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Middlebury Elementary School Student, Christian S. Wins 2007 Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest Middlebury Elementary School, fourth grade student, Christian S. is the state winner of the 2007 Annual Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest. The Statewide competition is designed to promote child and adult awareness of the responsibilities of fire prevention. The contest theme is “Fire Prevention – Everyone/Everyday”, and contest rules state these words must appear on all poster contest entries. Judging criteria is based on neatness and readability, originality in idea and treatment, using other phrases that convey the message, artwork that is related to the theme and the emotional impact of the poster. “Everyone should participate in fire prevention every day,” says Christian. “Also, you should be smart and be safe”. “Be Smart, Be Safe” are the words predominantly featured in Christian’s poster, that helped make it stand out from over 30,000 contest entries. Droplets of blue water that reveal what you should and should not do to prevent a fire, spout from a flame colored fire hydrant at the center of Christian’s poster. The primary colors are vibrant and eye catching and the message is clear. The poster contest begins each year in early October and is open to fourth and fifth graders in private, parochial and public schools. The contest, which promotes a joint education effort between elementary schools and fire services, is organized by teachers in cooperation with the contest sponsors: The Connecticut Fire Marshals' Association, Office of State Fire Marshal, Connecticut Fire Chiefs' Association, State Board of Education, and the Connecticut FAIR Plan, which represents the insurance industry. Christian, who would like to become an art teacher or professional artist, readily admits to receiving suggestions and guidance from his family as well as his art teacher, Kathleen Miller. But, it is clear when speaking to Christian, that all the credit for the win belongs to him. The State winner was announced at a March luncheon held for all county winners. Christian, who attended with members of his family, Mrs. Miller, MES Principal, Jack Zamary, and his 4th grade teacher, Ellen Shugrue, said, “I almost fainted from shock, when my name was called. I was overjoyed because it’s such a great accomplishment. It made my parents really proud because I did it on my own.” “Christian was wonderfully composed when called to the podium and handed a microphone,” said Mrs. Miller. “He was able to express the importance of fire prevention while speaking in front of a room filled with fire officials. I really do stress the importance of the lesson along with the art and it was gratifying that he was such an excellent spokesman. It makes him all the more deserving,” she said. In addition to the cash awards, savings bonds and certificates of achievement received at the local, county and state levels, Christian says one of the best things about winning was that his friends were happy for him and offered their congratulations. Christian reminds us all, “Always check your smoke detectors and follow all the proper steps, like don’t smoke in bed, don’t leave candles burning, have a family plan to get out of the house and call 911 if a fire breaks out. All the things you should do that are smart will help you to be safe,” he says.  |