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

THE MUSE
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
[BRIEF] Hairy Details Hosts First Performance
[BRIEF] Hairy Details Hosts First Performance
[BRIEF] Dance Seniors Perform Solo Showcase
[BRIEF] Dance Seniors Perform Solo Showcase
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
[BRIEF] Fire Alarm Interrupts Class
[BRIEF] Fire Alarm Interrupts Class
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
Arts after Dark
Arts after Dark
Visual senior Maia Derrevere displays her artwork for the annual Portfolio Day. The event occurred during periods five and seven on Jan. 17.
Curating Their Futures
Vocal seniors Brian Trompeter, Brianna Tejada, Angelina Castillo, and Aileen Pereda perform “Frosty the Snowman” at the 2023 Winter Arts Medley (WAM).
Celebration of Collaboration
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
Surrounded by his students, Mr. Angulo demonstrates the process of developing an image in the darkroom. He transferred the paper from the developing chemical to the stop bath using a pair of tongs. To protect the light-sensitive paper in the darkroom, students must leave their phones, watches, and other devices with lights outside.
The Angles of Angulo
After studying film and dramatics at the University of Southern California, Dreyfoos alumnus and former communications major Tommy McCabe now works as an artist-in-residence, assisting communications teacher Ruby Hernandez in teaching students film production. “It was just something that interested me, the opportunity to come back here and work with young minds and kind of see the trajectory of where art is going,” Mr. McCabe said.
Moviemaking with McCabe
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
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
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
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
Strings sophomore Gavin Chandler leaps up in the air to pull off a jump shot, practicing for upcoming lacrosse tryouts at Palm Beach Atlantic High School.
Game-changer
[BRIEF] Boys Basketball Team Announced
[BRIEF] Boys Basketball Team Announced
Sliding to save a block, Hinav Ahmad angles the ball to her teammates. “I'm getting experience that I really need, just playing through these games,” Ahmad said. “I feel like I have more of a shot for varsity next year.”
A New Prowl of Jaguars Compete on the Court
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
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
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
Day 2: Class Clique Day
Day 2: Class Clique Day
Day 1: Holiday Day
Day 1: Holiday Day
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
  • Club Photos: Nov. 21-22
  • BSU Block Party Outside the Gym & Field Area During Lunch: Nov. 15
  • NSHS General Meeting During Lunch: Nov. 13
  • NHS Thank You Potluck from 4-5pm in the Cafeteria: Nov. 13
  • Vanderbilt University College Visit During Lunch in the Media Center: Nov. 13
  • Visual Arts & Digital Media New York Trip: Nov. 13-16
  • Flu Vaccine Clinic in Myer Hall Lobby: Nov. 12
  • National School Psychology Week: Nov. 11-15
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
Aidan Smith

Aidan Smith, Coverage Staffer

Aidan Smith is a first-year staffer and coverage staffer on The Muse. In his free time, he enjoys being an international man of mystery, golf enthusiast, and amateur sword fighter. He enjoys the little things in life, like piles of gold coins (a la Scrooge McDuck) and rain (but the fun kind). He is excited to be a part of The Muse and looks forward to being a part of the best publication at Dreyfoos.

All content by Aidan Smith
Theatre junior Lillian Jones, illustrator of “The Very Hungry Little Girl”, poses arms crossed in the muse studio.

Lillian Jones: Illustrator

Aidan Smith, Writer
April 25, 2023
The Class of 2022 celebrates after they are announced the winner of Spirit Week.

[Satire] Here Lies Spirit Week Ethics

Aidan Smith, Writer
March 16, 2023
Dance senior Lindsey Ryerson, theatre senior Mary Keith, and dance senior Alexis Carter do jazzercise moves to the song “Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa in the senior generation dance.

Dancing through History

Aidan Smith, Writer
March 16, 2023
Virtually Undefeated

Virtually Undefeated

Aidan Smith, Writer
March 15, 2023
The “Pippin” cast strikes their final poses for “Magic to Do,” the opening number of the theatre department’s spring musical.

‘Magic To Do, Just For You’

Aidan Smith, Writer
March 5, 2023
The Demographics of Dreyfoos

The Demographics of Dreyfoos

Aidan Smith, Aiden Velez, and Juliana Defilippo
February 21, 2023
Theatre junior Nailah Smith dances along to the song “Wobble” by V.I.C. at Black Student Union’s (BSU) block party outside the cafeteria on Feb. 16.

Shutting Down the Block

Aidan Smith, Writer
February 16, 2023
Post it notes plaster the wall in Mrs. Chambers office, each one voicing a special message from a student, teacher, or administrator.

[BRIEF] School Counselors Celebrated during Appreciation Week

Aidan Smith, Writer
February 14, 2023
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

Aidan Smith, Writer
January 11, 2023
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

Aidan Smith, Writer
October 11, 2022
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

Aidan Smith and Gavin Leser
October 9, 2022
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

Aidan Smith, Writer
September 13, 2022
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