West Boca High Adding Performing Arts Academy

ByWarren Redlich

Principal Sommer in his office; photo by Warren Redlich
Principal Craig Sommer in his office; photo by Warren Redlich

West Boca High School has been known for some time for its outstanding band and drama group. They’re taking it up a notch by adding a fifth academy choice program for the coming year and beyond.
Principal Sommer was kind enough to meet with us in his office last week. He’s new to the school, and widely appreciated by parents, teachers and students. To oversimplify, there seem to be two kinds of principals. The old school model is to just keep the ship running well. The new approach, exemplified by Geoff McKee at Boca High is more active. Sommer seems to fit in with this, an energetic guy who wants to move the school ahead. He even mentioned the Marzano leadership model. As Sommer put it: “I don’t care about the numbers. I want every kid to have the opportunity they deserve.”
From the WBHS choice brochure
From the WBHS choice brochure

When we discussed the new academy Sommer was very excited. West Boca High’s enrollment is down by a couple hundred students and he hopes to bring in more kids which will allow the school to offer more options and opportunities.
WBHS Band director Lawrence (Larry) Shane
WBHS Band director Lawrence (Larry) Shane

Although details from the school district about the new academy are still sketchy, band director Larry Shane has expressed his enthusiasm. He is hopeful that the school will eventually add a second music teacher for Music Theory. Shane is currently caught up in the band’s upcoming trip to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade, a big honor for the school.
Drama Director Lance Blank with Cheryl Crout (left) and the Cappie for Young Frankenstein; and Eddie Datz (right), lead for that show as well as the Addams Family
Drama Director Lance Blank with Cheryl Crout (left) and the Cappie for Young Frankenstein; and Eddie Datz (right), lead for that show as well as the Addams Family

Drama Director Lance Blank has also been enthusiastic (as he seems to be about everything). We were unable to get a comment from him as he’s busy with the Noises Off show that starts next week.
The new academy will eventually include four tracks: Band/Music, Theatre, Chorus and Dance. Initially admission will be determined by lottery. Some involved are hopeful that it will eventually be done by audition but that will not happen right away if at all.
Like the other high schools in Boca, WBHS is already a strong school. Between its new principal and the incoming academy, its prospects are looking even brighter.
The school’s full choice brochure is below:
[gview file=”https://westbocanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/WB-Academy-Brochure-2015_16Web.pdf”]