NMS Scarecrows To Go

On Display This Saturday

By Eliza Hallabeck

This year’s My Favorite Scarecrow Contest is set to be on display this Saturday, October 20, to Sunday October 28, and Newtown Middle School art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather said this year’s participating eighth grade group is the largest yet.

NMS art teacher Claudia Mitchell estimates there will be slightly fewer than 50 scarecrows once student groups have completed setting up their scarecrows this Saturday.

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 proceeds 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.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for them to do larger-than-life sculpture,” said NMS art teacher Ellen Diker.

Ms Diker, who is helping to oversee the contest for the first time, also said the annual scarecrow contest is a good opportunity for students to work together.

Team members Rachael Sahlin, Jerusha Wright, Claire Hull, and Alexa Bedini have been meeting about three times a week to work on their scarecrow.

“We want to get there really early,” said Jerusha, about putting up the group’s scarecrow on Saturday.

Rachael said the girls have been busy making their proposed scarecrow, a version of a Shrek character called Lord Farquaad, who will scare away fairy tale creatures.

“It’s coming along,” said Jerusha this week.

Rian Frate also said her team is looking forward to Saturday. Rian said she has been working with Brielle Chieffo and Allie Muzzio to create a large nighthawk with a megaphone to scare away injuries that may harm athletes.

Rian said she has found the experience of working to create a scarecrow really fun.

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 this 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.