Date: Fri 13-Feb-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

schools-Reflections

Full Text:

An Opportunity For Expression: Reflecting On The Wonderful

(with cuts)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if..."

Each year students in schools across the state are invited to submit

literature, photography, art and music which explores an open-ended question.

This year, students explored "Wouldn't it be wonderful if..."

Middle Gate School had a record number of entries for the Reflections Contest

this year, with 46 outstanding entries.

Gary Hexom, principal at Middle Gate School, attributes the great response to

the hard work of the many parent volunteers, headed up by Ann DeLaVega and

Helene Ciarelli, and the many talented students at the school.

Students, like Tyler Law of Sandy Hook School, combined their personal

philosophy with their technical skill to produce unique works of art.

He picked two of his favorite people for the photo shoot at Ashlar, his

brother Carter and his friend Betty Fairchild.

Tyler got to know Ms Fairchild from attending summer camp at Ashlar and

working on the Special Olympics.

His mother, Heather Law, said that from a very young age Tyler has loved being

around both handicapped and elderly people.

Tyler wrote, "I am inspired by the amount of knowledge and life experiences

that elderly people have to share. As a younger generation, we should take the

time to listen and learn. They have so much to offer."

Tyler particularly enjoyed hearing Ms Fairchild's descriptions of her

childhood in Scotland, and how she came to this country as a governess for a

1920s actress.

Tyler used a 35mm camera set on a tripod for the shot that is being sent to

the state PTA office for judging along with works of art by other young

artists.