MOUNT VERNON — As they did last year, pupils at Wiggin Street Elementary swept the elementary divisions in the 2010 Mount Vernon City Schools Japanese-inspired art contest. High school social studies teacher Rob Fetters said there were hundreds of entries this year, and the judges did not have an easy time selecting the winners.
At an awards presentation held May 28, Fetters thanked all of the students who participated in the contest and the people — parents, teachers, principals, school superintendent, school board and community — who are supportive of them.
“In many and various ways,” he said, “we are truly a talented school district.
“The Ohio State University Institute for Japanese Studies provided $500 for this contest,” continued Fetters, “and we thank them, especially Janet Stucky Smith. Through their generosity, students will be receiving $50 first prizes, $25 second prizes and $10 third prizes.”
Smith was at Mount Vernon to present the prizes, and explained why the institute sponsors the school events.
“Part of our mission is to help educate about Japan, its culture and customs,” she said. “This contest is one way to do that.”