High school hosts eighth annual Da Vinci Fest
Students browse the art at the eighth annual Da Vinci Fest.
January 27, 2014
Stillwater Area High School hosted the eighth annual Da Vinci Fest on January 11, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Da Vinci fest is a St. Croix Valley community event promoting student art, science and film projects. This free event is sponsored by The Partnership Plan (TPP) and is open to the public.
Da Vinci Fest is open to students in grades 4 – 12 who live within the boundaries of the Stillwater Area Public School district, regardless of which school they attend. In the spirit of Leonardo Da Vinci, it celebrates student achievement in the arts and sciences, and is the only one in the state to do so on such a large scale. Last year, hundreds of students participated and thousands attended. Organizers expect similar numbers this year.
“It is breathtaking and heartwarming to see the remarkable talent of the students in the St. Croix Valley.
— Beverly Petrie
“It is breathtaking and heartwarming to see the remarkable talent of the students in the St. Croix Valley,” said Beverly Petrie, Interim Executive Director of TPP.
Many years ago, TPP sponsored Art to Heart, an elementary school art event in which student art was framed and sold to the public. But the event began to falter for many different reasons. The leaders of TPP began to think of ways to rejuvenate the event. They wanted to create a new event that showcased the remarkable achievements of local students in art and science.
They chose the name Da Vinci Fest in the legacy of Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the foremost artists and scientists of his day. It began in Stillwater Junior High School, and was held there for several years before quickly outgrowing the space. It now takes up most of the main floor common rooms and hallways of SAHS, and draws about 2 thousand people each year.
This year there are 140 science students, 180 art students and 12 film fest students.
Many people are behind the scenes working on the production of the Da Vinci Fest. “We started thinking in the spring how to make it better, and the really serious planning started mid-fall,” said Petrie.
On the day of the Da Vinci Fest, students can barely recognize their own school. The main hallway of the school is completely filled with colorful poster boards and interactive science experiments. In addition to the entire main hallway, the gym, the cafeteria, the forum room, the Black Box and the art rooms are all decorated for the event.
“I volunteer because it is gratifying to feel as though you’ve played a small role in boosting the education of tomorrow’s leaders. At least that what it feels like to volunteer for The Partnership Plan,” said Petrie, who has been working with TPP for six years.
The Da Vinci Fest is a wonderful way for students to showcase their talent and also inspire others.
Eric Bromback • Feb 19, 2014 at 4:29 pm
The lead provides readers the information they need to understand the event and what’s happening. The DaVinci fest is an important event held at SAHS and the article did a great job explaining that.
Alex Magler • Feb 19, 2014 at 2:09 pm
The intro was very strong and informative and pulled me into the article very quickly. I think you did a good job explaining the da Vinci fest.
Luke Weisbrod • Feb 19, 2014 at 3:52 am
The Da Vinci Fest has caught my attention this year, and I am interested in this article because of that. I liked how the introduction gave me everything I had to ask and more.From your description of the school on the day of Da Vinci Fest, I am seriously considering coming just to see what SAHS looks like!
Colin Peters • Feb 19, 2014 at 1:02 am
This was very informative! I had no idea that so many people were involved in the event. It is cool to see what this event is actually like, I’ve heard about it for so long. Great job informing and keeping me entertained!
Olivia Braun • Feb 18, 2014 at 10:41 pm
This article uses very good language and content with little perks of descriptive words in just the right places. Links help to further add to the depth of the story and help the reader gain more insight. The headline does a great job of grabbing the readers attention!
emily ness • Feb 18, 2014 at 1:48 pm
The intro addressed who, what, where, when and why. Good job incorporating that information! Quotes were embedded nicely. The article contains many interesting facts. Compelling! The conclusion summed things up nicely!