A start of a New Year, thought of dinosaurs ruling Earth thousands of years ago, brightness and awe of fireworks flashing in the sky.
These were just a few ideas behind pieces submitted to the Reflections Program Contest at Bailey Lake Elementary School.
The theme for this year’s contest was ‘Wow!?
Participants could draw, compose, photograph, create anything that made them go wow. With each piece of work the artist wrote in their statement how the piece connects with the theme.
Reflections Chairs Mary Beth VanBuskirk and Laura Pangori received 62 entries from Bailey Lake students.
First- and second-place winners competed at the state level, Monday.
‘We will have a reception in April for all of the kids that participated,? sad Pangori. ‘The artwork is displayed for the parents to view. We have a pizza party or some kind of party.?
Pangori and VanBuskirk told the students it was up to them what kinds of party they wanted.
‘Pizza, ice cream, we don’t know what kind of idea they will come up with,? Pangori said.
Each child will also be honored with a medal.
The theme was presented to the students in November, and projects were due when the students came back from Christmas break, Jan. 5.
Students submitted works in literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts, dance choregraphy, and film/video production.
The pieces are divided into two grade categories, Primary, for Preschool through second grade; and Intermediate for grades 3-5.
Volunteers judged students? work, including Keegan Sulecki, literature; Elizabeth Egan, musical composition; Jayme Junga and Wendi Reardon, photography; and Amy Cicchini, visual arts.
Each judge looked at students? work and considered how it connected with the theme. They left artists with a few comments and picked winners for each category.
Reflections gives children an opportunity to enhance their learning experience through art and brings their imaginations to life, Pangori said.
Springfield Plains and Pine Knob elementary schools also offer Reflections programs through their PTA.