IN PICTURES: MHS STUDENTS SHOW OFF ART, MUSICAL TALENT IN WINTER CONCERT

Marathon’s musical middle and high school students showcased their talent on Dec. 7 at MMHS’s 2021 Winter Music Concert, directed by Spencer Oyster. The audience was treated to a mix of nine pieces (and a few sing-along songs) performed by the school’s choir, beginning band, symphonic band and wind ensemble. Greeting attendees at the entrance was an art installation of work by MMHS students. Among several styles, colorful 2D and 3D “neurographic art” literally leaped off the display boards. “Neurographic art can look abstract or realistic. It doesn’t matter what style the end result is; what matters is how one approaches the activity,” said art teacher Kristi Ferrise. “The goal of neurographic art is to create mindfulness and intentionality. It relaxes the mind and creates a calm peaceful feeling.”

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.