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Junior auction raises self-esteem, funds
By ALEXANDRA CALDWELL
Article published on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 |
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![[Image]](/content_images/050708_cit-01.jpg) |
| Photo by Alexandra CALDWELL |
| Andres Puerta, 10, auctions off his family portrait at Skycrest Elementary April 17. Puerta’s teacher bought the painting then gave it back to him to give to his parents. |
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CLEARWATER – Painted scarecrows, family portraits, modern abstracts and clay fish plastered the wall and covered the tables at the auction. Junior artisans auctioned off their masterpieces – to their parents.
Skycrest Elementary in Clearwater, heralded as a school of the arts, held its annual art auction April 17, where 30 children auctioned their work in a fundraiser benefiting the art department.
Each of the 650 children in the school displayed their best work, and local professional artists demonstrated their talents, from pottery to balloon art.
The arts are infused throughout the curriculum at Skycrest, whether it’s music, drama, writing or visual arts, said Principal Sheila Jaquish.
“One of the things we really feel is that the more avenues a child has to express themselves really helps develop a positive culture within the academic environment,” Jaquish said.
The creativity helps foster a friendly, accepting culture, Jaquish said, and thus there are few disciplinary problems.
“For the past six years there was only one year in there that we were not an ‘A’ school,” Jaquish said. “And we are more than 66 percent minority children, we’re 75 percent free and reduced lunch and 47 of our children speak English as a second language, and academically they do very well.”
There are other strengths at the school that contribute to the success, but Jaquish feels the arts definitely play a role. Parents seem to agree.
For the last 10 years, Frances Bradford of Clearwater has had at least one of her four children at Skycrest Elementary. Finally, this is her youngest’s last year at the school.
“It’s turned out to be just the perfect experience for us,” Bradford said. “It’s sad for me to be wrapping up now. It’s been a long haul.”
Each of Bradford’s children has developed interests in the arts, which she doesn’t think would otherwise have been cultivated. One of Bradford’s 14-year-old twins, Rosalie, will enroll in the culinary arts program at Tarpon Springs High School in the fall.
“I can’t put a direct tie, but I know this is where her interest was cultivated. This is where she was allowed to express herself in different ways than in just a regular standard classroom,” Bradford said.
At the auction, parents bought most of the pieces to give back to their children. Aja Galioto, an 11-year-old fifth-grader, auctioned off an abstract piece she completed with dipping q-tips in paint.
“It’s my favorite thing that I did,” Galioto said. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Galioto’s mom, Traci, bought the painting for $15 and plans to buy a frame for the masterpiece. Traci said the arts are important so kids can express themselves in creative ways.
“I think (the auction) raises their self-esteem,” Traci said. “It’s something fun for them to do. And kids love to be the center of attention.”
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Article published on Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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