Millbrook celebrated its annual winter festival (Winterfest) this last Friday! The festival included performances from the Asian American Student Union (AASU), the Black Student Union (BSU), Millbrook’s Winter Guard, and other vocal and band pieces. The festival also highlighted this year’s class of 2025 Outstanding Seniors.
The outcome of Winterfest could not be done without the help of Millbrooks technical crew. Junior Wesley Campbell operated the spotlight during the dance performances and speeches; senior Toby Beaute was in charge of managing the backstage; senior Aether Smith oversaw the performance and helped clean up after performances; senior Jake Wilkens was responsible for setting up and overseeing the live band performance, and senior Nathaniel Baker-Sample was in charge of lighting and assisting in sounds.
Winterfest announcers Rowyna Kindl, Noah Finerghty, and Logan Manhaney, brought laughter and cheer throughout the program, bringing enthusiasm into every act. Not only do they announce performances, but they also ease the transition between acts. The trio brought a great amount of comedy, starting the festival with a scene mocking Kindl.
The first part of Winterfest began with the dance duo, Renee Lucas and Yamaris Whisonat, setting the energetic and lively tone! Representing Millbrook’s Winter Guard Annabell Moore, Marina Cauret, and Abby Wilkinson, led an intricate performance, incorporating the use of flags and mock rifles. To top it off, the Black Student Union delivered yet another memorable act.
The piano rendition of “You Got a Friend in Me” by Cameron Peters, was one of the crowd favorites. Bringing sentiment and emotion, students responded by turning on their flashlights and waving to the melody. Beute and Finerghty commented that their favorite performance was the piano for its energy. Peter’s performance was inspiring and left the audience in awe.
The fan dance by the AASU was a big hit. Smith and Beute said, “They were so in sync it was beautiful…they were by far my favorite!” Wilkens further adds, “The fan dance was really good, and you could tell that they practiced and how it played out.” Outstanding Senior Xavier Brown described the dance as “very beautiful and butterfly-like.” Needless to say, the performance was one of the most memorable ones this year.
The live band, consisting of seniors Matthew Lahoud and Brandon Genesky, as well as junior Natalie Huebler, performed “Zombie” by The Cranberries, adding another memorable act to this year’s festival. Huebler, singer of the live band, enjoyed performing as it allowed her to sing with her friends. Kael Alley’s solo performance was a teaser to Millbrook’s spring musical, Something Rotten. Winterfest then closed with a solo by Rowyna Kindl.
The class of 2025’s Outstanding Seniors we’re also honored throughout the festival: Lucy Ellis, Giovanna Hunter, Molly Clemmer, Sawyer Graham, Sophia Martinez, Lisette Hunter, Jorjoh Samba, Dulce Marban, Xavier Brown, Lane Ivy, BreAnna McMillan, Kenley Belcher, Peyton Cleveland, and Annaka Boyd. Alongside the seniors’ presentations, they were accompanied by their families and a speech by their chosen teacher.
The annual Winterfest celebration is a much awaited event, where talented individuals have the opportunity to showcase their abilities and skills. Not only is it about honoring the arts but it’s a moment of acknowledgement to the graduating classes’ exceptional students.
