Local Youth Prepare for the Spotlight at Winters Mill High School

Carroll County Public Schools will recognize students on April 6 who might not otherwise find themselves in the spotlight.

The Kiwanis Club of Carroll County in conjunction with the Carroll County Public School system will host a Spotlight on Youth event Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sherri Bream, director of high schools, explains that this 5th annual event is intended to highlight the types of skills and talents that don’t always receive as much recognition.

“Many times the sports or drama type productions get a lot of attention; this event is intended to spotlight a number of events that students participate in all year long that don’t get as much recognition,” Bream said.

While the Kiwanis Club has provided support in the planning and production each year, they also help by providing judges for many of the contests as well as monetary awards. 

This year, McDaniel College and Carroll Community College have been working together with the Kiwanis Club to help donate additional funds to be given away to students and their schools at the awards ceremony. 

First, second and third place winners of each event will receive a medal and first place will receive a check for $50 and second place $25. 

Also, the student that wins first place in each event wins an additional $150 for his or home home school to be put directly toward programs that support his or her winning skill or talent. 

The event will feature the following:

• Juried Art Show: Artwork from each of the high schools will be on display representing five selected categories.
• Carroll Academic Challenge: The 10th Annual Carroll Academic Challenge will be held 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in which teams from each high school will compete in a double-elimination academic tournament.  The championship will take place in the media center at 11:30 a.m.  
• Chess Tournament: A single elimination chess tournament will be held beginning at 9 a.m. in the media center. 
• Debate Contest: A debate contest will take place beginning at 9 a.m. and will be judged by members of the Kiwanis Club.
• Film Festival: Each high school will submit two entries in the following categories: broadcast journalism, animation/experimental and short film.  Each submission will be shown throughout the morning in the auditorium.
• Floral Design Contest: Students will be provided floral supplies and asked to create an arrangement in a set period of time.  
• Instrumental Selections: Instrumental selections will be presented in the rotunda throughout the morning.
• Dance Exhibitions: Students will perform dance exhibitions throughout the morning in the auditorium.
• School Displays/Demonstrations: Newly added this year, students from various high schools will display and demonstrate creative programs or service projects they have been involved in throughout the year.  Projects will be presented for review in the rotunda.
• Awards Ceremony: An awards ceremony will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

While many friends, family members and peers of students who are participating are usually in attendance, the entire community is welcome to attend.

“I’d love to see more middle school students come out so to give them a taste of the types of activities they can be involved in once they reach high school,” Bream said.