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
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
Jade Lenkersdorf

[Photo] SunFest Through the Years

May 3, 2024
The Class of 2022 celebrates after they are announced the winner of Spirit Week.

[Photo] [Satire] Here Lies Spirit Week Ethics

Aidan Smith, Writer
March 16, 2023
Decked in colorful costumes, the “Pippin” ensemble lunges forward to grab Pippin (played by theatre senior Mason Materdomini), representing his victory celebration during “With You.”

Photo of the Week – 3/7

Lexi Critchett, Production Managing Editor
March 7, 2023
The “Pippin” cast strikes their final poses for “Magic to Do,” the opening number of the theatre department’s spring musical.

[Photo] ‘Magic To Do, Just For You’

Aidan Smith, Writer
March 5, 2023
I Survived the Second Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

I Survived the Second Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

Lexi Critchett and Sofia Hennessey-Correa
January 18, 2023
quarter 2 in review

[Photo] Quarter Two in Photos

January 17, 2023
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[Photo] Shakespeare in Love

January 17, 2023
One dancer grabs the waist of another for their warmup exercises during the sixth period partnering class.

[Photo] Pas De Deux

Riley Flynn, Content Team Editor
December 16, 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.

[Photo] A Performance for Peers

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

I Survived the First Quarter at Dreyfoos: Photos in Review

Lexi Critchett and Sofia Hennessey-Correa
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

Makena Senzon, Writer
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

Lexi Critchett, Photo Editor
March 4, 2022
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[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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 I've had to play here so I was really excited to try out.”

[Photo] Dreyfoos: After Hours

Kaylee Weiss, Social Media Staffer
March 2, 2022
Photo by Lexi Critchett,_

[Photo] Finding Unity in Black History

Olivia Metzler, Content Team Editor
February 23, 2022
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[Photo] [BRIEF] All That Jazz

Bridget Frawley, Coverage Editor
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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Before the curtain closes for the finale, the philharmonic orchestra and entire vocal department end the matinee Prism performance with “When You Believe” from “The Prince of Egypt.” Conducted by band director Evan Rogovin, this was one of two mass pieces in the show and highlighted the cumulative talent and work of every musician.

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

Bridget Frawley, Coverage Editor
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

Daisy Li, Writer
November 14, 2021
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