Newtown Middle School Scarecrow Contest Winners Announced

By Eliza Hallabeck

Following the postponement of collecting ballots due to the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the winners of this year’s Newtown Middle School My Favorite Scarecrow Contest have been named.

Created by Emily Neave, Julia Sughrue, and Ali Manfredi, “iPhone” came in first place; “Woodland King” created by Dawson Stout and Matt Krasnickas came in second; and “Tardis” created by Trevor Legeret, Katharine Humber, and Devon Covert came in third place.

The My Favorite Scarecrow Contest entries went on display Saturday, October 20, and remained on display until Sunday, October 28. Nearly 50 scarecrows were on display for the contest this year.

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 was $30. The creations are then put on display on Newtown Middle School’s front lawn, voted on by the public for $1 per vote.

This week, NMS teacher Arlene Spoonfeather announced “I Phone” creators Emily, Julia, and Ali have chosen to donate their scarecrow’s winnings to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Voting on the scarecrows was open while the creations were on view.