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ESD 114: March Events Celebrated Student Achievement in the Arts and Writing

Two exciting events occurred recently at the Olympic ESD 114 celebrating student achievement, the Young Writer’s Conference, working with elementary students to promote writing, and the Regional High School Art Show, celebrating student creativity and skill.

Over 500 students from the OESD region participated in the Young Writer’s Conference held regionally March 22 and 28 at Olympic and Peninsula Community Colleges. Students from 12 local districts and five private schools sent students and teachers to participate in the all-day event.

Grouped with grade level peers and a teacher who presents a lesson and facilitates the sharing session, participants get to attend sessions from two noted professionals. This year, presenters included Charlie Williams, the Noise Guy, an author and vocal sound impressionist, specializing in onomatopoeia, a form of using words to imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they represent. Presenting a second workshop, Andrea Gabriel, a children’s book illustrator, spoke to students about training the “inner creative monkey,” how to produce results and tips on revision. Teachers tout the Young Writer’s Conference as a tool for encouraging students and sharing ideas, says teacher Carla Fontenot, “It makes me feel connected to my community.”

In a second event celebrating students, the 39th Annual Regional High School Art Show was on display and juried during the month of February. Student work was recognized in a packed reception hosted by OESD Media Coordinator, Sarah Freitas and Superintendent Walt Bigby at the Olympic ESD on the evening of March 7, 2012.

Students from 11 high schools submitted a total of 77 pieces, which were viewed and voted by visitors to the ESD. Judges chose seven pieces to advance to the state show, judged according to creativity, composition, technique and originality. An eighth piece was chosen as the People’s Choice Award, a result of the votes by visitors and viewers.

Current and past People’s Choice Awards are on permanent display in the foyer of the Olympic ESD, and the regional winners advancing to state will be on display at OSPI from April 9th - May 29th.

~Heather Tonder, OESD 114
Certification Specialist