Each year as the leaves turn color and the air cools, residents of Newtown can begin expecting to see scarecrows scattered across the Newtown Middle School lawn.

This year is no exception. The 18th annual My Favorite Scarecrow Sculpture Contest is already underway, with students planning and constructing their entries for the big unveiling on October 18.

Each year, prior to Halloween, groups of eighth grade students are challenged to design and create a “larger than life” scarecrow not only with a theme, but also with the durability to survive inclement weather. This fall tradition was inspired by Board of Education member John Vouros during his time as a Newtown Middle School educator, according to NMS art teacher Arlene Spoonfeather. 

“The students take the challenge as a community service,” Ms Spoonfeather said.

Students and community members cast their votes for their favorites in dollar donations, with the money generated split among the three top vote-getters and donated to the charity of the winners’ choice.

Last year, the top winning scarecrows were “Scrat,” created by Teresa Forlenzo and Rachel O’Grady; “One Direction Minions,” created by Priya Deraney, Izzy Kaiser, and Caroline Viselli; and “Kevin,” created by Olivia Mubarek, Amanda Berry, Hana Rosenthal, Tess Mubarek, and Jessica Stolfi.

The students attended a kick-off meeting on September 2. They learned the contest rules and formed into teams of three or four. The teams are challenged to spend no more than $30 on supplies for their scarecrow. After this meeting, the contestants were free to begin working on their scarecrows at home, according to Ms Spoonfeather.

One of this year’s contestants, Lucy Henderson, said she has already begun thinking of where she would donate her winnings. “I want to donate to any cancer fund,” Lucy said.

Other students shared how much of the planning process they have completed.

“We’ve drawn it out and made a small scale model of it,” said fellow participant John Aubrach.

Approximately 30 scarecrows are expected to arrive on Saturday, October 18, according to Ms Spoonfeather. The artwork will be displayed for almost two weeks and will come down before Halloween.

Familiar characters, including a famous Disney character and a couple creepy figures as well, can be expected, according to the students. The students also shared excitement about being able to participate in the contest.

“Ever since we were little we would drive by and look at the scarecrows. I want other people to drive by and be like ‘Wow,’” contestant Katie Lurie said.

While the students were eager to begin their projects, they have already begun running into challenges.

Madeline Hossler said her group is barely past the planning stage. “Some of the challenge is getting all the people together at the same time,” Madeline said.

“The art department is always amazed at what our students have created in secrecy,” Ms Spoonfeather said.

Voting on the scarecrows will be open while the creations are on view for the public. Ballots will be available at the school and in the October 17 print edition of The Newtown Bee. Votes can be submitted with the accompanying $1 payment for each vote to either NMS or dropped off at The Bee’s 5 Church Hill Road office. Votes can also be submitted in person to volunteers overseeing the scarecrows on Saturday and Sunday, October 18 to 19, and Saturday, October 26, between 10 am and 4 pm.

However, winning is not the main concern for most of the groups.

“Winning isn’t important, I just want it to look good,” contestant Claire Dubois said.