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Through the years the art program here has seen some major changes.
Christi Spoto,class of'76, recalls a time when the junior and senior high schools ..
were together, there was only one art teacher, and the class was located in
room 705. Ms. Spoto, upon returning to the school recently, took note of thek
two separate art rooms, commenting, "I like how they are set up—they are �±
like major art rooms now." Ms. Spoto also liked the fact that there are two f
art teachers. .
However, one thing that has not changed is the lesson that
everybody can be an artist. Current students Henry Skaggs and Betha
Hennessy. both grade 12, along with Ms. Spoto, agreed on that fact.
"Art is a great way to express yourself and a way to release any nega
tive energy in your life," Henry said. Betha, who is currently in an AP ^ ' �..
2-D art class,added that art is a great resource for expressing oneself. .. . d
AP 3-D art student Henry agreed by saying that through art almost any-
thing can be expressed."A lot of times I'll add political satire to my work
because it is a great way to get a message out,"Henry continued.Even
when finished with school, like Ms. Spoto. you could find yourself still
using skills from art class.
Ms. Spoto, along with Mrs. Moore. has been working on the
Main Street mural, which, according to Ms. Spoto, is still a work in prog-
ress. Betha added her final words of wisdom to anyone who aspires to be-
come an artist."Don't ever say your work is finished!"
By Bethany Smith
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The drama department has only been around since the 1980's, and drama
then compared to now has certainly evolved over the years. Ms. Zirbel, who graduated
in 1988, can testify because she was part of the very first group of thespians. At that
* time, the drama classes were taught throughout the day; the focus was on learning
new things, honing one's talents and skills, and practicing for small performances.
Throughout the year, the students performed in many small plays along with two
. or three large productions.Without microphones,unlike today,during these plays
they just had to know how to project their voices so that the audience could hear
7 them.
After high school, Ms. Zirbel continued drama at St. Leo. She says
that her most memorable performance, but not her best, has to be Wizard of
OZHS in which she played the Wicked Witch of the West Ms. Gaffney.Sadly,
j she feels that since she was in drama the focus on fine arts has diminished.
Approximately 80 students would audition to be in the large productions in
her time and would then need to be narrowed down to approximately 35 kids.
Comparing then to now when her daughter, Dani,is involved in drama,a pro-
duction is lucky to have 15 kids involved. Even though the drama department
has all sorts of improved technology like the sound boards and lighting com-
pared to the 80's,it's still behind other schools in Pasco County.
Her daughter, Dani,is following in her same footsteps.They are both
the biggest goofballs in the family and compete and laugh with each other con-
stantly. She also wants to continue participating in drama by majoring in it in col-
- lege while minoring in journalism.She feels that the drama department now should
��!z• do more fundraising and marketing. More people just need to get involved! Hopefully
in the future the atmosphere will return to one like when the drama department first
formed. Also, hopefully Ms. Zirbel's and Dani's dream of being cast in a production of
Freaky Friday together will come true.
By Chloe Newman
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