Student Artist & Musician Profiles
Meet the artists, musicians, makers, and creative voices in our community. Each profile celebrates individual interests, influences, accomplishments, and the creative work that makes every student unique.
Lauren Rittenhouse
Drummer • Singer-Songwriter • Visual Artist
Born February 7, 1979
Lauren Rittenhouse is the drummer of Solar Flair and has also sat in with several local bands. A singer-songwriter with a special love for writing lyrics, Lauren's passion for music was inspired in part by her family and continues to be an important part of her creative life. She is equally enthusiastic about visual art, working in mosaics, painting, drawing, and ceramics. Lauren is determined to never give up her passion for music and art.
Musical Tastes
Lauren loves heavy metal and grunge rock, especially Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam.
Artistic Tastes
She enjoys creating mosaics, paintings, drawings, and ceramic pieces.
Creative Interests
Drumming, singing, songwriting, lyric writing, visual art, ceramics, baking, and cooking.
Beyond the Arts
Lauren is an avid baker and chef - especially known for her cherry cheesecake. She also loves traveling and attending theater productions.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Drummer for Solar Flair; has performed as a sit-in musician with several local bands; singer-songwriter and lyricist; active visual artist working across multiple media.
Max Pankey
Lead Guitarist • Vocalist
Born May 2, 1995
Max Pankey is the lead guitarist of Solar Flair and also contributes vocals. He can often be found rocking out with his seafoam green Fender Stratocaster. Max is also featured in the Free to Rock video, showcasing his enthusiasm for music and performance.
Musical Tastes
Some of Max's musical inspirations include The Rolling Stones, Journey, Guns N' Roses, and Green Day.
Creative Interests
Playing lead guitar, performing with Solar Flair, singing, and exploring music through some of his favorite rock artists.
Other Interests
Max enjoys working on computers, going to the mall, bowling, and playing tennis.
Favorite Activities
He also likes going to the movies, dining out, and taking vacations.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Lead guitarist and vocalist for Solar Flair; featured in the Free to Rock video; known for performing with his seafoam green Fender Stratocaster.
Jakob Bialas
Vocalist • Percussionist • Ceramic Artist
Born October 10, 1995
Jakob Bialas loves being part of a team and helping his friends. Music is one of the ways he shares that enthusiasm: he enjoys singing and playing hand percussion in the band. Jakob is also a creative ceramic artist who enjoys both working on the pottery wheel and hand-building with clay. His interests extend from sports and movies to time with family, and some of his favorite memories come from experiences they have shared together.
Musical Tastes
Jakob is a big fan of Deep Purple and KISS and enjoys singing and playing hand percussion with the band.
Artistic Interests
He loves ceramics, especially working on the pottery wheel and hand-building pieces with clay. His favorite color is blue.
Sports & Activities
Jakob enjoys watching sports with his father, swimming, bowling, and being part of a team. His father played professional baseball for the Freshers.
Favorite Things
Jakob loves Star Wars and has a fond memory of going to see The Lion King musical.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Vocalist and hand-percussion player in the band; ceramic artist experienced with both pottery-wheel work and hand-building; a supportive friend and enthusiastic team member.
Kellie Garcia
Singer • Dancer • Visual Artist
Born April 18, 1984
Kellie Garcia loves to dance and sing with Solar Flair. Her creativity also reaches into visual art, pottery, and gaming. She enjoys drawing natural and organic subject matter and working with clay, and she hopes to bring her imagination into the digital world by creating her own game on Roblox. Kellie enjoys staying active, spending time with friends, and making the most of outings and new experiences.
Music & Performance
Kellie enjoys singing and dancing with Solar Flair and expressing herself through live performance.
Artistic Interests
She likes drawing natural and organic subject matter and also enjoys pottery and working with clay.
Gaming & Technology
Kellie enjoys Roblox, an online gaming and game-creation platform, and aspires to create a game of her own within the platform.
Favorite Activities
She loves shopping, going to the movies, dinner dates, and trips to the beach. She also exercises and swims at the YMCA, plays tennis, and participates in bowling.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Singer and dancer with Solar Flair; active visual artist and pottery maker; developing an interest in digital game creation through Roblox; participates in swimming, tennis, and bowling.
Stephen Ciecierski
Drummer • Percussionist • Visual Artist
Born March 31, 1993
Stephen Ciecierski enjoys making music, creating art, staying active, and spending time with friends. He plays drums and hand percussion with Solar Flair and especially enjoys the energy of rhythm and group performance. Stephen also expresses himself through abstract painting and enjoys activities that keep him moving, including DrumFIT, swimming, walking, and trips to the beach.
Music & Performance
Stephen plays drums and hand percussion with Solar Flair. His favorite song is “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, and music is an important part of the activities he enjoys most.
Artistic Interests
He enjoys painting abstract artwork and using color, shape, and imagination to express himself creatively.
Fitness & Recreation
Stephen especially enjoys the DrumFIT exercise program and working out. He also likes going for walks, swimming at the pool, visiting the beach, and riding the bus.
Favorite Activities
He is a big fan of music, painting, watching movies, and being with friends.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Drummer and hand percussionist with Solar Flair; active participant in DrumFIT and fitness activities; abstract painter; and an enthusiastic member of his creative and social community.
Janina Princess Gordon
Janina Princess Gordon loves music, dancing, singing, and expressing her creativity in colorful ways. She especially enjoys Michael Jackson, pop, and rap music and is learning to play the keyboard. Janina also has big goals for the future, including becoming a cheerleader and model. She enjoys drawing and writing with colorful markers and loves settling in for scary movies and thrillers.
Creative Community Member
Musical Tastes
Janina loves Michael Jackson along with pop and rap music. She is currently learning to play the keyboard.
Performance & Aspirations
She loves dancing and singing and aspires to be a cheerleader and a model.
Creative Interests
Janina enjoys drawing and writing with colorful markers and finding bright, expressive ways to be creative.
Favorite Entertainment
She loves watching scary movies and thrillers.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Learning keyboard; active singer and dancer; creative artist who enjoys drawing and colorful writing; and an aspiring cheerleader and model.
Stephan Coover
Visual Artist • Ceramic Artist • Disney & Comics Fan
Born September 8, 1979
Stephan Coover is a creative artist who enjoys painting portraits of figures and celebrities and working with clay on the pottery wheel. He is also an avid bowler and a devoted fan of Disney and Marvel. Music is another favorite part of his life, with “Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood among his favorite songs.
Visual Art & Ceramics
Stephan enjoys painting portraits of figures and celebrities. He also loves working with clay on the pottery wheel.
Favorite Characters & Stories
He loves everything Disney, especially Mickey, Minnie and the gang, Beauty and the Beast , and Sleeping Beauty . He is also a big Marvel fan and enjoys comics.
Music
Two of Stephan’s favorite songs are “Hotel California” by the Eagles and “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood.
Activities
Stephan is an avid bowler and enjoys spending time on creative projects and the things he loves.
Accomplishments & Highlights
Portrait painter; pottery-wheel artist; avid bowler; Disney and Marvel enthusiast; and music fan with a strong appreciation for classic songs.
Jay Baker
Music Fan • Rap Enthusiast • Ceramic Artist
Born March 31, 1990
Jay loves listening to music and rapping. His musical favorites include Rick Ross, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, T-Pain, and Dr. Dre. He also enjoys watching BET. Jay is creative with clay, building objects and sculptures and adding expressive faces to his pieces before painting and glazing them.
Music & Performance
Jay enjoys listening to music and rapping. Some of his favorite artists are Rick Ross, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, T-Pain, and Dr. Dre.
Art & Ceramics
He enjoys making objects and sculptures with clay, especially creating faces on his sculptures. He also likes painting and glazing his finished work.
Sports & Activities
Jay loves basketball and bowling. He also enjoys participating in Special Olympics track and field and swimming.
Entertainment
Along with music, Jay enjoys watching BET.
Creative Highlights
Rapping, ceramic sculpture, painting and glazing, basketball, bowling, track and field, and swimming are all important parts of Jay’s interests and creative life.
Andrew Radvil
Singer & Percussionist • Actor • Retro Gaming Fan
Born November 24, 1971
Andrew enjoys classic and retro video games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man . He also loves bowling, playing the tambourine, and singing in Solar Flair. Andrew enjoys acting with Rising Starz Theater Group, and his favorite past production is South Pacific .
Music & Performance
Andrew plays tambourine and sings in Solar Flair. His favorite song is “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
Theater
He loves acting with Rising Starz Theater Group. One of his favorite past productions is South Pacific .
Games & Activities
Andrew enjoys classic and retro video games, especially Space Invaders and Pac-Man , and he also loves bowling.
Creative Highlights
Singing, tambourine, theater, bowling, and classic gaming are all important parts of Andrew’s interests and creative life.
Trinity Coffee
Singer & Percussionist • Visual Artist • Music Lover
Born September 14, 1978
Trinity loves music, singing, and creative expression. Her musical tastes include Bob Marley, soca and reggae music, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Cranberries. She sings and plays cowbell in Solar Flair and also enjoys drawing and painting.
Music & Performance
Trinity loves to sing and play cowbell in Solar Flair. She enjoys Bob Marley, soca and reggae music, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Cranberries.
Art & Creativity
She loves to draw and paint and enjoys expressing herself through visual art.
Favorite Ways to Relax
Trinity likes spending time at home watching movies and listening to music with her wife, Lauren.
A Favorite Treat
Trinity loves a good stack of pancakes.
Devonte Tennell
Singer & Dancer • Theater Performer • Solar Flair Member
Born September 25, 1992
Devonte is dedicated to theater, music, and performance. He joined Solar Flair in 2025 after playing one of the lead roles in the Rising Stars Theater Group production of Across the Universe. A fantastic singer and dancer, Devonte enjoys hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.
Music & Performance
Devonte is a talented singer and dancer who enjoys hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.
Solar Flair
He joined Solar Flair in 2025 and performs covers including Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” and “Beat It.”
Theater
Devonte played one of the lead roles in the Rising Stars Theater Group production of Across the Universe.
Creative Highlights
Singing, dancing, theater, and live musical performance are central to Devonte’s creative work.
Angela Berkey
Singer • Theater Performer • Solar Flair Frontwoman
Born April 4, 1996
Angela is an aspiring singer who loves performing with Solar Flair and has participated in several Rising Starz Theater Group productions. She played the female lead in the group’s last two productions, Across the Universe and Our Wicked Truth. As a frontwoman in Solar Flair, Angela enjoys performing songs by artists including Pat Benatar and Aretha Franklin.
Music & Performance
Angela is an aspiring singer and a frontwoman in Solar Flair. She especially enjoys performing songs by Pat Benatar and Aretha Franklin.
Theater
She has participated in several Rising Starz Theater Group productions and loves performing on stage.
Leading Roles
Angela played the female lead in the group’s last two productions, Across the Universe and Our Wicked Truth.
Creative Highlights
Singing, theater, and live performance are at the heart of Angela’s creative work.
Michelle Jovanov
Singer • Dancer • Visual & Ceramic Artist
Born June 24, 1978
Michelle loves expressing herself through art, music, and dance. She enjoys drawing and painting, working with pottery on the wheel, and singing songs by Celine Dion. Michelle is also a very active dancer with a big, vibrant personality.
Art & Creativity
Michelle loves to draw and paint and enjoys expressing herself through visual art.
Music
She loves to sing, especially songs by Celine Dion.
Pottery
Michelle enjoys working with clay and creating pottery on the wheel.
Dance & Personality
She is a very active dancer with a big, vibrant personality that shines through in her creative activities.
Ian Nolan
Bassist • Guitar Collector • Rock & Metal Fan
Born June 12, 1990
Ian is the bass player in Solar Flair and a dedicated fan of rock and metal. He collects guitars and counts Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Van Halen among his favorite bands. Ian is a friend to all, runs his own dog-walking business, and loves going to see live music in his free time.
Solar Flair
Ian plays bass in Solar Flair and brings his love of rock and metal to the band.
Musical Influences
Some of his favorite bands include Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Van Halen.
Guitars & Live Music
Ian collects guitars and enjoys going out to watch live music in his free time.
Beyond Music
Ian is a friend to all and has his own dog-walking business.
Marina Deandrea Matteo
Artist • Singer & Percussionist • Aspiring Trumpet Player
Born December 25, 1998
Marina loves crafts and painting, especially creating paintings of flowers. She enjoys Tom Petty and salsa music and aspires to learn to play the trumpet. Marina also performs with Solar Flair, where she plays shakers and sometimes sings.
Art & Creativity
Marina enjoys crafts and loves to paint, with flowers being one of her favorite subjects.
Music
Her musical tastes include Tom Petty and salsa music.
Solar Flair
Marina plays shakers and sometimes sings with Solar Flair.
Musical Goal
She aspires to learn to play the trumpet and continue expanding her musical talents.
Dale Willever
Aspiring Guitarist • Theater Performer • Music & Dance Enthusiast
Born August 1, 2003
Dale loves spending time with his family and enjoys playing and listening to music, dancing, and being part of a team. He is learning to play the guitar and enjoys exploring his musical talents. Dale also loves bowling and acting with the Rising Starz Theater Group.
Music & Dance
Dale enjoys playing and listening to music and loves to dance.
Learning Guitar
He is learning to play the guitar and enjoys developing his skills as a musician.
Theater
Dale enjoys acting and participating in productions with the Rising Starz Theater Group.
Family & Activities
Dale loves spending time with his family, enjoys bowling, and is a great team player.