25
s
c
t en
March 25, 2016
Serving the mid valley & upper lackawanna valley
Artistic Reflections
ON THE INSIDE
Local winners announced in annual scholastic art competition
Around Town
The latest happenings in our area Page 2
School News
What’s going on with your favorite student Page 10
Community Calendar
Plan some fun for the family this weekend Page 17
Bowling Scores
See who the top players were this week Page 22
Times-shamrock communiTy newspapers 149 Penn Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 Phone: (570) 348-9185 Fax: (570) 207-3448 E-mail: advantage@ timesshamrock.com
thevalleyadvantage.com
by Christopher Cornell ADVANTAGE EDITOR
More than 300 people gathered recently at Fiorelli’s in Peckville to recognize students from several area schools, including Mid Valley and Valley View, for their outstanding works of art. The art was created as part of the The National Reflections Arts in Education Program sponsored by the National PTA. Under the program, students around the country were given a theme, and then it’s up to the students to bring that theme to life through dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and other visual arts. See page 8 for a full list of winners. The awards given out that night were for competition at what is called the “council” level. From here, the winners will move on to regional, state and national levels. “We join together to honor the children who have participated in this adventure,” said Kimberly Borsdam, president of the local council’s board, “yet we are the ones who are truly honored; honored to have the opportunity to be amazed and inspired by the creativity of these young artists.” Officials say the program aims to increase awareness in the arts by tapping into criticalthinking skills, unleashing creative talents and encouraging self expression. One student from the Mid Valley School District, second-grader Wyatt Youngblood, has had his work reach the national level two years in a row. His work is on display at the Department of Education LBJ Education Building in Washington, D.C. Both Wyatt and his brother, Hunter, participate in the program. Their mother, Robin, said, “Hunter and Wyatt both have always had creative talents. Since they were little, they have loved to use their imagination to write stories, poems and even songs. As they have gotten older, they use their vivid imaginations to build their artwork in addition to writing.” Some students take the theme and personalize it. Abigail Cowley, a fifth-grader in the Valley View School District, entered her work as a
TS_CNG/ADVANTAGE/PAGES [A01] | 03/24/16
10:14 | CORNELLCHR
Reflections program winners from the Mid Valley, Valley View and Old Forge school districts gather to celebrate their medals.
tribute in honor of her friend who passed away from cancer just a few days before entries were due. She titled her entries “Children with Cancer Become Angels” and “The World Would Be a Better Place if Children Didn’t Have Cancer.” Her mom, Kelly, said, “It amazes me as a parent to see all the talent these children have each year. I’m very proud of my daughter and each and every student that enters.” Valley View also has a program for students with special needs. Alexander Slachta has a collection of medals won in the program. His mother, Jenn, said, “We have had our ups and downs with Alex medically. I’m so grateful for the Reflections program. Being an artist is the one thing he can do despite his disability. It has allowed him to shine even in the darkest moments.” Isabelle Palmiter enjoys the photography category. Her mother, Jamie, said, “Isabelle loves taking pictures of everything from her dogs, to nature, to friends at school. She uses photography to share with others how she sees the world.” Both of these students have become an inspiration to each other, their families, friends and classmates, officials said. For students who might want to get started on next year’s entries, that theme is “What Is Your Story?” For more information on the Re-
Wyatt (left) and Hunter Youngblood of Mid Valley.
flections Arts in Education Program, visit PTA. org/Reflections or see your school’s PTA representative. (Students in the Old Forge School District also received awards that evening. An article listing them appears in this week’s Triboro Banner, our sister publication.) Many thanks to Kim Borsdam, who provided invaluable support in preparing this article.