Rosarian Academy has infused dramatic excellence into the daily lives of students since its inception in 1925. Thanks to a generous gift from Mr. Frederick Machlin, the Margaret Tighe Machlin Fine Arts Center opened its doors to generations of young hearts on December 14, 1964. The theater has been an iconic landmark in Palm Beach County ever since. This week marks the 50th anniversary of Rosarian's magnificent 485-person professional theater.

"This outstanding venue, with a fully functional orchestra pit and lift, is more than just a theater. It's an avenue for students to become enriched through the arts-helping to develop the whole person for life," said Ms. Cathy Reader who has worked at Rosarian Academy since 1971 and has assisted with the setup and lighting for nearly every production in the theater for over 40 years.

Director of Fine Arts and drama teacher, Mr. Bob Sherman, and long-standing music teacher, pianist, and leader of Rosarian Academy's Show Choir, Mrs. Gay Dedo, both agree with Ms. Reader that "it's more than just a theater." 

"It's a path to provide a strong, accomplished school environment as student performance in the classroom matures though discovery of the arts," stated Mr. Sherman, "We engage our students in a creative process that goes hand in hand with Rosarian's strong academics. And more than that, memories of being on this stage, in this theater, last a lifetime!"

Mrs. Dedo added, "It's a stage for self expression and creativity where life lessons are taught and learned."

Over the last fifty years, the Rosarian Academy Theater has been enjoyed by thousands of patrons. Legends-Judy Garland, Perry Como & Peter Lawford-performed on stage. The community has relished in the talents of Ballet Florida, Gilbert & Sullivan Society and the Greater Palm Beach Symphony. Most importantly, the theater has set the scene for countless drama productions, school-wide Masses, character assemblies, awards presentations, and graduations.

A grand 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Theater will be take place on February 28, 2015, with the Royal Rosarian Talent Showcase. For more information on this event, please contact Sheena Wilber: sheena@rosarian.org or 561.345.3109.

Following a close semifinals game against Somerset Canyons (20-17), the girls basketball team advanced to the finals against The Benjamin School on Wednesday, December 10th, defeating the Buccaneers 26-19 and winning their third consecutive Palm Beach Independent School Athletic Conference Championship.

On Saturday, December 13th the Middle School Cheerleaders competed at the Holiday Bash Spirit Cheer & Dance Competition held at West Boca High School. The Rosarian team participated with competitive cheer teams in middle school and high school. Congratulations to the girls for placing third in the middle school competition, behind St. Coleman's and Florida Christian.

Rosarian Academy eighth grade student, Emma Quattlebaum, was honored as the school's December Kiwanis Club Student of the Month on December 3rd. 
 

Emma was recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach for her excellence, character and leadership potential. She was accompanied by her father, mother, and History teacher Mrs. Kathy Moormann at the luncheon. In her acceptance speech, Emma said, "I would like to thank my parents for molding me into the person I am today and giving me such great opportunities, especially choosing to send me to Rosarian. The faculty and staff at Rosarian are amazing...Without them, I wouldn't be the student or person that I have become today. Rosarian has given me a foundation for life, and I am so grateful for the many things I have received."

Love and family are two words that embody the spirit of Christmas. The Rosarian campus experienced a true Christmas story on December 16th when U.S. Marine Dylan Perry surprised his three younger siblings--Carson (6th), Kendal (4th), and Caden (K) in their classrooms. Dylan is currently stationed in Japan and hasn't been home for over a year. What a beautiful family reunion!
 

Click here to view the video of Dylan and Carson's reunion >>>

Click here to view photos of the family reunion >>>

On December 11th, every homeroom throughout the Lower School and Middle School participated in an Advent Door Decorating Contest. Doors were judged on creativity, theme, student participation, and overall impression. 

Congratulations to the following winners:

Lower school:
4th - Rogers
3rd - McClain
2nd - Acosta
1st - Segerdahl
Honorable mentions: Lanahan, Linck, & Parisaleti

 

Middle School:
4th - Baker
3rd - Carperntier
2nd - McCray
1st - Hoffman
Honorable mentions: Coniglio & Sayer/Pinero 

Mrs. Ferguson and her 6th grade English class visited The Palm Beach Post on December 8th.

"You can't catch me, I'm the Gingerbread Man!" While eating lunch in the dining hall on December 5th, there was a LOUD bang in the kitchen. The kindergarten students quickly learned that the Gingerbread Man escaped from the oven! The 30 students quickly went on a hunt to find the Gingerbread Man they made. They found the first clue in their classroom and then followed the gingerbread crumbs and clues around campus and ended in Mrs. Linsin's office. Mrs. Linsin finally convinced the Gingerbread Man to get back on the tray. The children then enjoyed eating the yummy Gingerbread Man. 
 

45 second-through-eighth-grade members of the Rosarian Academy Show Choir have been using their angelic voices to spread enthusiasm to young and old alike throughout this Holiday Season. Under the musical direction of Ms. Gay Dedo and assisted by Liz DeMarco (Choreographer) and Francesca Coniglio (Vocal Assistant), the Show Choir started its season at the beginning of December singing on the staircase in the Via Mizner Plaza for the lighting of the tree on Worth Avenue. Other performances this month have included the Festival of Trees at the Norton Sculpture Gardens; Opportunity Inc. luncheon at the Beach Club Palm Beach; Kravis Center; Worth Avenue Neiman Marcus store; and the Rotary Club of Palm Beach luncheon at the Chesterfield Hotel. 

 The Show Choir looks forward to performing in several nursing homes during the second half of the year.

The last two school days of 2014 ended with two beautiful Christmas programs in the Rosarian Theater.

On Thursday, December 18th, the kindergarten through fourth grade students celebrated the birth of Jesus with the annual Christmas Pageant. With the kindergartners dressed as the beautiful Nativity characters and the fourth graders narrating the Christmas story, it was a joyous and beautiful portrayal of the true reason for the Christmas season.

The Children's House students took the stage on Friday as their sweet, angelic voices filled the theater with an ensemble of Christmas carols. Santa even made a special visit to watch the performance!

A special thank you to our Music Director Ms.Gay Dedo for sharing her musical talent with the Rosarian students year after year.