For this year's annual Newtown Middle School Student Showcase, held on the evening of April 24, artwork was hung on the walls, the school's Technology Education classroom was open, and musical performances were conducted on the school's auditorium stage.

The evening ran from 6 to 7, but before it opened students and family members were already entering the school's lobby, excited for the event. Students could be heard quickly bringing their parents to find artwork they had created. One parent was heard noting the time when the NMS Jazz Band would take the stage in the auditorium.

"This one is mine!" one girl exclaimed to her father near a display of clay fortune cookies created by seventh grade general art students.

The school's B-Gym was also open for the night for a Physical Education Family Sports Night, and Project Challenge presentations were offered in the school's library.

Larger-than-life cardboard shoe creations were on display in the lobby near furniture painted by NMS artists. One piece of furniture was a painted toilet, which also included planted flowers in its seat.

NMS art teachers Kristen Ladue and Leigh Anne Coles both said students put in a lot of effort this year, and it was on display for the Student Showcase. Ms Ladue said projects this year focused on learning skills, and Ms Coles explained students learned how to mix paint and blend colored pencils for one exercise.

"I'm truly impressed with this year's show," said Ms Coles.

Copies of this year's NMS student literary magazine Opus Optima were also on sale during the NMS Student Showcase.