Miniature crochet manatees made by freshman Adelia Torvik will be making their appearance at the theater troupe’s performance of “9 to 5” on Saturday. 

Originally, Torvik and freshman August Terry were crocheting these manatees for the Florida Junior Classical League State Latin Forum, but Torvik said she decided to branch out with the encouragement of theater teacher Caroline Miller.

“I had made some manatees out of some fun yarn that I found at JOANN, and Ms. Miller saw,” Torvik said. “She loves manatees and encouraged me to sell them at the musical and I agreed.”

The manatees are created with yellow, turquoise, pink and white yarn, are about two inches long, and will be sold at the auditorium across from the concession stand during the intermission of the show. 

“They will be sold at the Saturday 1:00 p.m. show, and if supplies last, also the 7:00 p.m. show,” Torvik said. 

Terry said he has some concerns about whether Torvik will be able to create the manatees needed for the “9 to 5” musical and for the State Latin Forum. Torvik currently has five manatees made, but she plans to have 10-12 available by the show, each sold for $12. The profits will be dedicated to the Theater Boosters, a parent theater program that runs the theater tickets, concessions, raffle baskets, advertising and the outside face of the theater program. Torvik will also keep some of the money for herself. 

“I’m happy that she’s selling these manatees and branching out, but she was supposed to be helping me with the manatees for States,” Terry said. “I think we’ll be okay, though.” 

By Keeley Sorgenfrei