym in school could prevent

29% Yes

71% No

54% Yes

46% No

Are you enrolled in/have completed a gym class?

If you take gym online, do you perform all the required 47% Haven’t physical activities?

29% FLVS

24% School

Where did/are you taking the gym class? If you haven’t taken gym, where do you plan on taking it?

64% flvs

36% School

Graphics by Kyle Bell

The survey was taken of 178 students among eight different class periods. There was an equal distribution of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.

attempts at throwing basketballs. It happens once teenagers realize that they won’t be young forever and should probably substitute daily bread bowls at Panera for a salad. Until then, physical education should be an option, not an obligation. g

Contributor: Tess Saperstein

OP/ED

Big bucks, big wins, big problems The increasing role of money in class elections is skewing votes by MorgaanJessell

earest freshmen, as you prepare to take on the responsibility of assuming class office, you are probably preparing similarly to the generations of Dreyfoos politicians before you. Creating a campaign Facebook page and inviting the conglomerate of your friend’s list, bedazzling posters adorned with clever sayings and handing out the most universally loved form of bribery food. However, it seems that the role of money in campaigning is becoming just as prevalent on Freshmen Hill as it is on Capitol Hill. “Running for class council or SGA shouldn’t be about who can buy the most votes,” communications junior and class co-president Haley Lickstein said, “It should be about who can give the most back to their respective classes.” Speaking from experience, I understand feeling that the only way to victory is through financial security. My political career at Dreyfoos started my freshman year, and the lengths my competitors went through in order to win were overwhelming. My ice popsicles with my name on it seemed weak in comparison to the free Rita’s Italian Ice another candidate brought in. “I bought Rita’s Italian Ice for everyone and had Ale House and Publix Deli cater lunch one day,” said Jasmine Mahboob, former Dreyfoos student and candidate for freshmen class president in 2011. “It’s all about how badly you want to win.”

Last year, electoral chaos at Dreyfoos reached its peak, when 20 large pizzas and enough chicken nuggets to feed the school were delivered to student services. In addition, student DJs and photographers

Illustration by Charlie Krumholz

transformed the cafeteria into a giant campaign party almost comparable to the Obama for America party in Chicago last November. “There were more people in the cafeteria that day than I’d ever seen,” vocal junior Craig Carrier said. “You didn’t even care who was handing [campaign merchandise] out. You just grabbed as much food as you could before it ran out.” In order to stop the money mayhem

surrounding the campaigns last year, some students started a petition to place limits on campaign spending. With this system in place, students would have to turn in receipts for any merchandise or food used while campaigning. Once they reached the fund limit, they would not be able to spend any further money. Much like the problems Citizens United is facing, the lines between campaign spending and campaign contributions at Dreyfoos is becoming hard to discern. “Unfortunately there is no way to supervise this procedure and [the system] has no accountability,” Assistant Principal George Miller said. Campaign spending hasn’t always been this out of control at Dreyfoos. The trend of “buying votes” wasn’t a problem until recently. Former Dreyfoos politicians relied on other means of earning the votes of their classmates. “The years I ran for president, there was more focus on advertising and posters,” Dreyfoos alumni Jeremiah Romano said. “But in my senior year younger [students] were practically bringing entire meals to pass out to students just to get their name out.” So before you whip out your Amex card, remember that there is a difference between buying the necessities for a great campaign and buying the votes of your peers. People will always take free food, but when it comes to filling out the ballot will students remember you or your stuff? g

A guide to music snobbery and sophistication by FelipeBomeny

ou don’t need flannel shirts and Wayfarers like the columnists over at Pitchfork to assert your sophisticated musical palate; instead, a dash of cynicism here and arrogance there should suffice. Music snobbery (or affirming one’s superior musical taste) is an ongoing performance that requires authentic pretentiousness and some practice. I spend Felipe Bomeny hours in front of a mirror trying to get my eyebrows to arch like Jaden Smith’s. Sometimes, much like the guy from that one McDonald’s commercial, I interject French phrases without the slightest grasp of the language because it sounds fancy.

Presentation is an integral element to being a music snob. The objective is to be the most pretentious of the pretentious. If you want to be a decent music snob, you need to know what you’re talking about. You want to be able to speak with gusto and call your audience philistines. In my practice of snobbery, I find myself dismissing most music as filth, like greasy fries ill-suited for my five-star palate. Therefore, it’s important to be as articulate as a Juilliard intellectual. Confidence (along with a sardonic attitude and dismissive tone), must always be present. Music snobbery is the art of presenting oneself as a superior connoisseur, a patrician amongst the unenlightened peasantry. One must always be confident and bold in their presentation as a music snob. To become a snob, it’s necessary to develop the art’s subtle nuances. First

and foremost is the sneer, the physical manifestation of utter human contempt for poor taste. The sneer is the distinctive mark of a snob. With its many variations, it is the unifying expression of all snobs. The sneer exists to imply a sense of entitlement, even if it is as nonexistent as your musical credentials. Snobbery is about a world of fictions. I don’t have to actually “enjoy” Stockhausen to “like” it; I merely sneer at others and deride them for being unable to appreciate the avant-garde with their unrefined palates. Music snobbery is by no means a kind field: it is a competition of contemptuousness and raised eyebrows, and a disguised sense of inner despair. Despite this, you’re probably reading on and thinking you have what it takes to be a snob. You don’t. g

OP/ED

The Coquette Crusader

Advice on how to flirt from the girl who is not flirting with you by MichelleyGonzalez

ince sixth grade, Devon and I were best friends. I consider him a brother, so when he said “It’s pretty obvious you’re into me,” I was shocked. Devon was cute but he was definitely not my type. That’s why I befriended him in the first place. I felt comfortable with him. He knew more about me than my own family; he knew all those embarrassing Michelley Gonzalez secrets you keep locked away from the world. Like the time I was kicked out of Wal-Mart or when I tripped down the stairs in front of upperclassmen. I even told him I farted in the car with him. Yet, he still believed I did such adorable actions to impress him? I’m baffled. I fail to see why my awkward, rather grotesque personality screams, “I want to date you.” Nevertheless, I may have some rather

useful tips if you want to pull off the “I’m planning every second of this conversation, but I’m totally pretending to be natural with you” persona. Find your target Gaze around the room and spot a target of your choice. I suggest finding the person who looks lost and confused. Then, slowly creep behind them. When there is an uncomfortable silence, pounce on their back in a sort-of surprise piggy back kind of way. They will love the attention. Perfect your greeting Now that you have their attention, break the ice with a smile or a simple question. I like to break the ice with a standard question such as, “If I got a tattoo of your face on my face, would you support me?” They’ll never forget you now. I also suggest singing. Singing is a great way to express your feelings to a new crush. Don’t know what to say? Sing it out. Can’t sing? Do it anyway. Show off your natural beauty They now know your name. Awesome. The

next key to finding your soulmate comes from a simple move I like to call “eye contact and face.” It’s simple; all you need to do is direct your state at a person of your choosing and display the most heartwarming double chin you have to offer. For an even more effective move, stare at your crush until they feel so uncomfortable they are forced to make eye contact. This sort of sultry, mysterious persona keeps you on their mind all day. Join the crowd There is nothing more attractive than inviting yourself to an event your crush’s friends talked briefly about. This sort of intrusion will remind your crush that you are an independent, self determined person who will do whatever it takes to be a part of his or her life. So they’re all going to a closed band practice? The window is always open. These simple rules will make any boy or girl swoon over you. Don’t just take my word for it. Ask the hundreds of suitors I seem to reel in with my charming personality and enticing double chin. g

Working hard or hardly working by TessSaperstein

ollowing the economic downturn in 2008, millions of Americans lost their jobs, homes and livelihoods. Today, we as a nation are still dealing with the aftermath of this massive recession, one of the main externalities being that I cannot get a job at Hollister. For the past five years, I have heard the news reports and read the magazine articles about the high unemployment rate, but not until this past summer did I truly realize just how devastating being unemployed can be. I sent out over 12 job applications in sectors ranging from retail to fast food. These are the three things I learned about the job market by not being hired. 1. If you want to get a good job, you have to look the part. This is the first lesson I learned after applying to jobs in the retail industry. Walking into Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle, I realized that these stores all had one thing in common: beautiful cashiers. My jeans and “Doctor Who” t-shirt were no longer cutting it, so I had to up my game. That was when I bought my first casual blazer. It’s very important that if you are going to a job interview or just turning in your application that you look well put-together, professional

and clean. 2. Companies don’t want to hire teenagers. Let’s face it: teenagers get a bad reputation. Whether the stereotypes are

sense though. According to the Economic Policy Institute, 88 percent of minimum wage workers are older than 20. In this rocky economy, McDonalds is much more likely to hire the 30-year-old University of Florida graduate with two kids than the 17-year-old who needs something to do over the summer. 3. No one likes being an entry level worker. An entry-level worker is someone who, like myself, is beginning the search for their first job. You may be young and idealistic, but the bottom line is that you don’t have any work experience and the only jobs you can possibly get involve a hair net and a deep fryer. Many of the jobs I applied for required that I submit a resume along with my application. Unfortunately, my Certificate of Excellence in AP Biology doesn’t make me any more appealing as a prospective barista at Starbucks. Illustration by Santiago Ramirez My advice is: don’t fret if you don’t true or not, employers assume that if you get an interview at your local Jamba Juice are between the ages of 13 and 19, you are or never hear back from the good people at lazy, irresponsible and most likely doing Publix. The best way to improve your odds drugs. Despite being a straight A student, of getting a job is to gain experience, but President of the Debate Team and an editor when all else fails, you can always bribe the for the school newspaper, I still don’t have manager. g the credentials to work at Chipotle. It makes

OP/ED

requirements

Are Florida’s new graduation requirements beneficial?

Point

Counterpoint

Commentary by StarrCourakos

collective sigh of relief is let out from the freshman and sophomore classes as Principal Susan Atherley informs the school of the new graduation requirements. Students will no longer be required to pass the Geometry and Biology EOCs to graduate, nor will they be required to take Algebra II, chemistry or physics. These new policies are applicable to all public schools in Florida. “Being a struggling math and science student myself, these new rules put less stress on me for the EOCs because I know that even if I don’t pass I’ll still be able to graduate,” theatre sophomore Sarah Linares said. These new laws are beneficial to students with test anxiety since it puts less pressure on them to pass the EOCs. Test anxiety is a problem affecting many students today. According to a study conducted by Heart Math, an organization that studies the effects of school and stress on teenagers, an average of 61 percent of all students have test anxiety. Even though the exam still counts towards students overall class grade, it won’t come back to haunt them senior year. For some students at Dreyfoos, not having to take Algebra II, chemistry and physics is a blessing, allowing them to take on another art area class. Even though Dreyfoos benefits from this law, it applies to the entire state. Public schools with low graduation rates are able to boost their number of diplomas given to graduating students. Due to this, it will open up the students to new careers in life. “[This law] will make sure our children are prepared for college and careers,” said Governor Rick Scott in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times. He added that it will put more people in the work force, helping to fill up the over 260,000 jobs in Florida. This will not only steer students in the right direction towards jobs and career paths, but will decrease the unemployment rate in Florida. The new graduation requirements are an advantage in the classroom. They are aimed to create a higher graduation rate overall and to decrease tension on a student and their test scores. This can ultimately put more students in college and successful careers, which is what high school really sets students up for after all. g

THE ISSUE

New year, new graduation Commentary by ErikRidd

ur friends in Tallahassee have done it again. For the second time in three years, the Florida high school graduation requirements have been revised to better suit students needs. At least, that’s what the politicians are saying. Students are no longer required to take Algebra II, chemistry or physics. If that wasn’t enough, the Algebra I EOC is the now the only EOC students have to pass in order to graduate and the other EOCs are now 30 percent of the final grade in the course. “Some of those courses, [such as] Algebra II [and] chemistry [are] just a little beyond what some of our students would need to be successful,” said Barbara Jenkins, the Orange County School District Superintendent, according to The Tampa Bay Times. The problem facing students is that they do need these skills to be successful. Algebra II skills might not be used all the time, but they are used on the SAT. A significant portion of the SAT is based on Algebra II, and the new Common Core test put in Illustration by Santiago Ramirez place by Florida’s education department will test those skills as well. Unfortunately, not taking Algebra II will become an issue when taking these tests. “Any one high stakes test gives me concern for my students’ welfare,” math teacher Barbara Schober said. “Some students just are not good test takers. It seems it would help if students had a choice. Let legislatures take the EOC and if they don’t pass, they should pack up their desks and leave. Students’ welfare should always be the first priority, not legislature whims.” The new requirements are also causing the problem of easier graduation. It’s becoming more difficult to be accepted into college; however, it’s getting easier for us to graduate from high school. We aren’t going to have the skills we need to compete with those who graduate from other states with higher standards. Colleges will accept the students who worked harder for their diplomas, and these new requirements teach us that we don’t need to take higher level math and science classes. If Florida is trying to help students with these new graduation requirements, they are not doing a good job. g

NEWS N ew s • N ew s • N ew s • N ew s • N ew s • N ew s • N ew s • N ew s • N ew s

T he

Admin B ecoming P rojec t:

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

Student Services secretary Lynn Berryman works diligently to achieve the impossible with only the aid of a headset, phone and computer. Seeing her work over the years has led me to wonder whether Ms. Berryman ever leaves campus or whether it’s possible that she’s a full-time inhabitant of Dreyfoos School of the Arts. I chose to answer all these questions for myself by taking on a role that few could handle. I shadowed Ms. Berryman to experience what her job is like on a daily basis and along the way, I acquired a profound appreciation for all she does. I would argue that Ms. Berryman is the most popular person on campus; if you don’t believe me, just walk into Building 1 where you can observe for yourself the crowd of students closely huddled around her desk. If you look carefully, they resemble a herd of wild animals gathered around a watering Photo by Alexandra Lopez hole; only she can quench their Communications senior Valeria Rivadeneira enjoys Students Services secretary Lynn Berryman’s anecdotes about thirst for parking decals, late passes, strange items left at lost and found. For example, once she found a mannequin with a football for its head. CityPlace lunch IDs and a plethora of forms and permission slips you’ve Although she’s technically supposed to which buses were late over her walkie-talkie. probably never heard of. work from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., she comes Despite the chaotic look of Ms. Berryman’s In order to fully appreciate what Ms. in an hour and a half early because of the office, after shadowing her for a few hours, Berryman does every day, I got to school at limited amount of time she has to accomplish I realized that everything functions on “the the same time she does, or at least I tried to. everything. Berryman system.” For example, lunch boxes I arrived at Dreyfoos at 6:40 a.m.,—almost “I’m supposed to [start] attendance [at] and other potentially smelly objects go on the two hours earlier than usual—with my 7:30 a.m. but by then I’m already busy,” Ms. counter facing north, documents needed at a loyal photographer, communications senior Berryman said. “[6 a.m.] is the only time it’s glance go on the small stand in front of her Alexandra Lopez. We pulled in to school to quiet, my shutters are closed and nobody’s computer, homework that gets dropped off find that Ms. Berryman’s car was one of only around.” by parents goes on top the late pass machine, two in the dark parking lot. I watched and learned as she textbooks go next to the intercom phone and

In this section:

9 10 12

The last two years have tested the Orozco family in ways they couldn’t imagine. Now with the birth of their daughter, Elly, the emotional journey has changed them forever. Learn about the latest happenings in global politics, social issues and more in The Briefs. Meet the 16 newest members of the Dreyfoos family.

systematically listened to the attendance voicemail and put in one excused absence after another. She then proceeded to gather a list of students, put in their SRAs, sort out announcements, update change of address forms and throw out dated items—all before 7:30 a.m. Exactly half an hour later, people started to pour in. While others dragged themselves in through the door with baggy eyes and ruffled hair, Ms. Berryman took calls, helped volunteers sign in, directed substitute teachers to their classrooms and reported

so on. On top of everything, Ms. Berryman is also in charge of lost-and-found. Items get stored under the Berryman system as well, however, some items remain more lost than found. Each semester she donates everything that has not been claimed. She takes the glasses that never return to their owners and donates them to a charity that sends them to developing countries; the clothing and lunch boxes, she drives to Goodwill herself. continued on page 8

NEWS

B e r r yman

continued from page 7 “If I can take it, I will take it,” an ingenious note on Ms. Berryman said. “I don’t believe notebook paper and had in wasting things.” various people sign it. Spending a substantial amount “The waiter signed it,” of time behind Ms. Berryman’s Ms. Berryman said. “A desk made me realize that her minister signed it too and office is more than just a working I don’t remember who space— it is a museum of its else.” own kind, filled with all sorts of Living a day in memorabilia, some dating back her shoes helped me almost 23 years. understand what “Aside from some pictures, I Assistant Principal Dan never brought much to decorate Stafford means when he [my office] with,” Ms. Berryman says that Ms. Berryman said. “It’s all stuff I’ve acquired runs the entire school. throughout the years.” From managing the I learned the story behind bell system, selling many of the items that decorate merchandise, collecting Ms. Berryman’s office, from the permission slips and Photo by Alexandra Lopez handing out forms, tiny, student-made sculptures Communications senior Valeria Rivadeneira aids Student Services secretary Lynn Berryman in replacing her that sit on the shelves, to the to supervising lostsummer-themed curtains to her autumn-themed curtains. The curtains, which Berryman made herself, hang different sets of themed curtains over the Student Services area in Building 1. and-found, handling she made herself that she changes vendor information up. as the seasons pass. and taking attendance, Apparently, several students went out to My favorite relic, however, is framed and Ms. Berryman seems to do it all and in my breakfast and were late to school so rather hanging high up on the wall. It dates back to opinion, nobody could do it better. g than facing an unexcused tardy, they wrote when the restaurant Cracker Barrel opened

Administration cracks down on FLVS Rumors cause confusion about FLVS changes, regulations by RowanBennetti

umors of students being switched into gym and out of their art area classes circulated around campus, causing underclassmen to frantically sign up for online courses and rush to get their FLVS credits out of the way. Since the first week of school, there has been confusion regarding FLVS, specifically schedule changes and requirements. “There was confusion regarding the changes this year,” Guidance Co-Chair, Georgia Embick said. “There are only three FLVS classes this year as opposed to the seven last year. As for gym, I know there are a ton of students in seventh period. They wait until the last minute.” FLVS courses are mandatory for underclassmen and if these requirements are not met, some future seniors will find themselves in the appropriate classes to meet these standards. This means taking the necessary FLVS courses at school if they are put off at home. “If you can’t take FLVS at home, you can take it at school,” Principal Susan Atherley

said in regard to students slacking. This year the underclassmen are taking on FLVS classes that Dreyfoos offers just as a way of getting their credits. This includes gym

‘There are pros and cons to both sides so it just falls down to the student’s interest. The ultimate goal is to make sure students achieve their goals .’ -Assistant Principal Daniel Stafford and languages, all of which can be taught in the classroom. There is a rise in the number of students taking tested subjects online. “It’s just good to have interaction with an instructor,” Assistant Principal Daniel Stafford said. “FLVS is initially for the subjects that cannot be accessed through traditional means.”

This year Dr. Atherley has put tighter limitations on who is allowed to take certain FLVS courses. “I’d prefer you take your classes here with our teachers,” Dr. Atherley said. “But if we don’t offer it, I approve of you taking it 100 percent.” FLVS is considered a burden by certain students and is oftentimes overlooked. It can, however, be used to expand the student’s knowledge with a variety of courses. “It’s a good tool for some kids. It’s really about what will work best with the students,” Dr. Atherley said. “FLVS classes are all an individual preference of what you want to take.” FLVS continues to be a part of the graduation requirements. Administration agrees that it should be beneficial instead of feared. “Anything that broadens your horizons is helpful,” Mr. Stafford said. “But there are pros and cons to both sides so it just falls down to the student’s interest. The ultimate goal is to make sure students achieve their goals.”g

NEWS

the

Security during lunch increases

S F E I BR

‘With five assistant principals and over a thousand kids, we aren’t exactly holding their hands. If something happens, it’s our fault.’

of ion t c e l l a co e-size, ies r bit y sto h t r wo note

Prom moves from CityPlace to Marriott

-Assistant Principal Leo Barrett Photo by Michelly Gonzalez

by TaylorRich

or the past 16 years, prom has taken place at the Harriet Himmel Theater in CityPlace. This year, prom is taking place at the West Palm Beach Marriott on April 19, 2014. “The prom theme ideas for this year are between ‘[The] Great Gatsby,’ ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Casablanca’,” said digital media senior and class president Daniel Martin. Another exciting event that seniors look forward to is the decoration of crowns, which will occur at the end of October. “The crowns are more of a high school social standing value,” said science teacher and senior class sponsor Kristen Perez. “Seniors will be the only ones wearing them. Seniors get so excited about the crowns because it makes them stand out and feel unique.” g

New administrative policy dictates that students will no longer be able to eat lunch inside the buildings without supervision from a teacher.

by AmandaGoodman

tarting this year, golf carts manned by staff members will be guarding the entrances to Buildings 2 and 3 during lunch. Students have also been asked to stay out of Buildings, 4, 6, 7 and 9. Students are prohibited from eating inside without permission. Lack of supervision lead to issues such as trash and pests, resulting in the increase of concern over this rule. “With five assistant principals and over a thousand kids, we aren’t exactly holding their hands. If something

happens, it’s our fault,” Assistant Principal Leo Barrett said. Administrators have made it clear that they are only denying access to buildings where there is no adult supervision, and that these precautions are for the good of all students. “Any decisions are not made as a penalty towards students,” Assistant Principal Daniel Stafford said, “It’s always in the interest of their health and safety.” Students must have a pass from a teacher or be attending a club meeting in order to enter a building. g

Going global: Syrian civil war, Washington Navy Yard shooting by MackenzieWhite

Washington D.C.

Aaron Alexis, a military contractor from Texas, killed 12 people in the Washington Navy Yard on Sept. 16. He acquired a shotgun legally in a gun store in Virginia after passing a background check. Alexis and police engaged in a shoot out in which Alexis was shot and killed. Psychologists report that Alexis was in an alleged state of wavering mental health.

Syria For two years, a civil war has raged in Syria. Recently, the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, has attacked rebels with chemical weapons. Russian President Vladimir Putin gave Syria an ultimatum declaring that if they give up their chemical weapons, they will avoid military strikes. Al-Assad plans to turn over the weapons.

Kenya

United Nations and Kenyan officials announced that there are huge aquifers underneath Kenya that contain over 66 trillion gallons of water. Forty percent of Kenyans do not have fresh, reliable water available. Access to water will lead to better crops due to irrigation.

North Korea

Yongbyon, a North Korean nuclear reactor in Pyongyang, has been reopened. The U.S. picked up satellite photos showing steam coming from the reactor complex. It was originally closed in 2007 as a result of international talks which pushed North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons program. The restart worries international powers because the complex is capable of creating 6 kilograms of plutonium a year.

Compiled from The Washington Post, CNN, The New York Times, BBC News, Chicago Tribune and Huffington Post Graphic by Morgaan Jessell

NEWS

New Year, New Teachers The insight on the new Dreyfoos family members Mr. D’Auria by NewsStaff

As a new year unfolds,the Dreyfoos family opens its arms to a new group of staff members, including teachers, assistant principals and others.

Ms. Arden

reviously part of Park Vista Community High School, guidance counselor Ruth Arden is the newest member of the guidance department. Ms. Arden oversees the visual and communications students in grades 10-12. She emphasizes that her doors are always open to help those with trouble in their personal life, as well as academic problems. In her free time, she practices yoga and spends time with her 10-year-old son. g

Mr. Stafford

r. Stafford is very impressed with the creativity and hard work of Dreyfoos students. He has been working within the Palm Beach County school system since 1987. His hobbies include photography and collecting gem stones. “I can count on my hand the number of times a student says something inappropriate [at this school],” Mr. Stafford said. g

Ms. Gates

nglish teacher Carly Gates loves to devour books, and “ink runs from the corners of [her] mouth.” Not really, but she does have a passion for reading and writing. Ms. Gates uses her love of literature to inspire her students and even teaches poetry to at-risk teenage girls at PACE and young children at the Coalition for the Homeless. “I can’t tell you how much my heart swells when I see my students so engrossed in the art and their writing,” Ms. Gates said. “We displayed the poetry at FAU, and at our show’s opening Mary Cavaioli was so impressed she asked if our show could be part of the K-12 art show at the school district’s main office.” g

Mr. Rucker

rior to his employment, music theory teacher Eric Rucker was an artist-in-residence at Dreyfoos. He has taught music for seven years. In addition to Dreyfoos, Mr. Rucker has also worked at many other schools such as Bak Middle School of the Arts, Wellington High School, Wellington Landings Middle School and Jupiter Independence as an artist-in-residence. Mr. Rucker will work with the percussionists to prep for the their ensemble concert during the second semester this year. g

rom a young age, visual teacher Tom D’Auria has been involved in art. His dad taught him, and it was passed down through his family. Mr. D’Auria is a Dreyfoos graduate and attended Ringling College of Arts and Design. He kept in contact with his old teachers, and now teaches three drawing classes: drawing for digital media, figure drawing and 2D design for freshmen. g

Mr. Ruggerio

hysical education teacher Rich Ruggerio has been teaching for 15 years in elementary, middle and high school settings. his spare time, Mr. Ruggerio goes beyond his assigned academic area to aid the school’s administrative processes. Through working one-on-one with his students, he sees the potential in many students to become excellent athletes. g

Ms. Ferrera

reviously a staff member at Osceola Creek Middle School, Assistant Principal Correy Ferrera now oversees dance and communications. Ms. Ferrera is also head of the Scholarship Committee at Dreyfoos. In her spare time she enjoys listening to Maroon 5 and spending time with her two children. g

Mr. Barfield For theatre teacher and ’99 alumnus Bradley Barfield, theatre has always been a significant part of his life. From theatre summer camps to appearing in a Burt Reynolds movie when he was 11, Mr. Barfield has always immersed himself in theatre. He has been teaching since he graduated from high school, which was still Palm Beach County School of the Arts at the time. After living in New York City for a few years, he became a teacher at Palm Beach Lakes, where he built up the theatre program. He took a year off from teaching, but soon realized what he was missing. “I want these actors and young people to experience one theatrical moment, and really know and believe who they are even if for one fleeting moment,” Mr. Barfield said. “I really enjoy sharing [theatre] with others.” g

NEWS

Mr. Hernandez

ommunications teacher Anyerson Hernandez received a personal call from communications teacher Dr. Ancil Deluz about the opening at Dreyfoos due to former communications teacher Christine Tieche leaving. Prior to his teaching career Mr. Hernandez was a professional boxer and directed multiple music videos, including one for rapper, Rick Ross. g

Ms. Prusinski

hile acquiring observation hours to complete her teacher certification, Ms. Prusinski worked with Dreyfoos’ staff first hand, including social studies teacher Tom West and former social studies teacher Richard Gallo. Having seen the creativity of teachers in action and the liveliness of their students, Ms Prusinski knew this is where she wanted to teach. “My favorite classes are the ones where every student can express themselves and be creative with the material,” Ms. Prusinski said. She admires how students have such a passion for their art, and are able to apply them for their academic success. g

Ms. Zehner

self described “bun-head”, Michele Zehner is the newest member of the dance department faculty. She became passionate about dance at a young age, and went on to dance professionally. After retiring, Ms. Zehner asked her ballet teachers if she could teach for them while she figured out what she wanted to do. Now, Ms. Zehner loves helping and inspiring her students. “I always love when a student shares with me a story of how dance affected their lives for the better,” Ms. Zehner said. “I realize daily how blessed I am that I get to help mold young people.” g

Ms. Smith

art-time mom and part-time Spanish teacher, Sarah Smith found herself this past year looking to get back in the classroom after staying home for a few years with her children. Seeing that Dreyfoos had a part time position open for teaching Spanish, she jumped at the opportunity. Ms. Smith first became interested in Spanish and other languages at her elementary school, where they offered a six week session to learn languages. She opted to learn Spanish, Italian, German, French and Hebrew. Spanish, however, interested her the most because it was the primary language her mother studied in school as well. “Spanish is the language I have studied the most, but I also studied German and Latin in high school,” Ms. Smith said. Due to her fascination of linguistics, she has learned six languages in her lifetime. In college, she majored in linguistics, the science of language and also studied the science behind language acquisition. g

Ms. Pedek

nspired by her father from a young age, science teacher Marilynn Pedek was prompted to ask questions about the natural world. He urged her to always make observations about the environment. Ms. Pedek taught at Dreyfoos nine years ago, before Photo by going to Suncoast. She was excited to return to Dreyfoos’ art atmosphere after being an IB chemistry teacher at Suncoast. This school year, Ms. Pedek teaches Chemistry Honors, AP Chemistry and a science research class. “I really missed the arts and here I’m able to incorporate my ideas that are arts-based back into my curriculum,” Ms. Pedek said. g

Ms. Rubin

ath teacher and ’01 alumna Rachelle Rubin always considered coming back to teach at Dreyfoos after she graduated. After moving to New York City to study and work in marketing, Ms. Rubin realized she “prefers a boat on the ocean over wearing heels on the concrete.” She worked at Palms Spring Middle School and she heard of an opening at Dreyfoos, she immediately applied. Ms. Rubin teaches Algebra 1 and 2, and is also the new swim team coach. “It brings back a lot of memories being here,” Ms. Rubin said. “I tell my students I know what it’s like [to be here] because I sat there. It’s nice to be back.” g

Ms. Neipling

eborah Neipling works part time teaching probability and statistics honors. She has wanted to be a teacher since high school, and lets students work in groups to learn from each other and incorporates fun activities into her class. “[One of my favorite memories was] taking my geometry class outside to measure distances and shadows to incorporate into a trigonometry lesson,” Ms. Neipling said. “The students were great and the activity outside was fun.” g

Ms. Pansini

isa Pansini, communications teacher and ’03 alumna, may not be new, but she came back with a new name. Mrs. Pansini, formerly Ms. Schwal, began working as a graphic design teacher last year, and got married in April. On her first day of school last year, Mrs. Pansini thought she would just be meeting her soon to be class for a few minutes. “It ended up being an entire period,” Mrs. Pansini said. “Not only was I unprepared, but there was a fire drill midway through class and I had no idea what to do. All I could remember thinking was ‘What have I gotten myself into?’” g

Headshots by PhotoStaff

NEWS

Aiden’s Story:

by AlexandraLopez

collective sigh rang throughout the delivery room the minute Elly Brynn Orozco let out her first cry. Ashley Orozco got to clearly see her healthy baby girl, and Secondary Technology Support Technician Bryan Orozco cut her cord. Once she was able to be held, she was almost never let go. Elly is 7 months old with parents who have been waiting for her for quite some time. She is easy to care for. She’s happy and smiling nearly all the time. Only cries for food. Bryan and Ashley Orozco are ecstatic to have her and could not imagine what would have happened if they hadn’t tried again. “We were in awe as soon as Elly was born,” Mr. Orozco said. “She was born beautiful. Even the nurses were in awe and they have definitely seen ugly babies.” At Royal Photo courtesy of Bryan Orozco Palm Beach High Aiden Orozco was a happy baby who brought immense joy to his School, Mr. and parent’s life despite his health Mrs. Orozco problems. met as juniors in their Algebra II class. The high school sweethearts have been married for almost six years. Mrs. Orozco teaches second grade, but teaching kindergarten is her favorite. Naturally, she couldn’t wait to have her own child, but had no idea that her first born would have a sickness that nobody could diagnose. Two months before his due date, Aiden Orozco, the Orozcos’ first child, had to be delivered due to a low heart rate and a lack of movement. Immediately rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mrs. Orozco lay with only a mere glimpse of her newborn son. The NICU, where Aiden and his parents stayed with other premature infants, would be where Aiden would stay for most of his life. Their house and Aiden’s nursery at home that Mr. and Mrs. Orozco worked to perfect became empty. Yet they were happy to have their baby boy, especially after doctors had told them to not buy a crib, “for they would never bring a baby home.” “He had a bad liver and had to live on a ventilator,” Mr. Orozco said. “His heart, like a muscle when overworked, would stretch but not contract. He often hyperventilated and had seizures and it worked him up until he couldn’t breathe. He would pass out from the effort.” Born Jan. 12, 2011, Aiden weighed 2

After the loss of their first child, the Orozcos are a family once again

pounds and 14 ounces and was only 16 inches long. Although doctors could not diagnose him with one singular illness, his list of problems was quite long: a malfunctioning liver, easily tired lungs, a heart condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a poor immune system, trouble gaining weight, a virus that threatened his hearing and eyesight and reoccurring infections in places such as his little eyes and his tracheotomy tube. He had over 15 blood transfusions, numerous IVs, x-rays, ultrasounds and a few risky surgeries, including one on his heart. “I’m feeling miserable but [Aiden] keeps me Photo courtesy of Bryan Orozco going,” Mrs. Orozco wrote Technology Support Technician Bryan Orozco poses with his wife on CaringBridge, a site that Secondary Ashley and their 7-month-old daughter Elly Brynn dressed in University of Miami helps those in an emergency pride. situation keep in contact it to school on time for work. I took a 10-hour with family and friends. “He smiles. He stares shift so I would have Friday off and could go right at me. He loves his mobile. He fights the back to the hospital Thursday nights.” vent[ilator]. His eyes are big and beautiful. He Meanwhile, Mrs. Orozco did not return to wiggles his eyebrows. He hates his socks. He’s school when the summer ended in order to perfect.” stay at Aiden’s side. His sickness took a toll Aiden took 27 medications in total with on the couple financially. Family, friends and a ventilator that sometimes provided 500 even Dreyfoos staff members like Library breaths a minute without sedation. Mr. and Media Specialist Cookie Davis and Technology Mrs. Orozco found themselves butting heads Technician Ed Hornyak donated generously. with the hospital staff, arguing through Mrs. Orozco stayed at the nearby Ronald tears to give Aiden the care he needed and McDonald House; she had tiny twin beds, deserved. Without being in the room to see no TV and a broken showerhead but was him, doctors would refuse Aiden the right to nevertheless a walk away from her son. medication over the phone. His parents would When Aiden was finally taken home on see Aiden’s seizures before the nurses did. Nov. 11, Mr. and Mrs. Orozco were ecstatic. Mr. and Mrs. Orozco began talking in medical His nursery was cluttered with machinery, terms and even learned to change Aiden’s but nothing beat having him home. Aiden tracheotomy tube themselves. was still on a ventilator and 24-hour home “I know Aiden,” Mrs. Orozco said. “They nursing. They would take him to the doctor know him on paper and charts.” for check-ups like any other baby. While most At Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, mothers just packed food and diapers, Mrs. Aiden was moved from the NICU to the Orozco’s situation was different. In a twoPediatric Intensive Care Unit in June 2011. seat stroller, Aiden sat on one side and his With the PICU, the staff seemed to listen machinery and medication sat on the other. more to Mr. and Mrs. Orozco and progress Aiden was home for nearly a month when was made towards finding out what was on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, he passed away after wrong with Aiden instead of simply keeping an 11-month battle. him alive. Aiden had his own room in the “We have a picture of Aiden that we show PICU. This was Aiden’s home. [Elly] and if we say, “Say hi to Aiden,” she’ll “While at Jackson, I took a leave of put her hand on the picture and giggle as if absence at the end of the 2010-11 school year she’s seen him before,” Mr. Orozco said. “I so it wasn’t too bad,” Mr. Orozco said. “But feel that Aiden is watching out for us. But when school started up again, I had to be at sometimes I can’t help but look at Elly and Tri-Rail at 4 in the morning in Miami to make know there should be two.” g

NEWS

“Toga! Toga!” Visual teacher Lacey Van Reeth’s AP Art History classes came to school with pinned table cloth dresses and pulled leaves from bushes for “Dress like a Greek Day”. The students were eligible to receive extra credit if they came in dressed as Greek civilians when learning about Greco-Roman Art.

Only at

Dreyfoos

s early as the first week of school, students exhibited exuberance for the new school year. Seniors paraded in on the first Friday of school, clad in all black, declaring their dominance. AP Art History students carried on the tradition of dressing up in Greek togas all day long, for an extra credit opportunity. Club Rush brought full throttle excitement to the gymnasium, as all walks of our student body reached out to one another in the hopes of recruiting new club members. Of course this was accompanied by cupcakes, brownies, candy, donuts and goodies galore. The next day, Dance Honors Society members surprised students at lunch with an impromptu flash mob. While the previous week, the craziness began with “Freaky Friday”, where the senior class bent their genders for a day. We started the year off on a strong foot, embracing our diversity and eccentricity for all it is. We don’t know what is to come, but future looks bright. g

Photos and story by Dana Miller and Elizabeth Lane

For more photos and videos, go to: THEMUSEATDREYFOOS.COM The school turned upside down when seniors came to school dressed as the opposite sex for a truly “Freaky Friday”. Communications seniors David Kleinman and Micaela Fagan proudly embraced their class spirit dressed in their counterpart forms.

Dreyfoos was able to expand its annual club rush event this year by placing it on a LTM day. Communications senior and A.R.T.S. Club officer Casey Taranella advertises her peers to sign up for A.R.T.S. Club.

Theatre seniors Parker Camp (left) and Annabel Meschke (right) prompt fellow seniors to shout out “Two oh”... “One four” during lunch the first Friday of the new school year. The senior class followed Dreyfoos tradition of having a Blackout Day to show off class spirit and unity. Dance junior Kristen Lee leads The Dance Honor Society flash mob in the cafeteria. They surprised all of Dreyfoos’ new faculty and students, adding to Dreyfoos’ uniqueness.

FEATURES Features • Features • Features • Features • Features • Features • Features Photo by Elizabeth Priegues

While on a safari trip, keyboard junior Elizabeth Priegues used the opportunity to enhance her love of photography by taking photos of the landscapes and wildlife of South Africa.

African

adventure Photo by Samii Stoloff

Awestruck by the proximity of the wild giraffes, digital media junior Samii Stoloff captures a once in a life time moment of the immense animals roaming in their natural habitat.

by KayleighRubin

nee deep in muddy water with sweat dripping from her brow, digital media junior Samii Stoloff directed her strength and mind to digging a trench in Maji ya Chia, Tanzania. All of her energy was focused on the prospect of running water reaching the African school and day care center. Visual senior Emma Ely propelled on a rope down the side of a mountain in South Africa. Though terrified of heights, Ely took

In this section:

16 17 18

Theatre alumna Tiffany Oliver reminisces on how Dreyfoos has affected her as an artist and helped her rise to success. The new fun page features a restaurant review, a creative comic and a brief on Dreyfoos’ faux twins. Dance freshman Madison O’Connor explains how she danced her way to fame on “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.”

Three students’ summer travels influence their artwork

the mental and physical jump. She was determined to take advantage of the present opportunity. Lions relax on the rocks a few feet away from keyboard junior Elizabeth Priegues. On a South African safari, Priegues was stunned by the proximity and the grace of the animals. Zebras, elephants and giraffes walked across the street in front of her without pause. Though these three individuals all ventured to Africa for different purposes with various goals in mind, there is one tie that unites them all. This binding strand formed after the three students returned from Africa. They each realized their newfound knowledge could translate into artistic inspiration. Stoloff plans to utilize the photographs she captured during her trip to educate her peers, Ely is creating video art to showcase her discoveries and Priegues was inspired by African music. Samii Stoloff Each year, glossy brochures from National Geographic are mailed that advertise exotic and enlightening expeditions across the globe. Stoloff decided to spend her summer vacation

abroad after receiving one of these brochures. Stoloff was accepted to the National Geographic photo safari adventure program and departed for Tanzania to experience three weeks of learning, working and exploring. “The group and I learned about the way the people live and how they perform their tasks and grow their food,” Stoloff said. “A lot of people there did not have access to running water and had to walk three to five miles a day to access clean water.” In addition to learning about Tanzanian culture, Stoloff also gained valuable photography skills. National Geographic expert Andrew Evans presented slide shows to improve the photographers’ technique and composition. Stoloff utilized his advice and captured over 4,000 photographs. “I plan to use the photos to show other people that Africa is not what the media portrays.” Stoloff said. “I want people to see the happiness, the joy and just the overall experience.” continued on page 15

FEATURES

Africa continued from page 14

Emma Ely

Since 1932, The Experiments in International Living program has sent students abroad to immerse themselves in a unique culture. Last summer, Ely took advantage of the opportunities the program offers to embark on a journey to South Africa and live with a local family. “My African family was very poor, but wonderfully respectful, curious and hilarious,” Ely said. “I had three younger sisters and a mother and father who I called Momma and Dad, or Patrick.” Performing chores and residing in a new home allowed Ely the chance to connect with her family and form valuable relationships that she continues to cherish. The interactions also sparked Ely’s creativity. “I’m currently working on a performance piece which is video art,” Ely said. “The piece is meant to reflect the relationships I made and a general feeling of how I interacted with the people.” Elizabeth Priegues Nearly every year, keyboard junior Elizabeth Priegues and her family venture to a new international vacation destination. This

year they decided to visit South Africa. While there, Priegues visited the top tourist attractions. The family went to the famous Table Mountain and Cougar National Park, but Priegues’ favorite location was an isolated beach on Cape Hope. “It took a 45-minute walk on a Photo courtesy of Emma Ely wooden plank and a Visual senior Emma Ely spent the summer interacting with members climb down a ladder plans on taking her experiences and channeling them into her art. of a village. Ely to reach the beach,” Priegues said. “It was discovered the marima, an instrument similar nearly a religious experience for me because to the keyboard, and was interested by the the empty beach combined with the giant drums formed of wood and animal skin. rocks was absolutely exquisite.” “African instruments and music are In addition to enjoying the sites, Priegues completely unique to the country and its also fell in love with the country’s music. culture,” Priegues said. “I would compose my The family went to see the native African own music inspired by Africa. The types of performance entitled “Momma Africa,” sound add a unique texture to western music. where Priegues was exposed to the unique When combined, they’d make a very cool, instruments the culture has to offer. Priegues bizarre sound.” g

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FEATURES

Making her mark with mascara Alumna Tiffany Oliver uses her talents to change the face of cosmetics by KaraiMcLean

rom doing make-up in the theater dressing rooms to applying face powder on Lil Wayne, theatre alumna Tiffany Oliver has successfully made it into the entertainment industry with her makeup artistry. Having experience in fashion, video and print, Ms. Oliver has had a variety of clientel, from companies such as MAC Cosmetics to big time artists like Wyclef Jean. “Dreyfoos totally affected me,” Ms. Oliver said. “It was more important for me to have that type of expectation needed from me at a young age like juries or auditions. That sticks with you.” During her time at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), make-up wasn’t anything special to Ms. Oliver. “The journey to success is up and down. You have money then you have no money, you’re inspired then you’re not inspired,” Ms. Oliver said. “My journey took me all over, but it wasn’t really a journey, it was more like survival.” After not giving serious thought to her talent, the day came that she saw herself as not only a cosmetologist but as an artist.

“I volunteered at the American Black Film Festival. That’s when I really started to pursue make-up,” Ms. Oliver said. “It was great to see people that I could identify with. I was 23 years old, and I’ll never forget that festival. I was going to tattoo the date on my body.” Ms. Oliver’s clientele has given her the opportunity to work with numerous celebrities. “I liked working with Flo-Rida,” Ms. Oliver said. “This was when he first came out as an artist [and] just signed a record label. He just dropped ‘Low’ and wasn’t really that famous. He was what the industry would call green and organic. So it was really cool to work with someone before the fame, before they could be Photo Courtesy of Morgan Oliver changed by the industry.” Oliver (left) perfects her technique as she applies lip-liner to Now Ms. Oliver travels the country a model in preparation for an event. expanding her knowledge of cosmetics. calling, it has developed her into the unique “She’s a really hard worker,” said keyboard and gifted artist she is today. junior Morgan Oliver, Ms. Oliver’s younger “What you do becomes who you are. It’s sister. “She’s always said that she had no idea as simple as waking up or breathing,” Ms. what she was doing would end up being [her Oliver said. “Of course I have my street tough career].” side, but make-up is the other half of who I Though it took her time to realize her true am. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.” g

FEATURES

Seeing Double?

Good

Similarities are more than skin deep

Sweet eats: Ginger

by RileyFreese and SydneyMcAuliffe

or those of you who have ever tapped a stranger in the hallway thinking it was your friend, it’s apparent that we have quite a few doppelgangers running around. After giving out a personality test, it was found that these three pairs may have more in common than just their appearances. Adam Nir/David Kleinman “A few days ago people kept asking if I was his brother and when I tell them [we aren’t related] they don’t believe me,” communications sophomore Adam Nir said. Nir and communications senior David Kleinman scored a 100 percent match on their personality tests. Though, Kleinman doesn’t believe outward appearances are linked to a person’s interests. “[It] depends on the type of parents that person has and what that person has grown up doing,” Kleinman said. Zachary Rapaport/Dakota Davidson Apart from their art area, visual junior Dakota Davidson and visual sophomore Zachary Rapaport have very few interests in common. Davidson favors cats and PC computers, while Rapaport keeps to his dogs and Mac

Photo by Dana Miller

Located down the street from Dreyfoos, Sweet Ginger features a variety of cuisine including authentic Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese dishes.

by KayleighRubin and NatashaLeonard

(Top Left and Top Right: Dave Kleinman and Adam Nir, Middle Left and Middle Right: Camila Munoz and Tiffany Barron, Bottom Left and Bottom Right: Zachary Rapaport and Dakota Davidson.)

computers. “For the most part, I am indifferent about having a looka-like. If someone else and I have similar physical appearances, so be it,” Rapaport said. Tiffany Barron/ Camila Munoz Digital media sophomore Tiffany Barron and visual junior Camila Munoz are both dog lovers. Surprisingly, they both favor Mac computers and chocolate ice cream over PC computers and vanilla. “I have always wanted a twin, I think it would be really cool to have two of me,” Barron said. g

here’s something sweet about Sweet Ginger. For Dreyfoos students, it is an appetizing and convenient restaurant straight down the street. The lowest priced meal is $11 while the highest priced meal reaches $20. However, the taste and quality of these meals may disappoint the Lemon Grass customer or Thai food Food: Service:

connoisseurs. *The rating scale is from best to worst. A five is ranked best, while a 1 is scored as worst. The scoring of food is based on taste and pricing is based on a student friendly budget of $10. For those craving Thai food but only have $10, try the kids’ menu. It features the same size meal as an adults’, but with a side of rice and a soda. g Prices: Overall Experience:

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

Cartoon by Erik Ridd and Bennett Morgan

FEATURES

Madison O’Connor is on pointe

Dance freshman dances through the drama on ‘Abby’s Ultimate’ by KateNouhan

ance freshman Madison O’Connor has not only won 30 first place trophies at regional and national dance competitions, but she also beat out 2,000 dancers when she received a spot on “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition,” a reality competition show airing on Lifetime where a dozen boy and girl dancers compete for $100,000 and a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York. “The show helped me a lot. I learned how to become a better performer and now I don’t get as nervous at competitions,” O’Connor said. “I’ve grown as both a person and a dancer, and now I know what it’s like to be on TV.” O’Connor’s dance studio, Performance Edge 2, was originally going to be on “Dance Moms: Miami,” but her dance teacher decided to back out. Then O’Connor got a call from the “Dance Moms” producers asking her to audition for a new dance show called “My Kid Can Dance.” “We didn’t know it was going to be ‘Abby’s Ultimate’ when we first auditioned,” O’Connor said. The audition process consisted of a Skype

interview, performing a solo in New York followed by an additional interview. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it or not since I didn’t know who my competition was,” O’Connor said. For just about every reality TV show, there is always much speculation about what is real and what is not. The editing made it seem as though O’Connor Photo by audc.wikia.com disliked another contestant, (Left) Lexine Cantoria, Asia Monet Ray, Amanda Carbajales, Brianna Haire, when they were actually Madison O’Connor, Jordyn Jones and Hadley Walts perform a group dance on friends. “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.” “They danced seven to set up some fights. The producers would tell nine hours a day, and they one of the moms to go into a room and start also learned group dances that were never screaming at one of the other moms. A lot of shown. I feel like the way the show was the moms did not like each other, but the kids edited, it was more focused on the drama didn’t really get involved,” O’Connor said. than the dancing,” Madison’s mother Coreen O’Connor wants to keep dancing and O’Connor said. possibly perform in a company and on more “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition” is TV shows. known for the drama between the moms, “I don’t know what my life would be like mostly about whose child is a better dancer. without dance,” O’Connor said. g “It was real, although Lifetime tried to

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COVER STORY

a lasting

Legacy William Duprey recalls the traumatic day he found his coworkers’ bodies at school.

Photo by Elizabeth Lane

Ted Orama by EstherMendoza

Chris Marshall

ustodian William Duprey awoke at 4 a.m. on June 19, 2013, the same time as every other day. The sun was rising as he pulled into his parking space behind the cafeteria in the custodial lot, and his thoughts were occupied with what would have to be done in preparation for the coming school year. “I was coming to a regular day at work. Nothing negative, I was positive about what we were going to do that day,” Mr. Duprey said. “[Head custodian Ted Orama] always tells me what we are going to do the next day. And that was the time we were going to start moving the furniture so we can start waxing and clean up the rooms and the hallways. When I come in, I see Ted’s van in the parking lot. I went in normally like I do every day.” He unlocked the custodial area and began his daily routine. He placed his lunch in the fridge, punched in at precisely 6:26 a.m. and greeted his co-workers Olga Dominguez and

William Duprey sits at the late Ted Orama’s desk. The cactus in front of him was the only personal item of Orama’s that his sister left behind when she came to get his personal belongings. Duprey keeps it as a memory and waters it every day.

Carlos Vivier as they walked in. He then walked over to Mr. Orama’s office, prepared to retrieve his radio and receive his orders for the day. However, as he placed his key in the door, he found that it was stuck. He tried again, this time more aggressively, but it would not budge. “When I put the key in I realized that there was something holding the door back,” Mr. Duprey said. “I know that behind that door the only thing we had was a small chair on the side. The blind was down, so I cannot see through the glass. I try to push with my elbow, with my hand, my shoulder and I push the door about 12 inches.” With one final push, the door slowly opened, revealing the office he had come to know so well. The white walls were clean as always, the only ornament was a bare wooden shelf lining the opposite wall, holding the custodians radios. Mr. Orama’s wooden corner desk sat under the singular window, sun

falling across the desk’s messy contents. Only when Mr. Duprey looked down did he realize what had been blocking the door. “When I looked down I realized that Ted was on the ground. That is when I said to Olga and Carlos, they were behind me, ‘Please, call 911. Ted is hurt and he is on the ground, I don’t know what happened.’ ” Mr. Duprey said. “When I call him I said, ‘Ted, Ted,’ and then I say ‘Orama, Orama,’ and the way that I see him, I see all the blood on his chest and on the side of his head, that’s when I get real nervous and when I get my phone I can’t even dial 911 but thank God my call [was the one that] went through.” Distraught and disoriented, the three janitors kept the arriving custodial staff from going near the office. The three were unaware that custodian Chris Marshall was also in the room. Later discovered by the police, Mr. Marshall was behind the door, in the lone chair, out of Mr. Duprey’s field of vision.

continued on page 20

COVER STORY

iNVESTIGATION Update

by TaylorHendrickson and EstherMendoza

fter the deaths of custodians Ted Orama and Chris Marshall that occurred at Dreyfoos on June 19, 2013, there has been little information released from the West Palm Beach Police Department. According to The Palm Beach Post, no Javier Burgos suspects have been named. However, custodian Javier Burgos has been identified as a person of interest. He was fired days after the incident occurred for not returning to work. Police confirmed on a press conference held on July 9 that Mr. Burgos was at the school at the time of the shooting and left shortly after.

continued from page 19 Through the police investigation, it was discovered that only one detail stood out from the ordinary that morning: a white vehicle parked haphazardly in the custodial lot. According to security footage, the car belonged to ex-custodian Javier Burgos, who left only minutes before Mr. Duprey arrived. Burgos is a personof-interest in the homicide investigation of Mr. Orama and Mr. Marshall. “According to what I know, this happened about five minutes before I walk in,” Mr. Duprey said. “So that mean if I could be two minutes early, three minutes early I would not be here telling this to you or having this conversation.” Even after the local police, SWAT and the FBI had left campus, the media of Palm Beach County still remained, covering the details from the moment the news broke. Only days after the discovery, Mr. Duprey was relentlessly contacted at home, despite his refusal to talk to any media outlets. Now more than three months later, Mr. Duprey is regaining the order in his life. However, the traumatic experience has left life-long scars. “Well to me, in the beginning it hurt me a lot because I knew both of them and I have a family and I never, never see someone hurt that way and full of blood the way that I see Ted; I don’t see Chris,” Mr. Duprey said. “It really hit me and right now it is the time that I can say that I can sleep a little more but at first I couldn’t sleep. I only slept around 20 minutes, 30 minutes a night and the rest of the time I was awake thinking about what we were going to do.” Looking back, Mr. Duprey remembers his co-workers how they were before that day. He had worked with both Mr. Marshall and Mr. Orama for five-and-a-half-years. Mr. Marshall had been at Dreyfoos for eight years and worked daily with Mr. Duprey. “I used to work with Chris during the day,” Mr. Duprey said. “He was one on my team, I can say. We spent eight hours here every day. Chris was very friendly, hard worker, he didn’t talk that much and

According to The Palm Beach Post, a search warrant revealed that 14 firearms were found in Mr. Burgos’ apartment. The police found rifles, shotguns, hand guns and ammunition. He had a concealed weapons permit and no criminal history. According to The Palm Beach Post, The West Palm Beach police issued a nationwide alert shortly after the tragedy which states that Mr. Burgos was “armed and dangerous,” and that he was last seen in a “2010 silver or aluminum-colored Toyota Camry with license plate number 284PRH”. Several other nations were alerted, although the names of those countries were not confirmed. The investigation remains open and police are urging citizens to report any sightings of Burgos or any information pertaining to the case. g

Photo courtesy of William Duprey

The janitorial staff poses for a photo in the gym. It was used in a promotional ad when they were awarded Best Janitorial Staff in Palm Beach County.

when he talked he only talked about his kids. He really loved those kids more than anything in his life after his wife passed away [in 2009 after being diagnosed with brain cancer]. When he was here at school, you always see him doing something.” Mr. Orama was the lead supervisor of the custodial staff. A well-known face to students and staff of Dreyfoos, he had been working at Dreyfoos for 20 years. “I know Ted as a friendly guy; he worked a lot around school. He didn’t just watch the custodians [but] he watched the whole school, corner to corner with students, teacher, staff,” Mr. Duprey said. “He always helped everybody and was always ahead of what needed to be done, sometimes weeks, days or months. With Ted, it’s a little different [than with Chris] because he used to work in the afternoon but I used to see him every day so that I can give him what’s going on, what happened at this school, what had to be done and the only thing that I really don’t appreciate that much from Ted was that most of the time he didn’t want to listen and that things always had to go his way. Other than that he was a good supervisor and a good friend.” g

COVER STORY

Looking Back... by TaylorHendrickson

r. Orama did not just keep the campus clean; he was very active in school-sponsored activities. He contributed to the start of recycling at Dreyfoos, watched theatre rehearsals and set up for after school activities and showcases. “[Mr. Orama] cared so much about everything that happened at school,” English teacher Brittany Rigdon said. “He was [super] involved.” Mr. Orama also helped decorate for the holidays. At the Title One Holiday Party held by A.R.T.S. Club last year, his personal decorations transformed the library in to a Christmas celebration for underprivileged children. “One thing [Mr. Orama] had was a Santa Claus collection,” media specialist Cookie Davis said. “Last year, he let me put up his big Santa Claus face. It’s electronic and lighted

up, in the media center.” His holiday decorations were featured at special events the school hosted that he would volunteer for. “At the athletic banquet I was in charge of decorations and had gotten balloons,” bowling coach and science teacher Sherry Little said. “I asked him, ‘How does it look?’ and he said ‘You know, I’ve got an idea.’ So he dragged me back to the storage room and found Christmas lights. There was a tent set up in the cafeteria. He and the kids and I put the string of lights around the tent. It really made the banquet special.” Athletic director and math teacher Christopher Burns accredits the success of the athletic banquet to Mr. Orama’s role in setting up. His help wasn’t a requirement, but he cared about Dreyfoos students. “[Mr. Orama] would always say to me ‘It’s all for the kids,’” Mr. Burns said. g

Photo courtesy of the Marquee yearbook

Ted Orama quickly glances for a friendly smile, taking a break from his position as head custodian. He was in this exact spot when confronted by Javier Burgos that early summer morning.

inishing up work after school, Mr. Not only would he offer his insight on Orama would watch the boys basketball plays, but he would work late to help set up games in the gym. He supported the for special games. players even when they were not doing “One time I decided that we were well. going to have a lot of fans for a game, so I “[Mr. Orama] would watch the game [began] to pull out the stands to fit more and always say positive [things], even when people. When [Mr. Orama] saw [me] his it was ugly,” boys basketball coach and initial reaction was ‘what are you doing?’ history teacher Jeffrey Stohr said. “Then and I said ‘I think we’re going to have last year when we starting winning, he said more fans’ and he fixed the stands and ‘I told you that you guys were going to be didn’t complain,” Mr. Stohr said. “I think good’ and literally no one told us we were normally he would have because it’s more going to be good.” work. I certainly would have, but he was a Players could hear Mr. Orama cheering good guy.” g them on from the sidelines. He would give the players helpful tips when they ran by. “[Mr. Orama] took time from work to watch us play and it just meant a lot for him to show support,” communications junior Munashe Kwangwari said. “He would say something like ‘You should pass to that person open over there.’ He would always give me a fist pump after I scored [when] he told me what to do, so I always Photo courtesy of the Marquee yearbook knew the fist pump would be Fellow custodians and close friends William Duprey (left), Olga Dominguez (center) and Chris Marshall (left) stand close together, there and it was reassuring.” posing for a photo.

family-oriented man, faculty and students had respect and sentiment for the commitment Mr. Marshall made to his two sons, CJ and Luis Marshall, as a single father. “One time [Mr. Marshall] came up to me when I was walking to class and asked me where I got the headphones I had. He said he wanted to get his son a really nice Christmas gift and was thinking about getting him a nice pair of headphones,” communications alumnus (’13) Matthew Baquero said. “He was a loving family-man who wanted to see his two kids happy.” After spilling a drink all over the floor of Building 1, Mr. Marshall and communications teacher Dr. Deluz decided to hold communications alumnus (’13) Chandler Coven and his friends accountable. A valuable lesson ended as a prank as Mr. Marshall twirled around with the mop. “[Mr. Marshall] taught [Coven] how to mop and [then] they danced with the mops,” communications junior Megan Walsch said. “He was a really funny and understanding guy.” Mr. Marshall went out of his way for students; he made it routine to open up the weight room in the mornings for athletes looking for a work out before school started. “He was really selfless,” communications senior Gabriella Romano said. “Everything he did was for his [children] and Dreyfoos [students].” g

ARTS Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts • Arts

Lend a

tenor

The theatre students begin production on this year’s musical

by TimothyDiTocco and JadeLenkersdorf

arents, friends and students packed into the doors of Meyer Hall. The lights dim and the spot lights shine to reveal energetic thespians striding across the stage, singing, dancing and transforming into their characters with every word. A set transforms a stage into a home, a business or even a city street. Costumes take you back to the era of the show, transporting audiences to Ohio in the 1930s, in this year’s theatre production, “Lend Me a Tenor.” Members of the audience see the end product, but have no idea how much work it took to put the production together. Months of planning, building, painting, sewing and rehearsing go into the performance. “We started [planning] last March or April, talking about what we were going to do for the coming season, and finally decided at the end of April or beginning of May last year,” theatre dean Bruce Linser said, “[Then] the director started her work on it in June.” Since planning the show last summer, a cast of eight students has been selected, and have begun rehearsals. “Being that ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ has a little bit of singing in it, even though it’s a straight play, they had us sing our monologues in an opera style,” theatre senior Michael Pisani said. “It was quite comical watching everybody get up there and do these monologues in opera style.” Pisani was cast as Saunders, a quick-

In this section: 23 Read about the past, present, and hopeful future of successful singing student and aspiring opera performer Virginia Mims-everything from her family history to her recent moment of vocational epiphany.

24 22

See what’s been going on since the beginning of school in each of the art areas, as well as what’s coming up in the departments. The Arts Index includes everything from performances to preparations to in-class activities.

Photo by Aubrey Levin

Theatre freshman Ashton Royal (front) and junior Sara Naylon (back) work on build crew late into the night, constructing the set for the upcoming fall production. Students spend months planning and creating backgrounds and props for performances.

tempered character who is trying to keep everything together. In past productions, Pisani has always done comedies for plays. However, for Pisani, it allowed him to find his character type, and what he needs to work on to further his skills. “[Saunders is] the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, and he’s a very tight wound, crazy character and he is doing his best to keep control of everything that is going Photo by Aubrey Levin on,” Pisani said. “He gets very Theatre junior Logan Lower watches closely as Theatre teacher Edward frazzled and he kind of loses it. Blanchette shows him some stagecraft technique. He along with many But it all works out in the end other theatre students have been working hard on the “Lend Me a Tenor” set. because it’s a comedy.” manager Brennon Felbinger said. “I started Actors aren’t the only ones working with [theatre alumna and director of who work to put the show together. Stage management and set design are also key steps Lend Me a Tenor Brittany] Smoliak over the summer about two weeks before we came into to putting together Lend Me a Tenor. “There’s a lot of work that goes into continued on page 23 pre-production,” theatre senior and stage

ARTS

Lend me a tenor continued from page 22 school. The stage management team is really important because if it didn’t exist the director would be doing a lot of jobs that she doesn’t have time to do in general.” The driving force for this theatre production is the director, Ms. Smoliak who returns to the theatre department as a new teacher and production manager of “Lend Me a Tenor.” “It’s a dream come true to produce a show on the same stage I grew and developed in the arts,” Ms. Smoliak said. “Ever since the summer, I really wanted to see the [students] grow more than anything.” Even though she’s happy to be back at Dreyfoos, Ms. Smoliak knows directing the show is not easy. Students are working on character development, blocking and rehearsing every day after school. Smoliak plans to have the whole production finished two weeks before opening night, at the end of October. “Lend Me a Tenor” is the first Dreyfoos production Ms. Smoliak has directed. “Going into it, I was scared. But I just

had to go full throttle and pour as much energy as I could into the production,” Ms. Smoliak said. “Everyone knows what to do, but we still have a lot of work to get done before the show.” Though teachers direct and oversee the production, students are the real brains behind Photo by Aubrey Levin Theatre freshman Abigail Levasseur helps in prepapration for Dreyfoos’s upcoming the operation. “Students are production of “Lend Me a Tenor.” the ones building member that isn’t augmented by students the costumes, pulling the costumes, altering is the director, but she has student stage the costumes. The sets are all built by managers. Everything is designed to be built students, created by students [and] overseen and created and run by our students.” g by faculty,” Mr. Linser said. “The only faculty

Mims dreams to make it big Vocal junior embraces her talent and hopes to go pro by DelaneyCotton ith the dean of music at Palm Beach Atlantic University for a father and a Grammy winning opera star for a mother, it’s no wonder vocal ARTIST SPOTLIGHT junior Virginia Mims is said to have music in her veins. Before Mims’ vocal talent was discovered, it was obvious that music would be a major part of her life. From listening in on her mother’s voice classes as a baby to recently winning third place Virginia Mims in the high school division of the Classical Singer’s Competition, Mims can’t remember a time when singing wasn’t part of her life. “Around eighth grade, there was the turning point where up [until] that point, I knew I wanted to perform. I wanted to be on stage and that’s where my real personality came out,” Mims said.

Mims’ passion for music was still a little rough around the edges. She wasn’t always sure which genre of music she wanted to pursue. “I didn’t know I wanted to do classical music but I liked the idea of it. In eighth grade it was take your kid to work day and it was jury day so I listened to all the juries and thought I can do that,” Mims said. “So we basically sat there at the piano and my mom would play an aria and it was like a light bulb went off.” Mims’ epiphany during “bring your child to work day” was the basis for her dream to be a professional opera singer in the classical world. Now with the support of her parents she’s on her way to making it a reality. “Because of my own big dream of becoming a professional singer when I was young, I understand Virginia’s passion for singing,” Virginia’s mom, Marilyn Mims said. “I know she can accomplish this with determination and wise decisions. As a parent I want to help her become what she was put on this Earth to do. If singing professionally is that, I want to help her achieve her dreams.” g Photo courtesy of Virginia Mims

Vocal junior Virginia Mims shows off her talents during a workshop at Palm Beach Atlantic University.

ARTS

Arts Index

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

by ArtsStaff

Dance

uditions were held on Sept. 11 for a spot in a dance piece for the Fall Dance Concert. This piece will be designed by guest choreographer and 2012 Dreyfoos alumnus Chris Huggins. He won the Alvin Ailey Award for Best Choreography in 2002 and 2008 and has worked on projects with Disney in Orlando. Huggins specifically designed the routine for Dreyfoos students, and came up with the idea in Paris. Over 80 students auditioned for a spot in the studio, and less than 25 students were selected. The Fall Dance Concert will be held in late November, a week before Thanksgiving. “We have a show coming up before Thanksgiving. We have a guest choreographer coming, Chris Huggins,” dance junior Eddie Omar Gonzales said, “Whoever makes it will be in his guest piece for the Fall Concert; that’s a week before Thanksgiving.” g

Vocal

o start the year, a few vocal majors are preparing for the upcoming All-State auditions, where they hope to be chosen to sing in the All-State choir in Tampa this January. Dreyfoos’ choir, The School of the Arts Singers, plans to attend the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) in Lake Mary, where they will compete against other school choirs for money and trophies. In the classroom, all choirs are preparing for the fall concert on Oct. 8 in Meyer Hall. This year, vocal students are also putting their talents to use in the new club The Staff, a contemporary acappella club. “We’re going to do a lot of performances this year, [such as] flash mobs and singing telegrams,” vocal junior Sarah Rogers said. g

Band

ith sore fingers but determined minds, band students held a fundraiser PlayA-Thon on Sept. 27 after school in Building 7 at 4 pm. All band students participated with the assistance of guest conductors. Students took turns playing and eating to ensure there was always live music at any given time. Money was donated based on the amount of hours they played. The money went into the preparations for their first concert on Oct. 2 in Meyer Hall, a performance with a lineup of music spanning from classical to the modern day. “We have a really strong band this year and a great sound,” band sophomore Riley Gore said. “We’re really excited to make the audience dance.” Upcoming concerts include the chamber winds concert recital on Oct. 23 and the chamber winds concert on Oct. 30 in Meyer Hall at 7 p.m. g

Photo by Michelle Birch

Band senior Robby Breidenbaugh plays trombome during a jazz class. Band instructor Mr. Hernandez helps his students prepare for upcoming concerts.

Digital Media

igital media dean Peter Stodolak is getting everyone ready for the upcoming events in the department. The Summer Showcase, which portrayed the students’ summer assignments, has come and gone. Now the department is preparing for The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which recognize students’ creative talents in categories of visual art and writing. Students in all grades can participate. “Right now we’re going through a lot of our summer work and then also making new pieces [for the Scholastic Awards],” said digital media sophomore Bennett Reagan. “I’m really excited about it because I’ve [seen] the previous year’s submissions and I hope to rank among the highest of them.” Seniors will be submitting work to YoungArts, which is part of the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts. The program provides emerging artists with scholarships, opportunities to work with renowned artists and receive national recognition. g

ARTS

Theatre

tudents are working hard to prepare juries and organize their spring show, “Legally Blonde,” which opens Feb. 27. Sophomores are preparing for the sophomore showcase, which opens in midNovember. “We are working on pieces for [the sophomore showcase] such as songs, monologues and scenes that revolve around villains and such,” theatre sophomore Briana Smalley said. “We’re all very excited.” The theatre department is also working on their fall production, “Lend Me a Tenor,” which debuts Oct.31. g

Communications

tudents from the communications department’s film classes will be participating in the The National YoungArts foundation competition. This competition indentifies and supports the next generation of artists studying in the arts. Awards will go to thousands of students and will award over $6 million in cash prizes. The deadline for applications is Oct. 18. The Dreyfoos debate team sent students to compete in the first debate of the year at Seminole Ridge High School in the Sept. 28 congressional tournament. Students will also be participating in the annual Blue Key tournament held at the University of Florida from Oct. 27-30. In addition, part of the debate team has spent weeks preparing for the Bickel and Brewer competition which is a national contest that gives high school students the opportunity to participate in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. More than 100 high schools representing 26 states will take part. g

Keyboard

his quarter, keyboard majors are rushing to prepare for large number of upcoming events, including their jury performances and an upcoming Instrumental Ensemble concert. The most imminent event is the popular piano showcase, “IIImpromptu”, which is scheduled for Oct. 4-5 in the Brandt Black Box Theatre. “[IIImpromptu] is where the piano family joins to express our talents and the history of all types of music into one interactive, yet inspiring recital,” keyboard junior Zariah Mcneil said. g

Strings

here are beautiful sounds of music filling Building 7 as the students practice their pieces. After the Philharmonic Band held a successful classical concert Sept. 26, students are excited to continue performing. “It was the first time I played in a full orchestra,” strings sophomore Celine Castronuovo said, “It was a lot of fun.” The students also began preparations for the upcoming strings concert. The concert will be Oct. 16 in the Brandt Black Box. Ticket sales have already begun online. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. g

Photo by Karai McLean

Visual senior Emily Wallmueller works on a painting during class. Students continue focusing on the same concentrations that they developed over the

Visual

n Sept. 10, Building 9 was teeming with the artistic energy from The Summer Showcase. The event was filled with awed spectators. “The showcase this year had a wide variety of things you wouldn’t expect,” visual sophomore Michelle Guerrero said. “Such as [visual sophomore] Savion [Cohen’s] project which was made from multi-color thumb tacks and from far away it looks like just an actual portrait but from close up you can see the individual thumb tacks.” According to visual dean Jenny Gifford, the department is trying to get a trip together to go to Art Basel, a huge art show down in Miami Beach. The show holds artwork from renowned artists of modern and contemporary art as well as pieces by rising stars. “I’m excited because I think that there’ll be different styles of art that we can all learn from,” said digital senior Hannah Weber. g

ARTS

SPORTS Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports • Sports

Par

for the

course

After years of experience Ragan’s skills show on the golf course

JAGUAR PROFILE by AdamNir

Professional golfing has been a huge part of communications sophomore Bennett Ragan’s family, tracing all the way back to his

Photo Courtesy of Valerie LaPapa

Communications sophomore Bennett Ragan eyes the fairway as he prepares to tee off.

In this section: 28

A star Dreyfoos soccer player strikes it big with a contract with a professional Argentinian team

An update on all of the fall sports, including girls volleyball, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls golf, boys and girls cross country and boys and girls bowling

An issue has been raised about senior high school players and their playing time, and both sides of this controversial topic are examined and compared

great-grandfather. arts class Ragan’s mother if anyone and father are both golfed, professional golf and Ragan players, which raised his Photo Courtesy of Valerie LaPapa influenced his love Communications sophomore Bennett Ragan watches his ball after taking a swing. Ragan for the sport. credits his parents with teaching him the expertise that he exhibits on the golf course. “[Ragan] was exposed to golf as soon as I took him home hand. He then met with the team and became from the hospital. He would come to work part of their family. with me for a few hours every day,” said A goal for Ragan is not just to improve Ragan’s mother Valerie LaPapa, a teaching the team, but to make a name for Dreyfoos pro at Emerald Dunes Golf Club. athletically. As he got older, Ragan played in “Other than just our arts, we are an tournaments and gained experience. This extremely versatile school with some amazing allowed him to improve as a player. athletes,” Ragan said. “I started playing a lot more, and now I While Ragan is utilizing his skills to help play tournaments sporadically,” Ragan said. the golf team now, he also plans on using Ragan’s history with golf makes him an those skills to help him get into college in the important player on the boys golf team. future. “[Ragan] leads by example,” boys golf “New York University is my dream school coach and communications teacher Stephen and I really hope to be on their golf team, I Moore said. “He likes to help out the younger have looked at their scores and feel that if I players, and he leads by knowing how to keep it up, I will be able to do that,” Ragan conduct himself on the golf course.” said. Ragan is not just a leader by example, Good scores are becoming harder for however. It is also his ability that makes him Ragan to achieve as homework and studying one of the key players on the team. cut heavily into his practice time. “[Ragan] shoots really well, around the “Golf takes up a lot of time. Especially in low 40s and even the high 30s,” visual senior high school, time is a precious thing,” Ragan James Nelms said. “He always places along said. “Unfortunately golf can’t be my number the top leader boards of the team.” one priority as I have a huge workload with Ragan attributes his natural ability to his arts and academics.” parents, who practiced with him ever since he Ragan still tries to fit in as much time as could hold a golf club. possible to pursue his dream, and gains more “If not for them, especially my mom, I and more of his teammates’ respect every day. would never be where I am today,” Ragan All of his teammates and coaches believe that said. he has serious potential. While this may be true, the reason Ragan “He knows the game,” Mr. Moore said. “His is on Dreyfoos’ team is due to Mr. Moore. One knowledge is very high.” g day Mr. Moore asked his freshmen unified

SPORTS

Kickin’ it to the bank

Retes signs contract with Argentinian professional soccer team contract] personally,” Mr. Ruth said. nk from his pen is spread across the “He has been trying to do this for years paper as he signs his name above but knew that he would have to leave the dotted line. This signature signifies school early and that made him not the starting point for his career on a sure if he was actually going to do it.” professional soccer team in Argentina. He Mr. Ruth is excited to see what is young, he is talented but strangest of Retes does with his opportunity and he all, he is a Dreyfoos student. hopes for the best for him. Theatre senior Ramiro Retes has been “I hope [Retes] doesn’t get injured, playing soccer all of his life. He has been he’s a hard worker, has a good attitude rewarded for his hard work by being and has tremendous physical gifts,” Mr. signed to a professional soccer team in Ruth said. “[Being on a sports team] is Argentina. competitive so I don’t know where he “My family and friends grew up with will end up but it will be fun watching [soccer] and it has been with me my him.” whole life,” Retes said. With a bright future ahead of him, After years of playing travel and Retes is still looking to improve his varsity soccer for Dreyfoos, Retes climbs soccer skills and doesn’t lack any to new heights by signing a professional motivation to keep becoming a better Photo courtesy of Ramiro Restes Theatre senior Ramiro Retes poses with a Argentinian soccer coach after contract. player on and off the field. signing contract with a professional Argentinian soccer team. “My old coach told me about the “I want to keep learning and learn tryouts in Sunrise and said ‘come with from other players as well as work on like to make sure my sisters, mom and dad me and let’s see how far you can make my weaknesses,” Retes said. are okay [financially] as well as the rest of my it,’” Retes said. Although he wants to make small family,” Retes said “I would also like to settle Although he has not yet signed a contract improvements over time, Retes has down and buy a house and donate the rest to granting him his salary and monetary gains, large goals, from becoming a starter to a charity like UNICEF.” he has signed an agreement contract. This winning a world cup— the ultimate soccer After signing the contract this summer, means that he will stick with the team without championship. Retes found it important to tell boys varsity playing for any other paying teams and also “I would like to play [in] a world cup says that he will be committed to being on the soccer coach and social studies Tom Ruth [match],” Retes said “It’s everybody’s about what happened. team. dream.” g “[Retes] came and told me about [the “[With the money I will make] I would by JackReagan

Dreyfoos alumna Rachelle Rubin returns as swim coach by CharlesBonani

One of the most important aspects of coaching a sports team has been said to be the relationship between the coach and the players, as well as a coach’s ability to connect with his or her players by understanding what it feels like to be in their position. First year swimming coach, math teacher and Dreyfoos alumna Rachelle Rubin knows how it feels to Rachelle Rubin be in her swimmers’ position, and that factor is one of the primary reasons that she decided to take the position of swimming coach once she came to Dreyfoos. “I thought it was a great opportunity for me to take over [as the swimming coach],” Ms. Rubin said. “When I was [at Dreyfoos] I was on the team for a few years [and] thought it was a really fun opportunity for me to come back to Dreyfoos and be the coach of the swim team.”

Although she is only beginning, Ms. Rubin has already earned affection and praise from her swimmers. “[Ms. Rubin] is a really supportive coach,” piano senior Abigail Schirmer said. “She’s looking for the best interest of the team as a whole and she’s very goaloriented.” Since her first day as the swimming coach, Ms. Rubin has set out to instill the right mindset in her swimmers

to be successful. “I think having a great mental attitude is a huge part of being a swimmer,” Ms. Rubin said. “It all depends on how hard you want to push yourself.” g

SPORTS

Practice makes progress: fall update by TomasCabezas

The swimming, volleyball, golf, cross country and bowling teams are leading Dreyfoos sports into the 2013-2014 school year as the first to get under way. The girls swim team placed seventh with 111 points, and the boys swim team placed eighth with 123 points at the Saint Andrew’s School invitational meet Saturday, Sept. 7. “I think we have a lot of strong swimmers who, throughout the season, will build strength in their individual events,” said boys and girls swimming coach and math teacher Rachelle Rubin. This year the swim team’s main focus is to get organized, build more endurance and become well-rounded swimmers. “I would like to see some of our new swimmers develop different strokes, and have some of our swimmers compete in district championships, regionals and state championships,” Ms. Rubin said. Ms. Rubin holds high expectations for her swimmers, which differs from bowling coach and science teacher Sherry Little’s approach to her team. “I never have any expectations going into the season,” Ms. Little said. “If you have expectations, you’re going to face harsh

reality.” expectations of girls golf The boys bowling team coach and math teacher lost to Seminole Ridge and Christopher Burns, with a Jupiter, but won against current record of 3-1. Palm Beach Lakes, and “They all love the game, their current record is 1-4. and they all want to play,” Mr. They scored the highest in Burns said. “There is good the north division, but still chemistry in the girls team.” place fifth in the overall The girls volleyball team standings. The girls bowling has only won two of their first team beat Seminole Ridge, seven games, girls volleyball Palm Beach Lakes, and coach and science teacher Jupiter, and their current William Wood still takes record is 4-0. pride in his passionate team The bowling team who gets themselves and the has experienced some crowd fired up. unfortunate struggles as “Our greatest strength is a whole, and the boys golf that we communicate with team find themselves in each other as a team,” Mr. a similarly undesirable Wood said. “We’re a little bit position. Through the first more intense on the court. five matches of the season, Photo courtesy of Allison Mundun We’re not the tallest team, the team has been unable (From left to right) Visual freshman Fiona but we are definitely the most Salsich, digital media freshman Allison to record a victory. fiery team.” Munden and communications junior Bari “The goal in golf is to Cross country coach and Bossis block an attack from a member of the Forest Hill High School girls volleyball English teacher Catherine improve. When your goal team. is to win-win-win you’re Duncan has placed high missing your mark. It’s all about how you get expectations on her runners individually and there,” said golf coach and communications as a whole. teacher Stephen Moore. “I expected a unified team, serious runners The girls golf team and a goal of achieving some personal bests has exceeded the and awards,” Ms. Duncan said. g

Coach’s Corner: Sherry Little by MaxFields ith bowling season mid-way through, science teacher and bowling coach Sherry Little has her hands full with mentoring the players in competition. “[Bowling] is a great sport. It is one of the few sports that [allows for] continual [interaction] with the bowlers,” Ms. Little said. “This allows for some a much different dynamic to coaching as well.” The dynamic that exists between the bowlers and the coach allows for a unique relationship within the team. “I feel like a mother to some of them since I have known them for so long,” Ms. Little said. “I offer them emotional support during rounds by getting excited when they Photo courtesy of Ms. do well and reminding them when they are not.” Through it all, no matter the situation, Ms. Little always is able to help stabilize and calm her bowlers during rounds. “[Sometimes] I cover my eyes when we are behind and remind them that it’s not about winning in order to calm [the players],” Ms. Little said. “At the end of the day I try to coach them with pointers and support them with advice, but we have a great time anyway.” g

SPORTS

An age-old problem: seniority vs. skill Should upperclassmen be played over skilled underclassmen in high school? Commentary by CharlesBonani

he goal of any sport comes down to one main purpose: to win. The phrase “by any means necessary” is used relentlessly as the game plan for almost all teams. However, in high school sports it has been argued that coaches do not always use “any means necessary” to win a game because they may not even be playing some of their most Charles Bonani talented students. While high school sports place a strong emphasis on winning, as most athletic institutions do, athletes who are upperclassmen tend to hold the belief that they should be given playing time regardless of whether or not they are helping their team more than the underclassmen on the bench or sidelines could be. This brings up a controversy that pits winning against respecting the privilege of playing time that upperclassmen athletes feel they deserve. Should high school sports coaches play the player who gives their team the best chance to win, regardless of his or her grade, or should they honor “seniority” and give upperclassmen primary playing time? The case for playing the best students regardless of their age is that the game is about winning and if an underclassman gives the team a better chance to win than the upperclassman than he or she should be getting the playing time. Even without the strong influence of the need to win, the argument can also be made from a morality standpoint that the underclassman who outworks and outperforms the upperclassman deserves to be rewarded with playing time. Another point can be made that the underclassman needs the extra playing time in order to improve as a player and develop his or her game to be able to help the team down the road. Coaches at this school have weighed in on the issue, and boys basketball coach and

social studies teacher Jeffrey Stohr has a clear stance on how he believes playing time should be divided amongst players. “I think you should play the players that give you the best chance to win,” Mr. Stohr said. “I try to play everybody but the purpose of keeping score is to figure out who has the most points at the end.” While the majority of people may believe that the side Mr. Stohr is taking is the popular side, there are many arguments made saying that seniors should get primary playing time rather than the better overall player. Most coaches will say that they play the student that gives them the best chance to win, but the reality is that many coaches do not. Since the upperclassmen are in their final years of high school they all believe they should get as much playing time as they can before their pending graduation from high school. They argue that the younger players can watch and learn from them and will have their opportunity to get the majority of the playing time when they’re upperclassmen. And there are many coaches that agree. My high school hockey coach is one of them. I am entering my third year as a member of the Boca High Bobcats ice hockey team (yes I am permitted to play for them even

Student Shortlist

by CharlesBonani and JackReagan

Should seniors get more playing time over underclassmen regardless of skill?

Munashe Kwangwari communications senior

though I don’t go to the school), and my coach consistently gives upperclassmen the majority of the playing time even though there are underclassmen who work much harder and some who are even more talented. My coach’s reasoning is that he wants to give the upperclassmen as much of an opportunity as he can to enjoy themselves before they head off to college. The debate between upperclassmen and whether or not they should get primary playing time is, like almost all debate topics, a never-ending one with differentiating sides that may never reach a middle ground. Many people believe that the best player, regardless of grade, should get the primary playing time without question, but others think just the opposite. I have witnessed that viewpoint being played out on my hockey team. The topic ultimately comes down to the individual values of the coach, and they will decide who gets all of the glory out on the court or field and who gets to be sitting on the sidelines in their shadow. g

Graphic by Erik Ridd and Bennett Morgan

“If you look at seniors, most of us or all of us won’t be going to play collegiate ball and it is our last year. Knowing my personality, I would be mad [if a freshman took my place].”

Maria McBee theatre freshman

“I think that the age shouldn’t matter or the grade because it should basically be based on your skill, because you would want the best to be who represented us as a school. If the underclassmen are better, then they should be doing more.”

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WELLNESS

Inside the crayon box Colors affect the emotions and the mind

Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine explains that here is more than what meets the eye the mood ring is made of crystals that when it comes to colors. It has been change color based on temperature. When proven that the way people feel can be you are feeling happy or passionate, your Romance affected by the colors they see or even wear. body temperature increases and it causes Tranquility Wearing certain colors has a significant the crystals to turn blue. When you are Nature Compassion Balance effect on how you feel, even if you don’t feeling excited or stressed, blood flow is Evil Harmony Power know it. Black is popular not just directed away from your fingers causing the Sophistication because it can make you appear thinner, ring to turn yellow. The mood ring cannot Sadbess Freedom but because it has the power to mask display exactly how you are feeling, but Intelligence Youth emotions such as stress. Red conveys there is a small degree of accuracy. Happiness Mystery love, energy and life, but also anger. The Ohio State University’s Department of Frustraition Anger Wisdom Hunger color orange channels joy, ambition and Neuroscience conducted a study about how Spirituality Excitment shock, while yellow portrays freedom and different colors emitted from electronic optimism. Green and blue communicate screens affect people’s feelings. This study balance, new beginnings, shyness and concluded that exposure of the bluish white peace. light given off by TV or computer screens, Researchers at the Burlington Medical especially late at night, increased levels of Graphic Center looked into how colors affect depression in humans. by Dana Thomas mood. When asked to choose a color that There is so much more involved to illustrated their mood, people with depression or anxiety tended to colors than we think. Next time you open your closet to put on your choose the color gray, while people not affected by these feelings had a cutest outfit, think about why you chose the color you did.g tendency to choose yellow. Mood rings are another way to illustrate feelings through color. by MichelleBirch

PINK

GR EEN

BLAC K

BLUE

YELL

WELLNESS

RE D

P PUR

The power of protein The correct way to incorporate protein into your diet by RickyMorris

ou cannot spell protein without pro; but some protein products have a few cons as well. Most people use protein products such as powders and bars to build muscle before or after working out or exercising. However, many have the misconception that protein products have the effect of building muscle without working out. One of the biggest misconceptions of protein shakes is that they can act as a meal replacement. Protein shakes usually contain about 20g of protein, which seems like a good nutritional value, but shakes lack antioxidants and other nutritional ingredients found in fruits and vegetables. Using protein for additional nutrition in a diet is a convenient way to work on muscle gain, but it is not the best for a meal replacement. For people pursuing a vegan lifestyle, protein supplements are helpful to make up for protein lost due to a lack of meat in their diet. Because of their eating choices, vegans lack many common proteins found in chicken, meat and fish.

Some people think that they can build muscle mass by drinking one to two protein shakes a day. If you do not work out, the protein shakes can increase fat, not muscle. According to Georgetown University, if you continue consuming excess protein and do not increase your energy expenditure by exercising, you will continue to add body fat. Protein that is not used for muscle growth will turn into belly fat. Also, the more protein someone consumes, the harder their liver and kidneys have to work to get rid of wastes in the body. This can cause an increased risk for disease. A lack of protein is not good for your body, but too much protein can have worse effects. Applications for iPhone and Android devices are available to record and calculate protein consumption. Iphone applications such as “Protein Tracker” and “Thin Me” are popular among people wanting to regulate protein consumption or live a healthy lifestyle. Protein tracking applications are a great way to keep track of protein intake to make sure desired lifestyle results are

PROTEIN

Graphic by Dana Thomas

achieved. In contrast, protein helps build muscle when working out. Instead of eating a 3oz chicken breast, the same amount of protein can be consumed with one protein shake. After working out, small tears are created in the muscles. These tears in the muscle repair themselves during a rest period and increase your muscle’s abilities to carry out more physical activity. This causes the muscles to develop and increase in mass. Overall, protein is a great way to help build muscle after working out. When your body needs to repair small tears in the muscle, protein shakes are the most convenient way to increase muscle mass. There are many tools available to help build muscle and live a healthy lifestyle by tracking protein consumption. Be sure to recognize that protein also has the downside of causing fat build-up when consumed without working out. g

WELLNESS

Health goes up in smoke The negative health effects of marijuana by DanaThomas

it bil Ina

study done by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2012 showed that 33.8 percent of 10th graders had used marijuana at least once in their lifetime and 45.2 percent of 12th graders had damage to the as well. With these immune rates increasing each system year and students using this mind-altering drug even more than smoking a cigarette, it is important to Lung cancer understand the short and long-term effects of the drug. When taking a low dosage of marijuana, there are many serious short-term side effects that include poor memory and ability to learn, difficulty in thinking and solving problems, and an altered yt

riv od

sense of time. The most profound effect of marijuana on teens is the way the drug can alter one’s ability to steer a vehicle. The drug causes a poor reaction time and it becomes extremely dangerous to drive as it is nearly impossible to react effectively or in a timely manner to an unexpected event. A new study in the American Journal of Public Health found that 28 percent s lem ob of U.S. high school seniors pr t a ro Th have driven after using drugs past two weeks, or had rode in a vehicle with a driver who Breathing issues did. In particular, driving after smoking marijuana Graphic by has increased over the past Dana Thomas three years as many are under the impression that it does not impair you as intensely as alcohol or another drug. A common misconception, students believe

by JessicaRalph

ny food fanatic knows that the most modern healthfood craze is sushi. These little rolls of fish accompanied with vegetables seem like the perfect meal for dieters, but if a consumer is not conscious about their choices, they may end up taking in as many calories and grams of fat as a cheeseburger. Your basic Shrimp Tempura roll consists of deep-fried shrimp, cucumber and avocado. Wrapped in seaweed paper and rolled in sticky rice, after being rolled it is often fried again. While chowing down on your Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse’s Shrimp Tempura roll, consider the nutritional facts: it has 508 calories, 16 grams of fat and 64 grams of carbohydrates, which is 208 calories and 4 more grams of fat than a classic cheeseburger from McDonalds. Not as low-calorie and fat-free as you may have thought. The majority of the fats and calories are a result of deep-frying, so try to avoid the crunchy rolls the next time you eat at a sushi bar. The Spicy Tuna Roll contains raw tuna, sticky rice and slices

‘208 calories and 4 more grams of fat than a classic cheeseburger from McDonalds.’ of cucumber or carrots rolled in seaweed and drizzled with a spicy mayonnaise sauce on top. The word “raw” may send some people into a fit of disgust; however, the consumption of this uncooked fish is not likely to make someone sick, as long as the fish has been refrigerated and bought from a respectable source. Ra Sushi Bar’s Spicy Tuna roll has only 220 calories, 4 grams of fat and 32 grams of carbohydrates, because unlike the Shrimp Tempura, it is not fried. The diffe3rence of 12 grams of fat and 288 calories and half as many carbohydrates makes the Spicy Tuna roll a smarter choice. Therefore, what will be even better than the taste of the roll is your waistline. g

Eat this Shrimp tempura

Photo by Michelle Birch

Spicy tuna

WELLNESS

Shrimp vs. Tuna

it is safer or has less long-term consequences compared to other drugs or tobacco use. In fact, there are many side effects that are just as serious. For example, breathing problems are the most dangerous effects of smoking often. Many do not believe the usage of marijuana is as serious as smoking a cigarette or other tobacco products; however, both can lead to coughing, wheezing and long-term throat issues. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive product found in marijuana. THC can have many extreme effects on the body especially on one’s immune system. THC can damage the cells and tissues in the body that protect you from disease and other illnesses causing your immune system to become unreliable. As research is conducted on the long-term usage of marijuana, large numbers of high school students will not be aware of the longterm and short-term effects of the drug. g

Photo by Michelle Birch

Not that

ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment • Entertainment • Entertainment • Entertainment

’ n i p p tra

out

Vocal senior Duke Nelson and digital media senior Alessio Villa create a unique sound

In this section:

36 37

Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” breaks gender barriers and attracts attention from formerly apathetic viewers.

Is Miley Cyrus destroying western civilization? Maybe, maybe not. Her mixed messages are explored in an in depth critique of her recent performances.

ToRi Fernandez schools concert newbies in how to behave without ruining it for everyone else in attendance. On the same page, the entertainment staff shares their back to school playlist.

by JuanRamirez

Hip hop has come a long way since its mid70s origins in the Bronx. In the past 10 years, rap and hip hop culture has exploded into the mainstream, leaving behind its humble roots and adapting itself to modern trends while remaining cutting-edge. With the sudden rise of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and techno, it was only a matter of time before the two seemingly opposite genres came together into what would come to be known as trap music. Dreyfoos’ answer to the trap music phenomenon comes in the shape of Dreyfoos vocal senior Duke Nelson and digital media senior Alessio Villa. The genre-bending new song “Anything” from the rapper/producer duo was released through Villa’s Soundcloud account a few days after the start of the school year under the names Duke and Tadeo. For both artists, this track was an opportunity to showcase their other talents as well as work together to create something they could both be proud of. “Its a myth, me being an electronic music producer. I’ve never really restricted myself genre-wise,” Villa said. “In the long run, music is a sweet door that leads to other equally awesome interests of mine. Working with an incredible vocalist and lyricist is

Photo by Juan Ramirez

Nelson (front) prepares to record another take as Villa (back) mixes the beat inside a recording studio. To see an exclusive Muse preview of their upcoming collaboration, go to themuseatdreyfoos.com.

just too dope. [Nelson and I] really connect on an intellectual level. It shows in our work”. Speaking of the transition from singing to rapping, Nelson explained that rapping is just another skill he’d like to show. Through years of training Nelson has learned to develop his voice in a number of different ways. “I’ve already proved myself with my voice among my peers. I wanted to let all my friends know that not only can I sing, but that I’m a poet who’d like to be taken seriously,” Nelson said. Nelson and Villa, longtime friends, were excited to collaborate with one another on their shared art form while combining their separate passions for lyricism and instrumental beats. “I grew up listening to hip hop, I grew up scratching and mixing hip-hop into my DJ sets ever since I began on vinyl records” Villa said. “Working with a rapper was something I’ve always wanted to do. I can send a message verbally in a way that really inspires and grabs

people’s attention, like it still does when I hear a crazy good line being spit on a squeaky clean track.” The motivational song was inspired by Nelson’s own life and touches on the hardships he has faced over the years. “The main message I want people to get through my music is that life goes on if you stay strong. My main influence was life,” Nelson said. “I want to relate to my audience, so I tell the truth.” Creeping up with an intro reminiscent of music artist Diplo’s work (one of Villa’s main influences), the song builds up and explodes into a thumping beat that swaggers along with Nelson’s flow. Delivering a message of perseverance and positivity, Nelson discusses following his dreams while staying morally clean; he contrasts himself to those who try to succeed by drug dealing or resorting to gang violence. The chorus, sung by Nelson himself, consists of a reassuring repetition that ‘you can do anything.’ continued on page 35

ENTERTAINMENT

Nelson and Villa continued from page 34 The duo’s song has been met with praise from their peers and has only served to further join the departing senior class in celebrating their last year together. Music has the power to bring people together, something Nelson and Villa are very aware of and want to use to their advantage. Both artists (who go by the stage names Duke and Tadeo) have stated that their music careers will carry over into their adult lives after high school. Villa hopes to play more live sets after his 18th birthday while Nelson wants to build a sturdy, local fan base. For now, they have announced the upcoming release Photo by Juan Ramirez

Alessio Villa (left) and Duke Nelson (right) listen to one of their takes to make sure it’s perfect. “When it comes to music, Alessio does not get tired,” Nelson said.

of their first music video in November, and the release of their website. In an exclusive sneak-peek into their upcoming work, the pair revealed their two new songs–a party song with a Gameboy Color inspired beat and a lyrically focused track that samples Bob Marley’s “Nice Time” and deals with society’s heavier subject matters such as domestic issues. With fans and friends waiting for the next move, the duo stays confident they will deliver their strongest work. g

For videos of Nelson and Villa, scan this QR code or go to: www.themuseatdreyfoos.com

Breaking down ‘Breaking Bad’ Wrapping up the good, the bad and the ugly of the five-season epic

does not ensue. embodiment of suppressed masculine range, eople can’t stop talking about it. Your “Bad” transcends the confines of its the man who’s done what he’s told his whole aunt recommends it. Your dentist raves premise. Throughout its five seasons, the life but wants to make his own choices. He is about it. Your parents have kicked you show takes on karma, drug cartels, severed the danger. out of their room so they can watch it. It heads on tortoises, blown-off faces, seedy Time is its own character seems like “Breaking Bad” is taking over your lawyers, mute elders in wheelchairs, fast in “Breaking Bad.” The show world. food chains, plane crashes, train heists and follows the slow descent into “Breaking Bad” is the story of good, gone so much more. “Bad” also examines how amorality for each of its characters. bad. Walter White (Bryan Cranston) is a high one man’s actions can reverberate across However, no matter how vile a school chemistry teacher trying to support hundreds of people. (SPOILER ALERT) In character’s actions may be, the his disabled son Walt Jr. (R.J. Mitte) and season two, under the threat of blackmail, audience can’t help but root for pregnant wife, Skylar (Anna Gunn). After Walt lets Jesse’s heroin-addicted girlfriend them. Society has made robbing fainting at work, Walt choke on her own a bank or cooking meth illegal, is diagnosed with vomit. Her father, an so the characters such as Walter The show takes on Karma, terminal lung cancer. air traffic controller, is act as a substitute for the drug cartels, severed heads Like every dying blinded by grief and viewer, who lives vicariously chemistry teacher, on tortoises, blown-off faces, accidentally lets through Walt. When Walt Walt concludes two planes collide (SPOILER ALERT) blows seedy lawyers, mute elders in that the only way over Albuquerque, up Gus, the antagonist wheelchairs, fast food chains, to provide for his N.M. Walt of season four, the plane crashes, train heists and family is by cooking was indirectly viewer is a willing meth. Walt recruits responsible for accomplice. We all want so much more. a former student, the deaths of to break bad. drug dealer Jesse every person on The show will go down Pinkman (Aaron those flights. as the greatest of all time. Not Graphic by Morgaan Jessell Paul), and they purchase an RV and transform Walt’s new career becomes a cancer. only is it written impeccably, but it into a mobile meth lab in the desert. Walt He originally decides to cook meth for his it captures the texture of morality is forced into a cat-and-mouse game with family, but his family becomes less of a reason in an increasingly complex society. We don’t his unsuspecting brother-in-law, Hank and more of an excuse. When (SPOILER know whether Walt was born evil or became Schrader (Dean Norris), an agent for the Drug ALERT) Walt goes into remission, he that way through circumstance. Either way, Enforcement Agency. Walt has to avoid being cannot stop cooking. Heisenberg, his fedora“Breaking Bad” shows how Walter White’s caught by the police and his family. Hilarity wearing, catchphrase-uttering alter ego, is the soul turns black. g by JarrodCarman

ENTERTAINMENT

Feminine is the new black by AubreyLevin and MaggiePatterson

A place where women defy traditional roles and bisexuality is the norm. Where women of color are the majority and transsexuals are addressed with their chosen pronouns. This sexually liberating wonderland is a jail. Netflix’s newest original series “Orange is the New Black” became popular this past summer. Based on former convict Piper Kerman’s memoir, the show follows Piper Chapman as she adjusts to life in a New York state women’s penitentiary. While the initial draw of the series was its novel setting, what kept the audience coming back for more was its in depth characterization of underrepresented minority groups. Women are not a minority in real life. However, onscreen, women are outnumbered 2.5 to one. The University of Southern California published a study by Dr. Stacy L. Smith that explores gender roles in American films. They found that out of 4,475 speaking characters, only 28.4 percent are female.

When a film features a cast of mostly males, it sends the message that only men’s stories are worth listening to. “Orange” is the exception to the rule. It features a predominantly female cast who are not just sex objects, but have developed plot lines and compelling back stories. Among the cast is Laverne Cox, a transgender African American playing a transgender inmate. In an interview with The Huffington Post, she explains that the phenomenal reaction to “Orange is the New Black” encourages the entertainment business to portray more interesting roles for minority groups. “The industry historically doesn’t think that we [trans-people, women, black actors] are marketable, or they want to cast us in very limited ways,” Ms. Cox said. “I think that the wonderful lessons that “Orange Is

the New Black” is teaching us is that it shows our industry - the entertainment industry - that you can cast women of different races, you can cast different ages and body types, and folks will tune in and be interested.” The most popular criticism of “Orange” is that it only has a women-heavy, diverse cast because it is set in a prison. This is true, but the setting is an unfortunate sacrifice to justify the diverse female cast. Women, people Photo by Netflix of color and LGBT characters are simply not on TV. In “Orange,” these groups gain powerful spokespeople with virtues, flaws, and backgrounds. It portrays minorities in a way that refuses to bow down to stereotypes. “Orange” is by no means a perfect show, but it’s a great first step on the journey to a more diverse society. g

The perks of reading the book by BriPosner

eens don’t read alone anymore. They read in packs. When someone finds a compelling novel, they tell their friends about it and soon enough the entire school is reading the same book. When the literary discussion is at its peak, and readers create blogs or groups based on the novel, filmmakers see it as their golden opportunity and grab for the rights to make it a box office hit. After the success of bringing the magical world of “Harry Potter” and the dangerous romance of the “Twilight” series to the silver screen, more young adult novels are becoming movies. The entertainment refuses to stop at a few big hits. The trend on the cinematic scene mirrors the trend found in the teen section of the library. The most recent young adult books made as movies are “The Host,” “Beautiful Creatures,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.” They weren’t plucked from a shelf with closed eyes, they were carefully selected by producers following the trends in book sales.

Since “Twilight,” teenagers have been obsessed with the idea of paranormal romances. Once the series had ended, and the last movie premiered, magic and romance crazed teens have been scouring the book shelves for a new series to consume their lives. These films aren’t just boosting box office sales, they are also boosting book sales. Most students will want to either read the book before, or after, watching the movie to compare the plot. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” originally had two million copies in print, but when the movie released in 2012, one million copies were sold in that year alone. During “The Host’s” first day on sale, 150,000 copies were sold. To date, 220 million copies of the book have been sold, with just under half of those sales occurring after the movie hit theaters. Since its film debut in 2012, “Beautiful Creatures” has sold 1.3 million copies in the U.S. “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” has sold 16 million worldwide, with two million sold since the movie’s release on Aug. 21, 2013.

Student Shortlist by SamanthaRose

What was your song of summer 2013?

Dominique Stoney communications junior

“Ke$ha’s ‘Wonderland’ because this was a summer of change for me. This song is about going back to the way things were.”

Photo by Constantin Film

Students are ecstatic about Hollywood putting their fantasy worlds on screen, and they think it will be more beneficial to more than one audience. “I think filmmakers are turning novels into books because they see that there is a lot of money in young adult novels,” strings junior Fabiola Plaza said. “The target audience is generally young adults, since they’re the ones that are going and hanging out at the movies. What’s a better way to attract people to the theatres other than developing a movie out of a popular and successful book?” g

Juliana Aughey strings freshman

“[Robin Thicke’s] ‘Blurred Lines.’ Sadly enough, my friend set up my radio so it only played iHeart Radio. They played it all the time. It was number one on Top 99.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Concert culture

ToRi’s guide to festival etiquette by ToRiFernandez

or many, fall means scarecrows, hoodies and Halloween. For music enthusiasts, it means one thing: concerts. This fall’s concert lineup features The Weekend in September, Selena Gomez in October and Paramore in November. With the amount of concerts this fall, you will most likely be broke by December. Being a polite member of a crowd is important for a good concert experience. It may seem hard to be on your best behavior at all times during shows; however, here are some useful tips on how to be as courteous as possible during concerts.

Be mindful of the people around you

As someone who enjoys to see the performance on stage, I encourage all audience members, whether in a stadium or outdoors, to be respectful of the people around you. This means that it is not okay to stand on your seat during a Graphic by ToRi Fernandez Jonas Brothers concert and jump up and down, making it impossible for those behind you to even see Kevin Jonas’ afro. Filming the entire show on your cell phone is equally as irritating and unacceptable. I assure you that those behind you do not want to watch the concert through the screen of your iPhone.

Dress appropriately

Concerts are not events that call for five inch high heels and pencil skirts. If you plan on jumping into a mosh pit or a crowd with this attire on, you deserve to fall. Skirts, dresses and any type of clothing that may leave you “exposed” are highly discouraged for your own good, and for those around you who do not want to see that.

Graphic by ToRi Fernandez

Remember what kind of concert you are attending

Nelson Baquerizo vocal junior

Triton Payne band sophomore

Summer is the opposite of time management, where hours flutter away without the constraints of time. Oneothrix Point Never’s “Where Does Time Go” is an ambient, existentialist meditation on the essence of time. It’s a reminder of the ennui that accompanies waking up from a mere six hours of sleep for school, a place dictated by schedules and normalcy. An underlying sense of despair punctuates the piece’s synths; despair much like the turkey-and-cheese sandwiches I will find myself eating every day for the remainder of the school year.

AubreyLEVIN

Summer is a time when waking up before noon is considered early, and you don’t have to worry about studying into the wee hours of the morning. In the blink of an eye, July turns into August, back to school commercials start playing on TV and the first day looms ahead like a ticking time bomb. My feelings towards senior year can be summed up by Eminem’s newest single, “Berzerk.” Between maintaining straight As, trying to raise my ACT score and applying to 13 colleges, this year is in fact making me go berserk.

ToRiFERNANDEZ

Staying aware of concert culture is crucial. For instance, nobody wants fist pumping at a Bring Me the Horizon concert or a mosh pit at a DJ Pauly D show. With each genre of music, there is an unspoken agreement in each fan base on the attitude of the crowd. While hugging each other and crying during an acoustic performance of “Little Things” is acceptable at a One Direction Graphic by Kyle Bell concert, please refrain from doing so when you’re surrounded by metal-heads at Mayhem Fest. If you choose not to follow these rules during future concerts, then on the behalf of the rest of the audience, I suggest you just stay home. Chances are you’ll be able to find a high quality video of the show filmed by people just like you. g “Miley Cyrus’ ‘We Can’t Stop.’ It’s very reflective of my personality and the personality of our generation. It really connects with me.”

FelipeBOMENY

“‘In the End’ by Black Veil Brides because it’s the song I listened to when I first met my girlfriend, and I saw [them] in concert.”

Going back to school in August was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. The melancholy first notes of Green Day’s “Wake Me Up When September Ends” spurred me into what will be one of my most stressful years. “Summer has come and past. Our happiness could never last. Like the seniors come to pass, four long years, now it’s our last. Wake me up when first semester ends.”

SamanthaROSE

High school is like a dangerous science experiment with toxic waste, filled with potentially volatile variables and unexpected interferences. Teenagers are terrifying. We are ruthless, unforgiving and full of anxiety. Now that school has started, the brutal drama has started to unfold. In “Teenagers,” by My Chemical Romance the fear of us teens unfolds, and I can’t help but sing along in agreement. Teenagers scare the living toxic waste out of me.

ENTERTAINMENT

Miley Cyrus: twerk culture ambassador Miley Cyrus can’t (and probably won’t) stop being a negative influence by FelipeBomeny

iley Cyrus’ face adorned her perfume line for tweens as Hannah Montana; it is now plastered over tabloids discussing her still-controversial VMA performance. Where she once wore sparkly pink lip gloss, a bulldog’s tongue hangs from her matte-black lips. Miss Cyrus’ shocking transformation from Nashville-influenced teen idol to an explicit Rihanna wannabe is indicative of worrying trends and influences on the radio. “We Can’t Stop” and forthcoming tracks from her upcoming album Bangerz reflect an infiltration of hip-hop stereotypes and graphic sexuality in mainstream pop. Miss Cyrus’ behavior is symbolic of American suburbia, of a world where bourgeois girls shout out 2Chainz lyrics and post twerking Vines. Miss Cyrus is more than a symbol; she is an embodiment of the confused styles and influences of pop. She differs little from her role model Rihanna, whose lyrics concern S&M and rude boys. The infamous “We Can’t Stop” was originally written for Rihanna. Her recent behavior prompts listeners and former viewers of the Disney Channel to question Miss Cyrus’ persona. It is a hyperbolized caricature of society’s masochist demands as commercial music listeners. Miss Cyrus twerking on Robin Thicke (himself the paragon of female independence) in a skin-colored bodysuit grabs the attention of viewers. With the same horror and delight of a “Toddlers and Tiaras” episode, viewers and media alike crave to see how far she pushes the twerking act. Curiosity and gossip pull shoppers at the checkout line to the National Enquirer with Miss Cyrus on its cover. Judging by her Vevo account’s views, negative attention is ultimately attention, and the pop star is thriving on it. Like the tears of Billy Ray, Miss Cyrus’ transformation is tragic. She follows in the footsteps of Lindsay Lohan and Justin Bieber, both of whom were eager to discard their images as teen stars. Miss Cyrus may have

Photo courtesy of Mirror Online

The Oxford Dictionary defines twerking as “danc[ing] to popular music in a sexually provocative manner [with] thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.” Pictured here is Miss Cyrus after controversially twerking during her VMA performance.

reinvented herself, but her new persona is a failure waiting to happen. A burnout, like Demi Lovato’s during her tenure with drugs, is inevitable for the partying-crazed Miss Cyrus. As the media encourages her antics, her behavior becomes more outrageous with each scandalous interview. And yet, listeners are responding to her image by retweeting of her name. The greatest concern, however, is the effect of her music on young women. The arrival of the new Miley Cyrus to the airwaves is not altogether surprising; her music is merely the latest addition to questionable female portrayals in mainstream music. Katy Perry’s busty “Sesame Street” appearance reveals that she is more interested in establishing herself as a sex symbol than as a role model for girls. Alice Glass, of the electronic outfit Crystal Castles, criticized Miss Perry and the sexuality of her music. “The mainstream hates women… like little [6] year olds wearing a T-shirt with ‘I Wanna See Your [Pea] Cock’ on it,” Ms. Glass said.

Miss Cyrus is no different. Communications senior Sydney McAuliffe, the president of the Dreyfoos Women’s Empowerment Club, echoed Ms. Glass’ concerns. “[Miss Cyrus’] reliance on sexual behavior and profanity to promote her image is degrading,” McAuliffe said. “Women are exploited in the [music] industry every year because it sells,” McAuliffe said. Whereas male performers (with statements such as “she has a big booty so I call her big booty”) are considered the historical oppressors of women in music, female pop stars are not helping their cause. While the lyrics are mostly drafted by hip-hop producers, the femme fatales of radio are the ambassadors of the industry. The combination of lyrics written from a male perspective with sexualized personae becomes problematic. Miss Cyrus, however, downplayed the sexuality in her music, emphasizing its thematic material. In an interview with New York’s Z100 radio station, the pop star defended her nude depiction on her single “Wrecking Ball.” “[I wish] people [could] take their minds off the obvious and go into their imagination a little bit and see kind of what the video really means and the way that it is so vulnerable,” Miss Cyrus said. Any credibility in the pop star’s claim is negated by “We Can’t Stop.” It’s unfathomable to think a song about substance abuse and twerking offers a deeper interpretation about vulnerability. The only vulnerability is found in the girls listening to Miss Cyrus. No longer are they inspired to follow their dreams like Hannah Montana; they’re encouraged to “shake it like we at a strip club.” Miss Cyrus’ lyrics of twerk culture and drinking are more than a rebellious attempt to break her Disney Channel mold— they are a sad reflection of our demands and preferences as listeners. g

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 Starr Courakos, Michelley Gonzalez, Morgaan Jessell, Erik Ridd Josie Russo Rowan Bennetti, Amanda Goodman, Alexandra Lopez, Esther Mendoza, Taylor Rich, Valeria Rivadeneira Natasha Leonard Riley Freese, Paula Galvan, Sydney McAuliffe, Karai McLean, Bennett Morgan, Kate Nouhan, Kayleigh Rubin Ximena Hasbach Tiffany Abreu, Delaney Cotton, Timothy DiTocco, Jade Lenkersdorf Dana Thomas Michelle Birch, Marlena Houck, Jessica Ralph Charles Bonani Tomas Cabezas, Dana Miller, Adam Nir, Jack Reagan Maggie Patterson Felipe Bomeny, Tori Fernandez, Aubrey Levin, Juan Ramirez, Samantha Rose, Bri Posner Elizabeth Lane Aubrey Levin Rowan Bennetti, Alexandra Lopez, Dana Miller Marlena Houck 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:

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About The Muse

The Muse is a national award-winning newsmagazine. The publication has won numerous awards from the National Scholastic Press Association including a Pacemaker in 2004, 2008 and 2011 and a Silver Crown from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and is currently up for a 2013 Pacemaker. In 2012, The Muse won First Place General Excellence Newspaper from the Palm Beach Post Excellence in High School Journalism Awards. 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 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 Push-pin portrait

Savion Cohen Visual by AlexandraLopez

or one of his summer assignment pieces, visual junior Savion Cohen simply needed colored push-pins, a picture of himself and Photoshop. When standing back to look at the piece, you can clearly make out his face as if it were a photograph. “A few years ago I saw an episode of CBS Sunday Morning and they featured an artist named Eric Daigh who makes push-pin portraits,” Cohen said. “Ever since, I’ve always wanted to try it.” In order to make a push-pin portrait, Cohen took a picture of himself and pulled it up on Photoshop. He changed the image size so that there were less pixels and limited the pixel colors to red, blue, yellow, white and black, the colors of the push-pins he would use. With the computer by his side, he began to place the push-pins in the order of the pixels on the screen. “I thought it was simple, just pushing the pins in, but you have to be precise,” Cohen said. “You have to line them up so the lines don’t slant. I got better and faster with it as I got further into the piece.” The piece was time-consuming and took a week and a half to make, with Cohen working 8-10 hours a day. In total, there are around 110 rows that took 15 to 30 minutes to make each. After about 9,047 pins, Cohen had finished a pushpin portrait. Daigh would be flattered and proud if he had seen it hanging at the visual department’s recent Summer Art Show. g