Miller Selected FCSAA Theatre Student Of The Month

Chipola College sophomore Drake Miller was selected as the Florida College System Activities Association Theatre Division Student of the Month for February 2021.

Miller is enrolled in the Theatre and Entertainment Technology AS program and is an integral part of the theatre tech program at Chipola College.

“Drake is usually the first student to volunteer for an assignment – no matter how large or how small. He is adept at stage carpentry, lighting, and sound engineering. His energetic positive attitude has been much appreciated especially in these last few months,” Chipola Director of Fine Arts Evelyn Ward said.  “Drake is diligent in his assignments and has an eye for detail. He is reliable, polite, and respectful of his fellow students and directors.”

Like so many theatres across the country, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced the Center for the Arts to go dark. Even though the college has not had a live production since February 2020, the tech students have been busy cleaning and organizing the space, repairing props and equipment, building sets for future productions, and focusing on their coursework projects to increase their skills and build their portfolios. Miller and his fellow students have been eager to work and have maintained an upbeat attitude in spite of the closures, rescheduling, and increased safety protocols.

In addition to being a student, Miller is a member of the 186 Engineer Company of the Alabama National Guard located in Dothan, Alabama. He was called into duty this January and traveled to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of our 46th President, Joe Biden.

“Amidst the turmoil of that time, we were proud to know one of our students was protecting our country and protecting our presidency,” Chipola Director of Technical Theatre Connie Smith said.  “While stationed in D.C., Miller remained dedicated to his coursework. He used any spare time afforded him to do his assignments and participate in his classes virtually. Drake is a dynamic leader in our program and we are proud that he is a leader in our community and our country as well. He sets an excellent example for our students and even his faculty, of what it means to serve with honor and humility.”