Scholastic Art and Writing award winners abound from BEHS

Some of the award winners: Back row, L to R, Logan Hiltz, Michael MacFarland- Foley, Ian Jarvis, Lauren Bearor and Cassidy Grass. Front row, L to R: Michaella Tillo, Julia Morin, Kinsey Oliver, Tayler Johnson-Hartley, and Sydney Gillingham. Photo by Joanne Lannin

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BY GARRETT HAWXWELL
      Fourteen BEHS students earned an award or recognition for their writing in the Scholastic Writing Contest. They will be recognized at a ceremony at Hannaford Hall, at the University of Southern Maine, Portland campus on March 16 at 6 p.m. 
     Ian Jarvis was one of the winners, earning a Silver Key for his poem, Renaissance.
     “I enjoyed entering my piece in the contest and was happy to have been recognized,” said Ian.
     Two students won Gold Key awards: juniors Lauren Bearor for her short story, “Dark,” and Michael MacFarland-Foley for his poetry collection, “Outliers.”
      Other Silver key winners were Julia Morin for her personal essay, “Hunger,” Kinsey Oliver for her short story, “Silence,” Kayla Raymond for her personal essay, “A Change in Perspective,” and Tayler Johnson-Hartley for her short story, “Letters from an Insane Asylum.”
     Lauren and Michael’s works are also eligible for national recognition. Lauren’s short story is a nominee for a national American Voices award. Five works of writing from each region are selected by local judges as American Voices nominees, meaning that their work is judged to be “best in show” in terms of originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. National awards will be announced this spring.
      “While we often have some winners, this year’s number is unprecedented,” said English Dept. chair, Mr. Dan Murphy. “This contest provides a forum for students to write for an authentic audience. We’re fortunate to have such talented students willing to showcase their work and teachers like Ms. Maxwell and Ms. Lannin who take the time and effort to help them along the way.”

BY BRENNA FINN
   The Scholastic Art Awards winners have also been announced and Bonny Eagle High School art teacher, Mrs. Margaret Maxwell, is  thrilled that a few BEHS students have been honored for their work. 
   Michaella Tillo, a junior, has won a gold medal, a silver medal, and two honorable mentions for her art pieces. Sophomore Logan Hiltz claimed an honorable mention for his artwork. Seniors Polly Rae and Kelsey Hasty were recognized for their senior portfolio works.  
   Mrs. Maxwell explains that our school has been participating in the Scholastic Art Awards since 1989. Bonny Eagle was the first high school to participate in the Scholastic Art Awards. There have been winners from the school every year. Bonny Eagle is also the longest running school to take part in the competition. 
   The students will be mentioned in an upcoming issue of Scholastic Magazine. Over the years, many famous artists have been featured in this magazine, including Andy Warhol, Elizabeth Catlett, and Paul Gauguin. Mrs. Maxwell explains that acquiring the recognition alongside these famous artists is important for a student’s artistic lives. The opportunity allows them to “feel a part of the international scene.” 
   Not only do the students of our school win an award, but they are invited to attend an award ceremony Feb. 10 at the Maine College of Art in Portland. Sponsoring the event will be the State of Maine Sponsors. 
   “It’s a beautiful award ceremony,” Mrs. Maxwell said, voicing her appreciation. 


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