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

THE MUSE
District Pilots AI Student Surveillance Program
District Pilots AI Student Surveillance Program
Chemistry teacher Anushka Larkin was educationally affected by Hurricane Milton. Several of her students grades fell during the break.
Missed Days of School Impact Teachers’ Lesson Plans
Smiling at her students, English teacher Carmen Gallardo hosts a class discussion about the AP exam. It is one part of the routine that Ms. Gallardo has to ensure that students learn and understand the subject matter. “She gives us a schedule at the beginning of every quarter that breaks down what we're going to do each class.” strings junior Kayci Estelle said. “I think her sticking to such a regimen not only reflects her navy training but who she is as a person.”
A Salute to Veterans
Photo courtesy of communications senior David Sanchez taken in Wellington, FL.
Students and Their Communities Impacted by Hurricane Milton
Dressed as a psych ward patient to scare students in the haunted house, band sophomore Hinav Kour Ahmad jumps out and screams at theatre junior Reese McCobb. The Student Government Association (SGA) members and student volunteers put on costumes and acted in the asylum-themed haunted house to create an immersive experience.
Fall Dance Frights
Image courtesy of NOAA
School Canceled Due To Hurricane Milton
Chemistry teacher Anushka Larkin was educationally affected by Hurricane Milton. Several of her students grades fell during the break.
Missed Days of School Impact Teachers’ Lesson Plans
Photo courtesy of communications senior David Sanchez taken in Wellington, FL.
Students and Their Communities Impacted by Hurricane Milton
Image courtesy of NOAA
School Canceled Due To Hurricane Milton
[BRIEF] Students Register to Vote During Lunch
[BRIEF] Students Register to Vote During Lunch
[BRIEF] National Honor Society Inducts New Members
[BRIEF] National Honor Society Inducts New Members
Chanting in unison, the cast of “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” bands together in the Brandt Black Box theater before the theatre preview.
[BRIEF] “Twelfth Night, or What You Will” Cast Performs Theatre Preview
Staged in the back of the ensemble, trumpet players utilized a variety of trumpet mutes to amplify and augment their pitch and musical tone throughout different songs in the concert.
Jazzing it Up
Leaning to the right, dance senior Emma Elder performs in a hip-hop piece titled “Y2K.” The music played during the piece was a compilation of various artists, and the choreography was done by Ebone Johnson. The dancers wore costumes inspired by the fashion trends of the early 2000s. (Caption by Mia Salvador)
Significant Steps, Lasting Encounters
Artist Market Recap
Artist Market Recap
Visual senior Claire Natanek sits on the astroturf outside Building 9 during lunch to draw keyframes for her latest project. In animation, a keyframe is a drawing showing the beginning or end point of an action. These keyframes allow the motion to flow smoothly in the final product.
Animating with Intelligence
Dancing together in the Brandt Black Box Theater, the “Drowsy Chaperone” cast members practice their routines. This production incorporates numerous dance numbers with the entire cast. “There are so many of us in the cast, (so) it's important for all the dancing to look very specific and sharp,” ensemble member and theatre senior Erin Duran said.
Bringing a Show to Life
Acting as a mother awaiting a kiss on the cheek, communications senior Emily Singer performs her Dramatic Interpretation (DI) titled “Girls & Boys.”
The Figures Behind the Speeches
Michael Feuerborn and his family stand in front of their home. After receiving GoFundMe donations, the Feuerborns could repay their missed rent and secure another lease on the home. Michael said that the money they raised “guaranteed a roof over our head(s)."
Hope Reborn for the Feuerborns
Anticipating the ball, visual junior Tora Cooper stands on the court in front of a crowd of students and parents. “My favorite part of being on the team is having a community that is always supportive of one another,” Cooper said. (Photo courtesy of Lotta Cooper)
‘Setting’ Up For Success
Conversing with a group of students, new biology teacher Richard Zullo instructs them on how to complete an assignment about the properties of water.
The Tooth Fairy in Building 4
Checking her email and the school district portal, new musical theatre and vocal guidance counselor Christelina Milan views new student information. Since it was Ms. Milan’s first year, she dedicated time to familiarize herself with new students and school procedures.
From Corporate to Creative
New assistant principal Drew Dawson supervises the cafeteria during lunch. Mr. Dawson’s duties on campus include lunch supervision, metal detector duty, and door-holder for building three during class changes. “It's a school where everyone seems to just welcome you and make you feel like you're a part of the culture and a part of the school,” Mr. Dawson said. “I just feel like everyone has a place here, and that's really cool.”
A New Dawn for Dawson
Mrs. Waugh watches her students as they work on graphing data from the lab that took place during class. Prior to becoming a teacher, Waugh worked as a fire protection engineer. ”I thought it would be most impactful if I could teach science here [at Dreyfoos].” Mrs. Waugh said. “And I had loved my physics teacher. He was part of why I became an engineer,”
Breaking the Surface Tension
The donations received for Dona Por Amor include clothes, non-perishable foods, and more. Once the donation window ends, the items will be organized into groups based on the type of donation and packed into boxes. Spanish teacher Lori Brown explained that shipments going into countries with political turmoil, like Venezuela, often get stolen in the process. To combat this, the boxes will be dropped off at a non-profit organization that brings the boxes directly to Venezuela, ensuring the safety of the items.
Doing More with Amor
Digital media junior Sabastyan Henriquez wears a thrifted t-shirt and thrifted jewelry.
Secondhand Styles
Pumpkin cinnamon rolls bake in the oven, ready to be frosted with cream cheese icing.
How to: Fall (Recipe)
This depicts two t-shirts and a sweatshirt sold by SHEIN and manufactured in China. In order for SHEIN to keep up with fast moving trends, 35,000 to 100,000 items are produced daily, according to Design Life Cycle, releasing 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.
Behind The Seams
Some seniors pose for a group photo at the municipal beach near the Worth Avenue Clock Tower for “Senior Sunrise.” The event was unaffiliated with the school but organized by senior class presidents and digital media seniors Olivia Le and Joshua Molnar. (Ashwin Kishor)
Here Comes the Sun (and Senior Year)
Looking towards the audience, Ben Krieger sing his original song “Burden On Me” during his set at Sunfest.
‘Me, My Guitar, and My Notebook’: Ben Krieger performs at SunFest
Professor AI
Professor AI
This depicts two t-shirts and a sweatshirt sold by SHEIN and manufactured in China. In order for SHEIN to keep up with fast moving trends, 35,000 to 100,000 items are produced daily, according to Design Life Cycle, releasing 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide every year.
Behind The Seams
Photo illustration of two hands representing rock and scissors.
[SATIRE] How To Win Rock, Paper, Scissors
Photo by Sofia Hennessey-Correa
[SATIRE] The Muse’s Guide to Last Minute Spirit Week Outfits
[SATIRE] Spirit Week: Written in the Stars
[SATIRE] Spirit Week: Written in the Stars
This photo illustration, of the opinion story writer Gavin Leser, is meant to highlight how society pressures people to seem happy even when they don’t feel that way. Often someone’s external positivity may contrast their inner feelings.
Don’t Smile Through the Sadness
Strings senior William Tong and other boys basketball team members cheer on the girls basketball team after a three-point shot was made during the second quarter. The boys team played their first home game against SLAM! Palm Beach (Sports Leadership and Management) following the girls game.
Welcome to the Jungle
Anticipating the ball, visual junior Tora Cooper stands on the court in front of a crowd of students and parents. “My favorite part of being on the team is having a community that is always supportive of one another,” Cooper said. (Photo courtesy of Lotta Cooper)
‘Setting’ Up For Success
Preparing to enter the field, number 15 and communications senior John Markee watches his teammates from the sidelines. On Friday, Sept. 20, the Forest Hill High School varsity football team played in their fourth game of the season, ending in a loss despite winning their first three games.
Jaguars on Forest Hill Boulevard
Dreyfoos on Ice
Dreyfoos on Ice
Watching the boys soccer team prep, French Teacher Mr. Ruth prepares the team for their upcoming games.
The Faces Behind The Teams
[BRIEF] Boys Basketball Wins Close Game
[BRIEF] Boys Basketball Wins Close Game
Nestled behind trees, the storefront of Maman in the Square, located at 473 S Rosemary Ave.
Not Your Maman’s Coffee
Yelling into his microphone, country musician Noah Hunton performs at SunFest as part of his mini south-Floridian tour, across venues from West Palm Beach to Key West.
Tuning Up SunFest
Nelly performs at SunFest 2024.
The Appeal of SunFest
Image courtesy of Taylor Swift
Give ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Another Listen
Spirit Week Mini Crossword #3
Spirit Week Mini Crossword #3
Spirit Week Mini Crossword #2
Spirit Week Mini Crossword #2
The Muse Has...
The Muse Has…
Muse Talks: The Ivy Illusion
Muse Talks: The Ivy Illusion
Artist Market Recap
Artist Market Recap
Muse Talks: Lovesick or Sick of Love
Muse Talks: Lovesick or Sick of Love
Behind the Camera: Film Association's Upcoming Projects
Behind the Camera: Film Association’s Upcoming Projects
Welcoming Mrs. Richardson
Welcoming Mrs. Richardson
Dancing along to the song “Toledo Surprise,” Drowsy Chaperone dance captain and theatre sophomore Sofia Gianetti participates in the Drowsy Chaperone flash mob. This surprise performance in the cafeteria aimed to promote the upcoming musical and showcase the work and time students put into the musical. “The experience is so much fun, getting to make up all the dances with (theatre teacher Sandra) Christie, assisting her, and helping anyone who has questions,” Gianetti said.
Photo of the Week 10/21
Looking at the phlebotomist, dance junior Finleigh Townsend gets blood drawn for her first time. On Oct. 16, National Honor Society (NHS) held its blood drive in the school parking lot. Oneblood Donation and its Big Red Bus visited the school campus to find volunteers for blood and plasma donations. Their mission is to replenish and maintain a healthy blood supply in the community. “It makes you feel really good to have had an impact on so many people by doing something that didn't take much time and didn't hurt me at all,” said Townsend.
Photo of the Week 10/16
Waving his baton to the rhythm of the music, band teacher Evan Rogovin leads the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble musicians as they focus on their parts during the Fall Band Concert. On Oct. 1, the music department held its first band performance of the year in Meyer Hall. “After not getting to play in front of people all summer, it was refreshing to be back on a stage with an audience and with my band family,” band sophomore Luna Schneider said.
Photo of the Week 10/7
Vocal junior Emilie Paul and digital media junior Isabelle Phillips sing “Sleepwalk” by Betsy Brye. The duo performed at the Seeds Open Mic, which was held Feb. 2 in support of the literary magazine.
Photo of the Week 2/5
Observing potassium pomegranate droplets react with an acid, piano sophomore Mili Dagan engages in a chemistry lab in Ms. PH’s class. During the experiment, Dagan conducts a titration — a technique in which a solution of known concentration is used to ascertain the concentration of an unknown solution.
Photo of the Week 1/29
Flipping through visual senior Ella Smith’s sketchbook, a representative from Moore College of Art & Design reviews her portfolio work. On Portfolio Day, a variety of arts college representatives travel to review the work of visual and digital media majors. The students participating have the opportunity to learn about different colleges and explore options for pursuing the arts in college.
Photo of the Week 1/22
  • Vocal Concert at 6:30 p.m. in Meyer Hall: Dec. 7
  • Winter Arts Medley at 6:30 pm in Meyer Hall: Dec. 6
  • Girls Basketball Game at 6 p.m.: Dec. 5
  • Vocal Concert at 6:30 p.m. in Meyer Hall: Dec. 7
  • ELA Reading & EOC Retakes: Dec. 4
  • Boys Soccer Away at 6 p.m.: Dec. 4
  • Girls Soccer Away at 6 p.m.: Dec. 4
  • Boys & Girls Basketball Home at 6 p.m: Dec. 3
  • FCLE Testing: Dec. 3
  • Boys Soccer Away at 7:30 p.m.: Dec. 2
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
Makena Senzon

Makena Senzon, Print Managing Editor

Makena Senzon is a third-year staffer and print managing editor on The Muse. When she is not writing or editing stories, she may be working by her garden, thinking about her next adventure, or reading books across genres (anything from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to National Geographic’s Trees of North America). Benjamin Franklin once said, “Either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing,” this year, on and off The Muse, Makena strives to do both.

All content by Makena Senzon
Expressing her gratitude for founder and CEO of the Save Our Musicians Foundation Dennis Cunningham, Principal Blake Bennett explains how his donation will go toward a number of school issues, including fixing the DSOA Today teleprompter.

[BRIEF] Save Our Musicians Foundation Officially Donates $200,000 to the School

Juliana Defilippo and Makena Senzon
January 21, 2024
Screenshot 2023-12-18 at 8.44.40 AM

[Photo] [BRIEF] Dreyfoos NHS Makes Literacy Kits

Ruth Weisberg, Website Editor
December 18, 2023
The Save Our Musicians Foundation partnered with the School of the Arts Foundation to host a fundraising concert for Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos Nov. 18 at Tiki 52. Students, teachers, and their families had the opportunity to attend the concert. “I would consider myself one of the biggest country (music) fans at Dreyfoos. I’m actually not even going to meet the man (Luke Bryan) and I am freaking out,” digital media senior Cynthia Mondragon said before the concert.

“Play it Again”

Makena Senzon and Juliana DeFilippo
November 19, 2023
Good Thyme Garden Club

[Photo] Club Door Decorating

March 14, 2023
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.

Rain or Shine, Let the SunFest In

Makena Senzon, Writer
May 1, 2022
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury serves as commentary to warn against censorship; the title itself corresponds to the degree at which a book burns. It is being censored by parents who clearly missed the point of Bradbury’s dystopian novel, raising the question if people who challenged it even finished the book.

The War on Books

Makena Senzon, Writer
April 5, 2022
Running across the field, juniors sport their jock and cheerleader looks. Students dressed up in clothing representing the cliques of nerds, preps, cheerleaders/jocks, and goths. “You guys have a really strong culture here of tradition,” Assistant Principal Jennifer Napuli said. “Some of these events have been going on for a long time, and the students are really invested, which makes them extra fun and special.”

Sweater Vests and Letterman Jackets: A Deep Dive Into Class Cliques

Makena Senzon, Writer
March 9, 2022
Vocal freshman Maria Clara Da Fonseca and strings senior Natalia Sanchez wear their Generations Day outfits for Spirit Week. Each day of Spirit Week gives students the opportunity to experiment with distinct styles. “I was inspired by the seniors before me,” communications sophomore Emily Singer said. “I think it's all about finding what inspires you about the theme and then taking it to another level.”

Figuring out their ‘Fits

Makena Senzon, Writer
March 3, 2022
Adding on to the presentation about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), communications senior and Black Student Union (BSU) vice president Se’Maj Griffin explains the diverse opportunities and communities at HBCUs. “I started (in BSU) as a freshman and it’s very much like a family. It's more than a club,” Griffin said. “It’s a big part of my life, and it's also very fun, and I've learned different things about my culture along with teaching different things about my culture.”

It’s Time to Learn About HBCUs

Daisy Li and Makena Senzon
February 22, 2022
Carrying a stack of freshly wrapped presents, digital media sophomore Giada Robinson goes to place her gifts in a collection bag. Students in Artists Reaching Out to Society (A.R.T.S.) Club worked together to wrap presents for the annual Jefferson Jubilee. “I'm so enthused to be a part of this environment and this cause,” Robinson said. “I'm really just looking forward to helping out and making a holiday special.”

The Jolly Behind the Jubilee

Makena Senzon, Writer
December 9, 2021
The Daily Dose of Wisdom

The Daily Dose of Wisdom

Makena Senzon, Writer
November 19, 2021
Increases in school violence and concerns about security have prompted the implementation of new safety policies. Now IDs are required on campus to ensure the wellbeing of students. Photo by Sofia Hennessey-Correa. Photo illustration by Angelyna Rodriguez.

The Cameras are Watching

Makena Senzon, Writer
November 7, 2021
Circling the cafeteria, communications senior Christian Chantayan leads the conga line as music blasts through speakers. One by one students and teachers joined the line during the Fiesta. “I've always wanted to lead a conga line. I was presented with the opportunity spontaneously, and I took it, and I led an entire cafeteria of people,” Chantayan said.

Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Makena Senzon, Writer
October 19, 2021
Draped in white silks, dance senior Tori Gilbert performs her ballet solo, “La Bayadere Variation,” pirouetting across the Brandt Black Box Theater for the first time since her sophomore year. “We're all just really excited to see them out there and showcasing their love, passion, and talent for dance,” Department Dean Heather Lescaille said. “This is a nice way for them to just decompress.”

The 2022 Tutus

Makena Senzon
September 23, 2021
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