Murphy – It was all fun and games Friday at The Learning Center charter school, as children from all the classes showcased their creative talents through costumes, pumpkins and annual “Monster Maker Mash” Halloween displays.
The school hosted three separate contests – pumpkin carving, costumes and "Monster Maker" displays. Each contest had different categories, which allowed the children to display their talents in a variety of areas.
The pumpkin carving and painting contest was first, and proved to be a difficult task for the judges when trying to decide which ones would be voted first-, second- and third-place winners, each receiving a small cash prize for their efforts. For the pumpkin contest the judges looked at the painting, carving and the uniqueness of each pumpkin in order to determine the winners.
The next contest was the Halloween costume portion, and the participants were many. Judges looked at each costume from the different age groups and categories, then made their decisions based on creativity in the use of different items for an "up-cycled" look, superheroes and traditional costumes. There was even a category for staff members and groups.
Costumes portrayed everything from Spiderman, witches and scarecrows to hippies, scary clowns, a pig and even a can of cola.
The final portion of the Halloween contest was the "Monster Maker" project, in which each of the participants created their own sculptures out of various items they could pull together. Once again, the judges found it difficult to choose the winners.
The cafeteria provided ample space for students in the higher grades to display game booths with candy prizes for everyone who played. While inclement weather prevented the school's annual parade, there was no lack of fun and excitement among all who attended the day’s activities.