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CURTIS OSTRANDER	DUAINE HARDING
ELEANOR TODD	ELMER "BUD" HAHN
GERVASE KILEY	MARIAN SUTTON
ORLO KIRKUM	SLAVA KOKOTOVICH
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OSCAR WINNERS. Above, students dressed as authors and characters to accept OSCAR awards. From left, Nick Hepner, Adam Gregersen, Avery Beadle, Madeline Geffert, Rachel Watson, Brennen Albrecht, Jaslynn Hilt, Jodie Bosheers, Kristin Taylor and Joe Saliba. Below, sixth-grader Brennen Albrecht, dressed as Harry Potter, signs his autograph for a fan while making his way down the red carpet to the OSCAR awards.
(Observer photos by Chris Gray)

Characters and 'authors'
accept OSCARs at Powell

Ceremony encouraged
students to read

by CHRIS GRAY
Observer Staff Writer

      It may have been morning, but with all the glitz, glamour and autograph requests Powell Middle School's cafeteria transformed into a star-studded night of awards.
       Students dressed as famous characters and authors accepted awards during the third annual Powell Middle School's Our Students Care About Reading (OSCAR) awards on April 11, a ceremony honoring the favorite books students read during "March is Reading Month."

During the month of March, sixth-grade students made sure to read as many nominated books or series they could get their hands on so they could cast a vote on April 2 for categories like best setting, best fantasy/science fiction, and best female protagonist.
       The celebration, created by the language arts program, is a way to help encourage students to read and introduce books they may not hear of on their own, said language arts teacher Russell Clark. He was one of eight Powell staff members who dressed up for the occasion and presented an award.
       "There are several instances where, now that they heard about the book or hear their fellow students say it's good, I notice a lot of kids checking out more books when I take them to the library," he said. "It is definitely encouraging kids to read, and I see that firsthand as a language arts teacher."
       Before any awards were presented, a video was shown to stress the importance of reading. Soldiers, firefighters, a judge, a guitar player, educators and others all spoke on how important reading is to their careers. Even the crew from the 95.5 FM "Mojo in the Morning" program expressed the importance of reading.
       "I think they like seeing people they know telling them the importance of reading," said sixth and eighth-grade language arts teacher Allison Stein. "It's nice to do something to celebrate them and reading as well, that is what it's really all about, to encourage them to read."
       To add to the atmosphere, teachers dressed in tuxedos and formal dresses, and the cafeteria was transformed into a glimmering stage. Even a red carpet was rolled out just outside the cafeteria entrance.
       As sixth-graders, both dressed normally and in costume, entered the gym, students from other grades cheered and snapped pictures, acting like crazed fans and paparazzi.
       Sixth-grader Brennen Albrecht was dressed as Harry Potter from the famous wizard novels by J.K. Rowling. He walked in with fans screaming his name, confident he would win an award.
       "I've read all the books, and I thought he was a good character," he said. "My character was chosen as the best male protagonist in past years, so I think my book will win this year."
       Indeed, the Harry Potter series proved to be the most popular amongst students, winning best fantasy/science fiction, best author, and best male protagonist. Students went up to the podium and thanked readers for supporting the books they represented.
       "Harry Potter has a strong presence every year," Stein said.
       Other awards included "Exploring the Titanic" as best nonfiction, Count Olaf from the Lemony Snicket series as the most outrageous character, and "The Chronicles of Narnia" series as best setting.
       Between presenting awards, students were randomly called up to the stage to answer trivia questions about the books they read. If they got the question right they were given a prize donated from Barnes & Noble.
       "Teachers and staff here really appreciate the support of the community," said Stein.
       Sixth-grader Juliana Palushaj said she read a lot of Nancy Drew books during the month, saying she likes mystery stories and suspense.
       "I think it's a great opportunity for kids to learn how to read better," she said.
       Shane Gardner said one of his favorite books, though it didn't win the award for best adventure/survival, was "Hatchet." He said he liked the OSCARs because it showed students a "lot of good books."
       "I liked the choices they made for the awards," he said. "And it was cool how they dressed up to look like the characters."