At right, National Silver Key Award winner Victoria Xu of Briarcliff Manor
High Schooler Wins National Silver Key Award
Briarcliff High School Junior, Victoria Xu, was awarded the National Silver Key Award for her oil painting entitled, “The City that Never Sleeps.” A component of the Scholastic, Inc. Art and Writing Program, the National Silver Key Award is a nationwide contest open to students in grades 7-12. Winners can earn scholarships or have their work
professionally published or exhibited. Entries are judged on originality, technical skill, and a personal voice or vision. This is the second year in a row that Xu has been honored, as her entry last year won her a Regional Silver Key Award.
Middle Schoolers Create and Fill “Empty Bowls”
This is the first year that Briarcliff MIddle School has participated in the Empty Bowl Project, which is an international project. “The idea is to help end hunger,” said Jessica Dubin, the coordinating teacher for the event. “Sharing a simple meal of bread and soup is something in which we can all participate.”
Destination Imagination Team to Compete for Global Title
The Briarcliff team chose “Dig In,” which required them to design and build a device that could detect and remove objects hidden inside containers. In addition, the team had to create an artistic skit to accompany their theme. Their performance, a parody of “Willy Wonka,” involved a tour of McRonald’s Fish Patty Factory.
“The DI program is very worthwhile,” said Olivia. “I enjoy building random things in my garage and I think DI helps you to realize that you can make something work out if you really want it enough.”
Kindergarteners Enjoy Author’s Creepy Carrots
Mr. Brown, whose visit was made possible through the generosity of the Todd PTA, showed the students the first story he ever wrote, entitled “The Adventures of My Dog Buffy,” talked with them about his inspirations, and read from his successful children’s book, “Mr. Tiger Goes Wild.”