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

THE MUSE
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
[BRIEF] Hairy Details Hosts First Performance
[BRIEF] Hairy Details Hosts First Performance
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
  • Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 23-Dec. 1
  • Multicultural Potluck at Lunch: Nov. 22
  • Orchestra Concert at 6:30 p.m. in Meyer Hall: Nov. 20
  • Jazz Concert at 6:30 p.m. in Meyer Hall: Nov. 19
  • Boys Basketball Away Game at 7:30 p.m.: Nov. 19
  • Girls Basketball Away Game at 6 p.m.: Nov. 19
  • Club Photos: Nov. 21-22
  • Boys Soccer Game at 7:30 p.m: Nov. 18
  • Girls Soccer Game at 6 p.m.: Nov. 18
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
Caitlin Villacrusis

Caitlin Villacrusis, Photo Staffer

Caitlin Villacrusis is a second-year staffer and photo staffer on The Muse. She is also the co-president of Creative Writing League, a submission reader for Seeds in the Black Earth Literary and Arts Magazine, and historian for Asian Cultural Society and Coding Club. Beyond school, Caitlin is a Miami Book Fair “Speak Up” Student Ambassador and Poetry Mentee and has participated in the Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop and the BreakBread Literacy Project’s Literary Apprenticeship. She is an avid fan of New York School poets, sudoku puzzles, and Marvel movies.

All content by Caitlin Villacrusis
Former cultural club officers Jasmine Mullings, Sophie Burnston, Jacqueline Alvarado, Alyssa McIntosh, Kaitlin Xia, and Ben Levkovitz pose together.

[Photo] Unity in Diversity

Vivian Jiang, Writer
April 29, 2024
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.”

[Photo] Multicultural Show

April 5, 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.”

[Photo] A World of Talent

Ellie Symons, Coverage Staffer
April 6, 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.

[Photo] Game Day Introduces Friendly Competition to BSU Spirit Week

Ellie Symons, Writer
February 8, 2023
Vocal senior Amelia Williams passes out various foods at the Multicultural Potluck on Nov. 16 during lunch in the gym. Students across campus brought in foods that represent their culture and heritage.

[Photo] Quarter Two in Photos

January 17, 2023
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

[Photo] “Now Brewing”: Culture and Coffee

Priya Gowda, Writer
December 2, 2022
As students clap and cheer around her, theatre sophomore Satya Hamilton dances to “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire. BSU’s “Soul Train” themed block party on Oct. 9 brought the ‘70s and ‘80s to the cafeteria through disco music and patterned outfits.

Photo of the Week- 11/7

Caitlin Villacrusis, Photo Staffer
November 8, 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.

[Photo] BSU Block Party Spreads Culture and ‘70s Spirit

Ellie Symons, Writer
October 23, 2022
Twirling across the room, junior and senior dance students complete different exercises in order to refine the techniques they are already familiar with. “All of our courses are advanced,” Mrs. Lescaille said. “Sometimes in the ballet class, I teach in the morning. The freshman (curriculum) is only modified slightly by the time I get to the senior (class). It's a matter of building upon what you've already learned.”

[Photo] Dance

September 24, 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.”

[Photo] Twirling Their Way to Higher HPAs

Ellie Symons, Writer
September 24, 2022
After announcing their names and roles, vocal department officers ran to the front row, and the vocal students gathered for a group photo.

[Photo] [BRIEF] Vocal Potluck Offers Cuisine and Community

Ellie Symons, Writer
August 31, 2022
Vocal senior Lillian Critchett dances with friends, surrounded by others doing the same.

[Photo] Prom Gallery Part 2

May 7, 2022
Students celebrate on the dance floor at the school’s first prom in two years.

[Photo] Once Upon A Time In … West Palm Beach

Juliana DeFilippo, Writer
May 7, 2022
Students move from the lobby to the ballroom after mingling and eating, entering under a floral arch.

[Photo] Prom Gallery

May 7, 2022
Dance sophomore Anna Sofia Machado strikes a pose with one hand in the air as “It’s My Party” by Lesley Core plays through the gym.

[Photo] Spirit Week: In A Time Machine

Veronica Longoria, Writer
March 9, 2022
Wearing a 1960s-themed outfit, dance senior Lauren Hopta participates in the sophomore Generations Dance during the 2020 Spirit Week. For a ‘60s-themed outfit, sophomores can wear bright colors, long skirts or dresses, turtlenecks, cardigans, collars, and pinstripe suits.

Spirit Week In Review

Caitlin Villacrusis, Photo Staffer
March 9, 2022
Students and parents sigh as the ball hits the net. They reacted with the same passion throughout the game against Lake Worth Christian School on Feb. 28.

[Photo] [BRIEF] All Out, All Game, All Season

Natalie Ryder, Photo Staffer
March 3, 2022
Guest pianist Susan Zhang plays on The Concert Truck for students and staff spread out across the field.

[Photo] Finding Unity in Black History

Olivia Metzler, Content Team Editor
February 23, 2022
superbowl_first_5

[Photo] Super Bowl Opinions

Sheevam Patel, Writer
February 20, 2022
Communications senior and girls basketball co-captain Se’Maj Griffin throws the ball to the team's offensive players during their Senior Night against The Pine School on Dec. 28. The game finished as a 23-17 Dreyfoos loss.

[Photo] [BRIEF] Leaving it All on the Court

Sheevam Patel, Writer
February 4, 2022
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.”

[Photo] New Vests and New Faces

Arik Karim, Multimedia Staffer
February 1, 2022
Visual freshman Rebecca Chen and theatre junior Paula Navarrete paint tomatoes as part of the new Good Thyme Gardening Club mural between buildings 3 and 4. This was the club’s first on-campus mural, so visual senior and Mural Painting Society co-vice president Gyongy “Lili” Szaszvarosi’s hopes that this project sets a “precedent for other clubs to collaborate” and helps to create “a single community (within Dreyfoos).” “Murals really help build a sense of community in physical spaces,” Szaszvarosi said. “When you have a lot of people, especially who are part of the community, working to turn a blank wall into something else, it really does make it feel more personal to the people who exist in that space. In the case of this mural, it’s the students themselves who are painting it and deciding to make the space more visually interesting.”

Murals with a Message

Caitlin Villacrusis, Photographer
January 14, 2022
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