Certain individuals may have their own unique way of expression, whether it be, through writing, music, and their own sense of style, but for Dario Rojas, it’s art. We’ve all seen Rojas somewhere. He’s on Eagle News, the “Addams Family” musical, the band, the art wing, and the costume contests.
He’s especially drawn to hands-on crafts, even making his own Halloween costumes. In fact, Rojas won the Wingspan costume contest in 2023 and 2024, for Cardboard Funtime Freddy and a Wizard-clown, respectively. Rojas was particularly proud of his most recent costume, turning seemingly random materials into something vibrant.
“I thrifted the pants, the two dress shirts, and then I cut the sleeves off of one of them, and then I went to Michaels to buy fabric for the collar,” said Rojas.
He then added to his materials with a pattern he found online, and for the hat, he came up with the idea to wrap a pool noodle in a paper cone.
“I would really rather make it than buy it, because it has a lot more originality,” said Rojas.
Just as a clown, Rojas will pull ideas straight out of thin air. Even small concepts like gifts he receives can become his next big project.
“I had gotten the inspiration [for the costume] from a little ceramic figurine that I had painted,” said Rojas. He had originally received the figurine as a gift from a friend, but even then, he had to put in his own touch.
The clown may have been just a Halloween character, but it encapsulates how Rojas really wants to express himself: performance.
Out of Rojas characters, most people recognize him from Eagle News as the only felt member, Kermit the Frog.
“I just thought it’d be funny to try something different for Eagle News,“ said Rojas. “I just stick with Kermit because that’s what they know me for.”
While Kermit is loud, Rojas is quiet. Each character Rojas plays is not an extension, but an externalised version of himself.
“It’s a part of me. Everything that I do is a part of me.” said Rojas ”Each one is a different way to cope with a different problem.”
It’s not a distraction either. Even if the characters are based on an IP, he gives them their originality. It’s always his top priority.
With him taking this school year’s time to enjoy his interests, he does this to expose the best part of himself while also experiencing unforgettable moments in his very last year of adolescence. He wants to enjoy his life to the fullest and by doing that, Rojas tries to get himself out there by putting his creativity to use.
Rojas sees himself through his projects. He paints, bowls, makes wooden figures, LEGO cars, animals, and plants. He has even just started making ceramics his senior year. Like with many classes, he has wanted to do ceramics since his freshman year, but he didn’t have the time or room in his schedule to do so.
“I’m everywhere,” said Rojas. “Sometimes [it] gets overwhelming, too many things to keep track of.”
Besides all these activities bringing the best out of Rojas, his friends also have an influence on how he is and expresses himself.
“I like how I can see a part of myself through them, and all my friends I’ve gained a strong connection with,” said Rojas
In everything he does, Dario Rojas wants to leave an impression. His impressions become the full painting with his own creativity and hardwork.
“I want to be a part of the school’s community, ” Rojas said. “I just want to be part of something, I want people to recognize me and know what I did in my high school years.”
