Aquinas Landmark Spring 2021

11 VISUAL ARTS Although the year has been very different according to art teacher Lorin Easton, Aquinas’ visual arts students are continuing to be imaginative and creative. One of the biggest challenges is that students are unable to share materials. With their own sketchbooks and pencils, students have continued to draw and sketch, and thanks to a generous donation by AQ alumnus and artist Dick Kane ‘49, the department was able to buy brush sets for each student so they could continue to paint. This school year has also presented new opportunities. “Because students are now 1:1 with their laptops, we have the ability to take digital art and digital portfolios to the next level,” said Mrs. Easton. “We’ve been able to use Photoshop a lot more, especially with the middle school students and they love it! It will be wonderful to have students who are more tech-savvy in years to come because of this new adventure we’re going through now.” Overall, Mrs. Easton says, “This year has allowed us to be creative with solutions and new ideas for projects, the way we work and collaborate, and the way we share with our audiences.”The department is planning a digital art showcase this spring. Regardless of when they play though, seniors likeWesley Henderson are feeling especially grateful just for the chance to play. “It means everything,” he said. “We really didn’t think we were going to have a basketball season so I’m taking advantage of it as much as I can and really giving my all.” In addition to athletics, many of Aquinas’ clubs and activities are meeting regularly as well. The theatre program in particular, has worked exceptionally hard to provide students with a 2020-2021 season. Under the direction of Megan Barbour ‘05, Director of Theatre, and Band Director BrianWhite, they have managed to safely produce three shows. In lieu of live performances, the department has presented this year’s productions digitally. Sixth grader Sienna Fallone who was unable to perform in her school’s play last spring due to COVID-19 said, “It felt really good to find a way to make it happen this year. We found a way to socially distance and still be safe and still get to do something we love.” Sienna played Matilda in this year’s middle school musical, Stories From the Attic. Visual arts classes take advantage of the 1:1 technology and dive deeper into digital art. Wes Henderson in possession of the ball during a basketball game at AQ. ATHLETICS & EXTRACURRICULARS The impact of COVID-19 extends beyond the classroom and has changed the way students participate in athletics and extracurricular activities as well. With athletics, the shuffling of season start dates and condensing of seasons has been the biggest change. The soccer, tennis, and cross-country teams competed in the fall season as usual, however, high- risk fall sports including football, cheerleading, and girls volleyball, did not start until March 1. Indoor track and field, and boxing began on time this past winter, but high-risk winter sports including basketball and hockey did not begin until February 1. Spring sports began on April 19. Sienna Fallone performs a solo during the middle school musical, Stories From the Attic. 11