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
Ellie Symons

Ellie Symons, Editor In Chief

Ellie Symons is a third-year staffer and co-editor in chief on The Muse. She enjoys journalism of all forms and hopes to pursue it as a career. When not working on The Muse, you can find Ellie reading, cooking, or rewatching a sitcom for the 100th time to wind down. She is fueled by rap music, caffeine, protein, and a love for the people around her. She is so excited to work with an amazing staff this year.

All content by Ellie Symons
A visual representation of digital senior Logan Dowling's analogy of what experiencing the alt-right pipeline felt like.

Down the Digital ‘Rabbit Hole’

Ellie Symons, Coverage Editor
March 6, 2024
Micah Drum performs as the lead vocalist and guitarist for his band, Drum & Co., at the Ford Stage on Sunday, May 7. Based in West Palm Beach, Drum & Co. is a six person band that was able to use SunFest as an opportunity to gain more exposure as a small local artist.

The Community Beyond the Fest

Ellie Symons, Writer
May 10, 2023
Communications junior Sanjana Gupta, strings junior Raveena Cherry, and band junior Nihar Bhavsar perform a Bollywood dance in the Multicultural Show. “I felt really excited. It was really nice for us to perform together.” Gupta said. “It was really fun to just have the band back together and perform our little routine for everybody. I feel like it put smiles on everybody's faces and we were just so happy to perform.”

A World of Talent

Ellie Symons, Coverage Staffer
April 6, 2023
At the blow of the whistle, vocal junior Zidane Guerrier and athletic director Matthew Vaughan jump into the air, reaching for the ball during the teacher versus student basketball game.

2 Sides of the Court

Ellie Symons, Writer
March 13, 2023
Dressed in pink, communications freshmen Vivian Jiang, Sienna Sossi, and Aiza Khan recite their poem, “How to Become the Ideal Girl,” a poem discussing feminism and beauty standards.

When Speech Meets Rhythm

Ellie Symons, Writer
March 10, 2023
Band senior Grant Conley flicks his wrist in the air as the senior Powderpuff boys line up and perform the choreography created by theatre senior Keiona Nesbitt (Rachel Jeune, The Muse, February 1st, 2019)

In Defense of Powderpuff

Ellie Symons, Writer
March 9, 2023
Crouching under the pole, visual sophomore Taniyah Aris participates in a game of Limbo in the media center during lunch on Feb. 8. Black Student Union (BSU) held a Game Day for the third day of BSU Spirit Week; it was meant to promote unity and allow students to play games that are iconic within the Black community. “It’s really enjoyable because I get to play games, listen to music, and talk to my friends that I don’t even have the time to talk to at school,” Aris said.

Game Day Introduces Friendly Competition to BSU Spirit Week

Ellie Symons, Writer
February 8, 2023
Period Poverty

Period Poverty

Ellie Symons, Writer
January 24, 2023
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

Ellie Symons, Writer
December 21, 2022
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

Ellie Symons, Writer
December 7, 2022
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

Ellie Symons, Writer
November 18, 2022
Taylor Swift holds a flame for her new album cover.

‘Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve’ Been Better

Charlotte Handel and Ellie Symons
November 15, 2022
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

Ellie Symons, Writer
October 23, 2022
Marking through an arabesque promenade, dance senior Kylie Peitz practices the adagio combination as dance dean Heather Lescaille demonstrates in front of the class. “It’s always important to have ballet as a foundation,” dance senior Paulina Salas said. “Since we’re going to have it so often, I hope it will improve my versatility and strength as a dancer.”

Twirling Their Way to Higher HPAs

Ellie Symons, Writer
September 24, 2022
Carefully tracing the letters of her poster, co-president of the Colleen Hoover Book Club, and communications sophomore Kendall Smith, prepares for Club Rush. “We felt like there’s a huge community of people, especially in highschool, that really enjoy Colleen Hoover's books and all the different layers behind them,” said Smith. “We wanted to create a fun and safe space to talk about them.”

Twilight Polls, Rockets, and QR Codes

Priya Gowda and Ellie Symons
September 11, 2022
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

Ellie Symons, Writer
August 31, 2022
Members of the School Advisory Council (SAC) listen in as SGA Co-Historian and dance senior Jonelle Brinkley explains the progress the athletic department has made for the 2022-23 school year. She shared a list of the recent varsity sports activities, including team tryouts and upcoming schedules for the cross-country and swim teams.

[BRIEF] First SAC Meeting of the 2022-2023 School Year

Ellie Symons, Writer
August 18, 2022
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