NMS Prepares For The Return

Of The Scarecrows

By Eliza Hallabeck

The eighth grade students gathered in Newtown Middle School art teacher Claudia Mitchell’s room on Wednesday, September 12, were handed a sheet of paper preparing them for one of the most high-profile annual events in the district.

“This event is your gift to the town of Newtown,” the handout for the Annual My Favorite Scarecrow Contest read, “…every year the entire town awaits the creations you are about to construct!”

Wednesday marked the one meeting for all interested students in this year’s contest before the scarecrows will be put on display on the front lawn of the Queen Street school on Saturday, October 20, and remain on view through October 28.

Each year eighth grade student groups are challenged to create a larger-than-life scarecrow, designed to frighten away a demon of their choice, that can withstand inclement weather. Each student group is limited to spending a certain amount on its scarecrow, and this year that limit has been raised to $30 from $25. The creations are then put on display on Newtown Middle School’s front lawn, voted on by the public for $1 per vote, and the top three winning scarecrow groups receive the profits to donate to a charity of their choice.

Last year’s My Favorite Scarecrow Contest winner was “Monsters Inc,” or scarecrow 36, created by Michael Roche, Chris Grasso, Sam Duffy, and Kevin Finnegan.

When deciding who to work with on the project, Ms Mitchell told the students to keep in mind everyone has different strengths. Some students may be creative, some may have motivation, and some may have hands-on skill.

NMS art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather advised the students to use recycled items and clothes when possible instead of making those items from scratch.

Voting on the scarecrows will also be open while the creations are on view for the public. Ballots will be available at the school, online at www.newtownbee.com, and in the October 19 print edition of The Newtown Bee. Each vote will cost $1, with the top three winning groups awarding the money to a charity of their choice. Votes can be submitted with the accompanying payment to either NMS or dropped off at The Bee’s 5 Church Hill Road office.