Breaking News
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts | 501 S. Sapodilla Ave, WPB, FL 33401

THE MUSE
Forming a New Tradition
Forming a New Tradition
Mulally answers questions from the Forum Club moderator while guests eat lunch. He shared insight into his early life and professional career, citing his parents as major inspirations. “Every morning before school, my mom and dad would say things to remind me of important things in life,” Mulally said.
[BRIEF] Former Ford and Boeing CEO Alan Mulally Speaks at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches
Period Poverty
Period Poverty
Lining up his shot, visual junior Justin Olive-Blanco kicks the ball back into the game after it was sent out of bounds. Olive-Blanco blocked all of Twin Lakes’ shots, despite serving as a substitute goalie after the starting goalie was injured during the previous game.
[BRIEF] Girls and Boys Soccer Teams Score Back to Back Victories
Image courtesy of NOAA
Live Hurricane Nicole Updates
Mulally answers questions from the Forum Club moderator while guests eat lunch. He shared insight into his early life and professional career, citing his parents as major inspirations. “Every morning before school, my mom and dad would say things to remind me of important things in life,” Mulally said.
[BRIEF] Former Ford and Boeing CEO Alan Mulally Speaks at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches
Lining up his shot, visual junior Justin Olive-Blanco kicks the ball back into the game after it was sent out of bounds. Olive-Blanco blocked all of Twin Lakes’ shots, despite serving as a substitute goalie after the starting goalie was injured during the previous game.
[BRIEF] Girls and Boys Soccer Teams Score Back to Back Victories
Handing out medals, communications juniors Callum Curran and Josiah Manners congratulate the winners in Original Oratory, an original 10-minute memorized speech. “The most humbling experience was being able to present medallions to students, some of whom were my own fellow debate team members,” Manners said. “To see the excitement in their eyes and to feel the gratitude in their hearts was what really made my job even more special.”
[BRIEF] Speech and Debate Team Hosts First Tournament Since the Pandemic
[BRIEF] Lightning Strikes Campus Wildlife
[BRIEF] Lightning Strikes Campus Wildlife
After announcing their names and roles, vocal department officers ran to the front row, and the vocal students gathered for a group photo.
[BRIEF] Vocal Potluck Offers Cuisine and Community
In a World After COVID- 19
In a World After COVID- 19
Auditioning during COVID-19: Pre-recorded auditions are the new norm
Auditioning during COVID-19: Pre-recorded auditions are the new norm
My COVID-19 Story
My COVID-19 Story
Back to School in a Pandemic: Five Tips For Supporting Your Mental Health This Fall
Back to School in a Pandemic: Five Tips For Supporting Your Mental Health This Fall
SHIFTING EDUCATION: HOW THE SWITCH FROM IN-CLASSROOM TO DISTANCE LEARNING HAS AFFECTED US
SHIFTING EDUCATION: HOW THE SWITCH FROM IN-CLASSROOM TO DISTANCE LEARNING HAS AFFECTED US
During a slam poetry team practice, communications senior Phoenix Medley listens to the critiques of her poem from a fellow slam poetry member. The team holds regular practices after school, working together to prepare pieces for competition.
Slam Poetry Team Fosters Creativity Among Students
One dancer grabs the waist of another for their warmup exercises during the sixth period partnering class.
Pas De Deux
Music students play “Over the River and through the Wood” during the annual Prism performance. The students performed for students and teachers across Palm Beach County.
A Performance for Peers
Strings sophomores Mia Hakkarainen, Andrew Zhu, and Jeffrey Bai sit in a semicircle as they practice for their small ensemble performance for this year’s annual Prism show. The group gathered in the band room for a quiet space to play. “It took a little bit for us to get it together,” Hakkarainen said. “We met every few weeks at Josetta’s (a pianist in the ensemble) house, and we just rehearsed and put our parts together slowly, and eventually, we were able to play it.”
The Sound of Small Ensembles
Under the spotlight, theatre junior Von Markarian sits at his desk onstage while trying to figure out what to write in his play. “This show has been not the most prop heavy, but we had to make a lot of paper. Its about Shakespeare. Everybodys writing and reading the whole time,” theatre junior Lucas Green said. “We didnt want everybody to just be reading off of like bleached white paper. So we had to dye sheets of paper. We dyed them all brown with coffee.”
The World is a Stage
Mr. Clark points to his great-great-grandmother’s whistle that she used when she was a P.E. teacher and his great great, great grandmother’s notebook that she taught out of. “I think that (the whistle and notebook) is something that’s really special that my parents actually gifted to me when I took this job.”
Welcoming the Welcomer
New math teacher Traci De León describes limits in relation to vertical asymptotes to her second period class. Mrs. De León decided to teach at Dreyfoos to be closer to her husband, jazz director Christopher De León, and to experience the school’s art areas. “We worked together at the beginning of our careers 12 years ago in Orlando,” De León said. “The biggest reason I enjoyed working with him was because I can cheer them (the students) on because … both my husband and I knew the students personally.”
From Teaching Suncoast Chargers to Dreyfoos Jaguars
Assistant Principal Ron Lewis spins Principal Blake Bennett as part of a secretly-planned faculty dance during the Pep Rally.
New Year, Her Rules
AP Government and Politics and Macroeconomics teacher Micheal Esopakis discusses supply and demand concepts with students as they complete a Venn diagram illustration.
Introducing Mr. Esopakis
New math teacher Timothy Freeman helps band sophomore Gianna “Gigi” Mendelson with homework problems at the end of his fifth period precalculus class. Her classmate, band sophomore Ryan Brown, believes Mr. Freeman’s spontaneous style of teaching better “accommodates the needs of the class” by going at the pace of the class. “If you have a more rigid system, you can’t be that flexible,” Brown said. “You can’t be that adaptable.”
New Vests and New Faces
I Survived the Second Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review
I Survived the Second Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review
Looking out into the crowd, communications senior Manha Chowdhury performs her opening speech. Asian Cultural Society’s (ACS) Open Mic Night was not only for the Asian community but also for students to come out and express themselves. Caption by Haiden Kenney
“Now Brewing”: Culture and Coffee
Black Student Union (BSU) members dance together in the cafeteria during the block party on Oct. 17. This event celebrated their heritage with music, dances, and ‘70s attire.
BSU Block Party Spreads Culture and ‘70s Spirit
I Survived the First Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review
I Survived the First Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review
Slowly coming to a stop, the Yellow Line trolley arrives at its 200 Rosemary Ave. stop. The trolley runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sunday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday.
Downtown Drives
Taylor Swift holds a flame for her new album cover.
‘Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve’ Been Better
As students look into their futures, they reflect on their pasts and the goals they once had.
More Than Just a Quarter-Life Crisis
Wooden pilings stand at the corner of Hercules Drive and Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach, Florida (caption edited for clarity).
1 Storm, 2 Experiences
We’re in Need of a Trip to the Polls
We’re in Need of a Trip to the Polls
The Road to Representation
The Road to Representation
Lining up his shot, visual junior Justin Olive-Blanco kicks the ball back into the game after it was sent out of bounds. Olive-Blanco blocked all of Twin Lakes’ shots, despite serving as a substitute goalie after the starting goalie was injured during the previous game.
[BRIEF] Girls and Boys Soccer Teams Score Back to Back Victories
After giving her junior to senior speech, theatre junior Adaleigh Wagner hugs visual senior Zofia Killeen. This annual tradition allows a junior to write a speech for a senior they are close to. “(Wagner) and I have been playing together for two years, and we have become such good friends,” Killeen said. “It meant so much that she made my speech, and it made my eyes water a little bit.”
Senior Night Lights
Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Super Bowl Opinions
Communications senior Penelope Ryan gets a hold of the ball during a 10 point lead in the Jan. 10 game against Inlet Grove High School.
A Homecoming on the Hardwood
Soccer and Sashes: Girls and Boys Soccer Team Celebrate the Season
Soccer and Sashes: Girls and Boys Soccer Team Celebrate the Season
M3GAN movie poster by Universal Pictures.
M3GAN: A Killer Good Time
From left, Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer and Brandon Perea in Nope. Kaluuya and Palmer play a sibling duo who wrangle horses for Hollywood productions in “Nope” before many of their horses begin to mysteriously disappear. (Universal Pictures/TNS)
Top 2022 Horror Movies Ranked so You Know What to Watch — Even After Halloween
Taylor Swift holds a flame for her new album cover.
‘Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve’ Been Better
There’s Nothing Wrong with Red Pandas
There’s Nothing Wrong with Red Pandas
It’s Not Perfect, But That’s the Point
It’s Not Perfect, But That’s the Point
Prism Dress Rehearsal 2022: Behind the Scenes
Prism Dress Rehearsal 2022: Behind the Scenes
Dreyfoos Student Enterprises Feature: Cookies by Maya
A Look into the Dreyfoos Video Game Association (VGA)
A Look into the Dreyfoos Video Game Association (VGA)
Dreyfoos Student Enterprises Podcast: Fish Dip
The Salty Donut Review
The Salty Donut Review
Communications freshman Chloe Ryder jumps and sings along to the music during the Winter Formal. The Winter Formal on Jan. 21 was the first one in Dreyfoos history.
Photo of the Week – 1/30
Preparing to donate blood, vocal junior Taylor Klein scrolls through her phone as she waits for the nurse. National Honor Society (NHS) hosted a Valentine’s Day-themed blood drive on Friday, Jan. 20, allowing eligible students to donate blood and platelets.
Photo of the Week – 1/23
Basketball player and communications junior Josef Fiala takes a practice shot during pre-game warmups on Jan. 9. The boys basketball team won their home game against the Village Academy School. “It’s important to practice before games so you can get warmed up and mentally prepared for the game you are about to play,” Fiala said.
Photo of the Week – 1/17
Steering the ball away from the opposing team, vocal junior Larry Perez plays offense during a scrimmage in his team sports class.
Photo of the Week- 12/12
Conducting the orchestra, jazz director Christopher De León leads band and vocal students in the finale of the annual Prism concert, “Jingle Bells.” Music students performed an array of holiday songs at the Kravis Center in front of an audience of students from Dreyfoos and visiting middle and elementary schools.
Photo of the Week- 12/5
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts | 501 S. Sapodilla Ave, WPB, FL 33401

THE MUSE
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts | 501 S. Sapodilla Ave, WPB, FL 33401

THE MUSE
Lexi Critchett

Lexi Critchett, Production Managing Editor

Lexi Critchett is a third-year staffer and production managing editor on The Muse. Most may know her as “that girl that’s always holding a camera” as she loves every new photo adventure and is always ready to capture the memories surrounding everyone. She can typically be found blasting a wide range of music, contemplating existential questions, or doing a deep dive on some new random and obscure topic. Aside from The Muse, she is involved in a variety of clubs and extracurriculars, from SGA to Film Association to A.R.T.S. Club. She loves finding unique perspectives to highlight new experiences and the truths of our world and is excited to continue doing so this year.

All content by Lexi Critchett
I Survived the Second Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

I Survived the Second Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

January 18, 2023
quarter 2 in review

[Photo] Quarter Two in Photos

January 17, 2023
LEX_1349

[Photo] Shakespeare in Love

January 17, 2023
LEX_0879

[Photo] Pas De Deux

December 16, 2022
Decked out in holiday apparel, the girls chorus sings, “Rockin Holidays”.

[Photo] A Performance for Peers

December 7, 2022
I Survived the First Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

I Survived the First Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

October 16, 2022
As a crowd gathers around her, visual junior Cherise Hightower dances along to “Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull at the Fall Dance on Oct. 13. An annual tradition allowing students to dress in their costumes and celebrate Halloween early, this year’s circus-themed dance included a haunted house, escape rooms, carnival games, and a DJ.

[Photo] First Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

October 16, 2022
Alternative rapper De’Wayne, dressed head to toe in denim, kicks his leg out during his performance at the LaBovick Law Group Stage on Saturday, April 30. This was his first show of the year, and he made a point to interact with the audience whenever possible, responding to fan comments and remarking on the energy.

[Photo] Rain or Shine, Let the SunFest In

May 1, 2022
Guitarist and vocalist for Chase Atlantic, Christian Anthony sprays the crowd with water right before smoke blasts into the air in front of him.

[Photo] Sunfest

May 1, 2022
Theatre senior Kaytlin Sanchez and vocal seniors Lillian Critchett and Marbella Deininger pose on the field during the 2020 Spirit Week. For Holidays Day, sophomores can adorn bead necklaces, green shirts, and clover glasses.

[Photo] Spirit Week In Review

March 9, 2022
The entire cast of “Little Shop of Horrors” comes together on stage for the finale, “Don’t Feed the Plants.” In this number, Audrey and Seymour come together after both being eaten by Audrey II as a final reminder for the audience to never feed the plants.

Don’t Feed the Plants

March 4, 2022
LEX_0900

[Photo] BEFORE FEB. 18: THE CREW

March 3, 2022
Seymour plots the death of Audrey II, detailing to Audrey (played by theatre senior Grace Trainor) the various methods he planned on using to ensure it would be killed, from stabbing it with a machete to harming it with rat poison.

[Photo]

Mushnik hoists a bloodied lab coat into the air to force Seymour to reveal the truth and motive behind Scrivello’s death: he was fed to the carnivorous plant to help it thrive and keep Audrey safe (and single).

[Photo]

Theatre sophomore Nicolette Clivio looks toward theatre junior Maggie Bohanek as they sing the ensemble parts of “Skid Row (Downtown).”

[Photo]

After the bows, the cast motions toward the audience to recognize all of the crew and management members that made the show possible backstage. “As much as I have loved helping to create this show, I certainly feel that sort of sinking feeling that this is nearly the last,”production manager and theatre senior Sunaina Singh said. “It’s been amazing being able to do tech here, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”

[Photo] FEB. 18 – 27: THE CULMINATION

March 3, 2022
After she died from an attack by Audrey II, Seymour carries Audrey to the plant, fulfilling her dying wish by giving it another meal that would allow it to flourish and perpetuate his fame.

[Photo]

Mushnik lifts Seymour into his arms as they belt out the closing of “Mushnik and Son,” a song in which Mushnik decides to adopt Seymour to ensure he remains loyalty to the shop, maintaining the fame and glory he brought with the creation of Audrey II.

[Photo]

During the opening number “Skid Row (Downtown),” Mr. Mushnik (played by theatre senior Daniel Reiter) leans on a broom, contemplating his life in the decrepit town.

[Photo]

Orin Scrivello, D.D.S. (played by theatre senior Ryan Lamontagne) reveals his insanity and savage dental practices during “Dentist!”

[Photo]

Reaching toward Seymour, Mushnik is consumed by Audrey II after being convinced that money needing to be deposited had been stored inside of the plant.

[Photo]

Seymour Krelborn (played by theatre junior Juan Rivera) talks to the trio of Skid Row street urchins, Crystal, Chiffon, and Ronnette (played by theatre freshman Samantha Marchena, theatre junior Olivia Bynum, and theatre sophomore Lillian Jones) about his rising popularity and hatred of Orin Scrivello, Audrey’s sadistic boyfriend.

[Photo]

Tuning their instruments before a rehearsal, the 12 musicians playing during the show sit in the pit, guided by music director Marcus Swan and assistant music director and piano senior Sara Abdo.

[Photo]

While they preset the stage for Act II as assistant stage managers, Peitz walks Gary through the layout of each prop and directs her on where to place each item.

[Photo]

Sound designer Marty Mets guides sound crew co-heads and theatre juniors Amberly Rodriguez and Talia Pamatat through the process of altering the pitch and tone of an actor’s microphone. “For this position I came in knowing absolutely nothing. I started learning everything my freshman year and I’ve learned even more since then,” Rodriguez said.

[Photo]

Members of the paint crew finish the sign for the WSKID Radio Station in the workshop before adding it to the collection of props.

[Photo]

Preparing for the first runthrough in Meyer Hall, stage manager and theatre junior Devyn Humble adds notes to the script, outlining components to implement.

[Photo]

Hair and makeup head and theatre senior Hank Brown tests new looks on Whitacre after having styled the bright orange wig. Brown has worked on multiple hair and makeup crews for previous shows, including “Radium Girls” and “Crybaby,” though this is his first time getting to head one.

[Photo]

Theatre sophomores Jaden Casey and Gabriele Pettener work together to unveil the third Audrey II puppet in preparation for Act II. Throughout the show, they were responsible for helping theatre sophomore and puppeteer Lucas Lacey get in and out of the puppet and getting it ready for each scene.

[Photo]

Production manager and theatre senior Sunaina Singh drills the bridge together, following the example set by technical director Nathaniel Rayman.

[Photo]

Surrounded by foam cutouts for the morph suits of the plant roots, theatre freshman Elizabeth Kronhaus cuts a piece of fabric as actors are fitted for their other costumes in the shop.

[Photo]

Supporting theatre junior Karma Carr as they lean back into his arms, theatre sophomore Saiden Tamim watches Whitacre as she walks them through the choreography for “Dentist!”

[Photo] BEFORE FEB. 18: THE CAST

March 3, 2022
4:20 p.m: Visual senior and boys volleyball setter Dennis Gettinger serves a volleyball during practice. “I look forward to practice every day,” Gettinger said. “I’ve wanted to play here since freshman year because I played in middle school and really liked it. This is the first chance Ive had to play here so I was really excited to try out.”

[Photo] Dreyfoos: After Hours

March 2, 2022
Photo by Lexi Critchett,_

[Photo] Finding Unity in Black History

February 23, 2022
LEX_5103

[Photo] [BRIEF] All That Jazz

December 8, 2021
Looking to her fellow musicians, vocal senior Elise Overfield sings along to “We Wish You the Merriest.” This piece was sung by the third-hour ensemble chorus and accompanied by jazz instrumentalists.

[Photo]

In the saxophone quintet playing “Klezmer Holiday,” band senior Karla De Jesus encourages the audience to clap along.

[Photo]

Vocal director Kent Taylor leads the fifth-hour chorus in their performance of “Lux Aurumque.” Translating to “Light and Gold,” this piece diverged from the more traditional, well-known holiday pieces featured in the show.

[Photo]

Vocal seniors Lillian Critchett, Dariel Peguero, Francesca Moore, Reed Wolfrom, Daniel Mills, and Sydney Horan sing “Sleep Softly” as one of several small groups. Each of these groups was completely student-led, and therefore responsible for every aspect of their performance.

[Photo]

Piano freshmen Josetta Wang and Hannah Zimmerman play “Linus and Lacy” in their first Prism.

[Photo]

Principal Blake Bennett introduces the performance, thanking numerous benefactors and staff members, especially the music directors who created and oversaw the production. During the evening show, she took this opportunity to introduce author James Patterson, who has continuously supported the concert for the last nine years.

[Photo]

Band director Evan Rogovin throws his fist in the air as the closing piece, “When You Believe,” finishes, marking the end of the concert.

[Photo]

Piano senior Zachary Williams plays “Hava Nagila” with band senior Harrison Gesser on the drums and strings senior Ethan Harris on the bass guitar. While this is a traditional Jewish folk song, Williams and Gesser arranged it to fit their small group and respective instruments.

[Photo]

The 74 vocal students in the fifth-hour chorus span across the Kravis stage while singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

[Photo] Dreyfoos Hall is Alive with the Sound of Music

December 2, 2021
Theatre senior Lily Counihan, who plays Rona Lisa Peretti, stares as Reiter reprimands a contestant for not spelling their word in the given timeframe.

[Photo] The Black Box theater in P-A-N-D-E-M-O-N-I-U-M

November 14, 2021
Everyday, Officer O. drives his golf cart around campus to ensure that all entry points are secure and each student feels safe. Part of these rounds include going to the field and cafeteria during lunch to check that everything is running smoothly.

[Photo] A “Little Letter” to Officer O

October 24, 2021
Digital senior Milan Tangirala and visual senior Morgan Jourdin pose for pictures on the red carpet. Photo by Lexi Critchett.

[Photo] “On the Big Screen”

June 13, 2021
Theatre seniors Mayah Bernstein, Alena Serrano, Heather Cruise, Emma Troast, and Lucy Oxer pose together at the end of their parody to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” Photo by Lexi Critchett.

[Photo] A Closed Curtain Symbolizes New Chapters

June 6, 2021
Load More Stories
THE MUSE • © 2023 The Muse at Dreyfoos • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in
Donate to THE MUSE
$215
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal