While playing a game on Archer’s back field, seventh grader Nina Tooke’s broke her hand playing Capture the Flag in October. Tooke, a dancer, singer, violinist and actor couldn’t play the violin or dance but didn’t let that stall her musical growth. With her dad’s help in her recovery, she continued building strength to not only regain full use of her broken hand but also learn to be ambidextrous.
Because Tooke couldn’t practice dance at Archer with her broken hand, she continued to learn the dances from class at home. She said that it was her love and passion for dance that pushed her to continue striving for her best. Director of Archer’s dance program Andrea Locke said Tooke’s ability to catch onto the dances quickly and efficiently was evident in class.
Tooke always has a growth mindset, Locke said, and is never reluctant to go above and beyond in class. She never seen Tooke hesitate, and she was always willing to help others.
“[Nina is] very caring. There was one incident where she was, of course, hurt but also willing to assist one of the dancers,” Locke said. “Her personality is very caring from what I see — empathetic and joyful, uplifting.”
Tooke is also a member of the Middle C’s, the middle school choir. Her role as one of the group’s managers requires her to attend meetings, understand multiple aspects of music and be a role model to the class. Choir and a cappella director Bri Holland said that Tooke exceeds the requirements of the role, always tries her best and goes beyond what is required.
“Nina is a natural leader. She is so attentive whenever we’re learning pieces to the point that she can help teach other people their parts,” Holland said. “I can’t think of any occasion in choir or a cappella that Nina has not risen above and gone above and beyond to both make sure, again, that socially everything is functioning when it should be, and that she’s really on top of her music. And it’s extra remarkable that she’s part of the orchestra, too. That’s a lot of music to learn, and so far, she’s been completely on top of it.”
Holland said Tooke’s role as manager is a perfect fit for her personality and attitude as a choir student because she is a kind and supportive team member. Tooke said she likes the challenge and loves to support others in that role.
“It doesn’t put me in a position above other people, and I don’t like it when that happens. But, I still get to talk [and] go to the meetings and have a say in some of the stuff we do,” she said.
In the Middle C’s, Tooke sings as an alto in two pieces. Holland said that this is a more difficult role for a seventh grader; however, Tooke’s beautiful, rich and unique voice plays a great role in the success of the group.
“So, for example, in her alto part for one of our songs that we’re doing for the Middle Cs, the part’s really low. It’s really in the basement for even a low alto singer, and it camps there for a lot of the song … That hasn’t been the easiest, not vocally, but psychologically, on some of the other singers who are just sitting on that bottom note for like three minutes on the whole song,” Holland said. “But Nina not only took it as a fun challenge and a sort of focus challenge and a tone challenge but also rose to the occasion.”
Throughout her recovery process, Tooke said she faced ups and downs. The injury prevented her from engaging in many activities, including dancing and playing the violin. However, Tooke said receiving all the signatures on her cast helped her form new connections with her peers.
“People who never talked to me in my grade were suddenly like, ‘Oh my gosh, how’d you break your arm?’ ‘Oh my gosh, can I sign it?’ And I was like, ‘I feel so popular right now,'” Tooke said.
Tooke said she remained positive and consistently looked on the bright side of things. She said she worked hard to grow as a student and was determined to get back to her regular routine. Holland said Tooke leads with profound confidence and kindness and is excited to see her thrive in the future.
“I see her as absolutely a budding leader for her class and absolutely a budding leader for the music department,” Holland said. “I‘m really excited to hear everything she makes over the next six years at Archer.”
Adaline Butler • Jan 27, 2025 at 4:34 pm
Good job Nina!!!!
Rita Suarez • Jan 27, 2025 at 10:29 am
What a well rounded student!! Not only should her parents, friends and family be proud but also all the educators from Archer. Kudos to all but particularly to Nina Took who has strived to be the best that she can be!!!
Rita Suarez
Retired teacher
Miami Dade County Public Schools
Miranda B. • Jan 27, 2025 at 9:39 am
Way to go, Nina!!