“Diversity Means” Is Theme of D.J. Montague “Reflections” Contest; Three Students Advance

The theme “Diversity Means…” inspired seven students at D.J .Montague Elementary to enter the PTA Reflections Contest this year.   Three of the seven D.J. students placed at the local level for the contest. Emma Clauberg, a first grader in Kelly Pastirik’s class, won first place in Visual Arts for the primary level.  Casey Schmidt, a fifth grader in Jessica Capano’s class, won first place in dance choreography for the intermediate level. Kate Clauberg, a fifth grader also in Capano’s class, won third place in photography for the intermediate level.  The two first place winners will move on to district level.

“I think it’s really cool, because I’ve entered three or four times and never made it past the WJCC level before,” Schmidt said.  Although she has entered the contest in years past, this was Schmidt’s first time entering the dance category.  She created a video of herself performing a mix of Irish and hip-hop dance.  Casey has been learning Irish dance for five years and just began to learn hip-hop this year.  She was inspired to mix the two styles to represent diversity in dance.

Photo Reflections:  From left: Casey Schmidt, Emma Clauberg, and Kate Clauberg.