If you would like your classroom featured in area papers to acknowledge your student's efforts and accomplishments in regards to the Children's Project, please email Jenny @ andrewsj@millercollege.edu. I would LOVE to feature all of you - so please contact me with convenient times.
February 14, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jenny Andrews Marketing and Communications Director
Miller College
(269)660-8021, ext. 2921
andrewsj@millercollege.edu
MILLER COLLEGE CHILDREN’S THEATER
PROJECT ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND WINNERS
The Miller College Children’s Literature Project expanded its offerings this school year to include the Children’s Theater Project. The high school contest entailed adapting one of Cheri L. Hallwood’s books into a theatrical script. Mrs. Hallwood’s first book, Winter's First Snowflake, was the recipient of the 2007 Mom's Choice Award for "Most Outstanding Children's Book." Cheri's next book, The Curious Polka-Dot Present, received the prestigious "Mom's Choice Award." The third book, One Wish for Winifred Witch, is a delightful tale about a little witch's fear of the dark. Students received one copy of each book and had the choice as to which story they wanted to work with. There were 38 high school students that chose to participate from Marshall Public Schools, Pennfield Public Schools, and Harper Creek Community Schools.
The following individuals have been chosen to move to round two of the contest: For One Wish for Winifred Witch - Stephany Hatton and Brianna Dougherty, Harper Creek; Joellen Maurer, Harper Creek; Katherine Williams, Harper Creek. For The Curious Polka-Dot Present - Kate Belew, Marshall High School; Tori Lynn Bolton, Kimberly Knickerbocker, and Navreen Kaur, Harper Creek; Seth Berry and Tristan Bredehoft, Harper Creek. For Winter’s First Snowflake - Kyle Smith, Alexys Vandermel, and Christa Moody, Harper Creek.
These students now have until February 23rd to make any desired revisions to their script. Final winners will be announced by March 9th. Scripts chosen for first place will be produced at Harper Creek High School in May and will receive $250 cash; second place receives $150; and third will receive $50.
Miller College has partnered with individuals from the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall, Brendan Ragotzy, owner of The Barn Theatre, and Becky Locuson, instructor at Harper Creek High School in order to assure the success of this enormous endeavor. All individuals bring a tremendous amount of talent, experience, and credibility to the Project. Included with the Miller College Children’s Theater Contest is a very unique opportunity to work with Brendan, one-on-one, to fine tune the scripts and prepare them for production.
Casting calls for this production will be held March 15 - 16, 2011, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Harper Creek High School. The plays will debut on May 10, 2011, immediately following a book signing with Cheri Hallwood and other local authors. The end goal is to produce 15 – 20 minute plays of each book. Harper Creek High School has graciously offered the Theater Project the use of its beautiful auditorium for casting calls, rehearsals, and final production.
For more information on the Miller College Children’s Theater Project or Children’s Literature Project please call Jenny Andrews, Project Director, at (269) 660-8021, ext. 2921.
November 15, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jenny Andrews Marketing and Communications Director
Miller College
(269)660-8021, ext. 2921
andrewsj@millercollege.edu
MILLER COLLEGE OFFERS CHILDREN’S
THEATER PROJECT TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Miller College announces its Children’s Theater Project, currently being offered to all high school students in several school districts throughout Calhoun and Eaton counties. Information was sent to all English and Drama department contacts within the past two weeks. The high school contest is in conjunction with the previously established Miller College Children’s Literature Project currently taking place in multiple 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms.
The high school contest entails adapting one of Cheri L. Hallwood’s books into a theatrical script. Mrs. Hallwood’s first book, Winter's First Snowflake, gained critical acclaim and was the recipient of the 2007 Mom's Choice Award for "Most Outstanding Children's Book." In 2008, Cheri's next book, The Curious Polka-Dot Present, would show her passion for celebrating that special grandmother-granddaughter role by once again receiving the prestigious "Mom's Choice Award." Now, after two years in the making, Cheri introduces her third book, One Wish for Winifred Witch, a delightful tale about a little witch's fear of the dark. Students who choose to enter the contest will receive one copy of each book and will have the choice as to which story they would like to work with.
Included with the Miller College Children’s Theater Contest is a very unique opportunity to work with Brendan Ragotzy of The Barn Theatre, one-on-one, to fine tune the scripts and prepare them for production at Harper Creek High School on May 10, 2011, immediately following a book signing with Cheri Hallwood and other local authors. The end goal is to produce 15 – 20 minute plays of each book. Cash prizes of up to $250 will be awarded to all first place winners.
For more information on the contest, or to sign up, please email Project Director, Jenny Andrews at andrewsj@millercollege.edu or call (269) 660-8021, ext. 2921.
November 2, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jenny Andrews Marketing and Communications Director
Miller College
(269)660-8021, ext. 2921
andrewsj@millercollege.edu
THE 2010/2011 MILLER COLLEGE
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE PROJECT IS WELL UNDER WAY!
The Miller College Children’s Literature Project has begun in over 40 classrooms in public and private schools located throughout Calhoun and Eaton counties. There are currently 1,114 third, fourth, and fifth graders participating in the annual writing and illustration contest.
Award-winning children’s author and founder of Forever Young Publishers, Cheri Hallwood, and the talented artist, Patricia Rose, both of Niles, Michigan, have agreed to participate in all activities related to the 2010/2011 Project. Cheri’s first book, Winter's First Snowflake, gained critical acclaim and was the recipient of the 2007 Mom's Choice Award for "Most Outstanding Children's Book." In 2008, Cheri's next book, The Curious Polka-Dot Present, would show her passion for celebrating that special grandmother-granddaughter role by once again receiving the prestigious "Mom's Choice Award." Cheri’s most recent book, One Wish for Winifred Witch, is a delightful tale about a little witch's fear of the dark.
The Children’s Literature Project will conclude with several events, including an art exhibit, book sale and signing, theater production, and awards dinner – all of which are tentatively scheduled to take place in Spring, 2011. Participation in the Project has increased this year by more than 100 students and includes new schools that did not participate last year. The contest’s popularity is definitely spreading.
It is not too late to register! If you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade in Calhoun or Eaton County and would like to learn more, please contact Project Director, Jenny Andrews at (269) 660-8021, ext. 2921 or via email to andrewsj@millercollege.edu. For more information, please visit www.millercollege.edu/learning_project.
The Mission of the Miller College Children’s Learning Project is to enrich the appreciation of the world of learning for all school age children in Calhoun County by offering opportunities for our children to explore, learn, and develop their minds.
September 16, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jenny Andrews Marketing and Communications Director
Miller College
(269)660-8021, ext. 2921
andrewsj@millercollege.edu
10/11 MILLER COLLEGE CHILDREN’S LITERATURE PROJECT ANNOUNCES THIS YEAR’S AUTHOR AND ARTIST
Award-winning children’s author and founder of Forever Young Publishers, Cheri Hallwood, and the talented artist, Patricia Rose, both of Niles, Michigan, have agreed to participate in all activities related to the 2010/2011 Miller College Children’s Literature Project.
The Children’s Literature Project is set to begin in classrooms and homes in Calhoun County this fall and will conclude with several events, including an awards ceremony, book signing, and theater production, in April, 2011. The Project consists of a writing and illustration contest extended to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in public, private, and home school settings. Packets of information have been sent to all districts and classroom teachers are now beginning to sign up.
Cheri Hallwood’s first book, Winter's First Snowflake, gained critical acclaim and was the recipient of the 2007 Mom's Choice Award for "Most Outstanding Children's Book." In 2008, Cheri's next book, The Curious Polka-Dot Present, would show her passion for celebrating that special grandmother-granddaughter role by once again receiving the prestigious "Mom's Choice Award." Now, after two years in the making, Cheri introduces her third book, One Wish for Winifred Witch, a delightful tale about a little witch's fear of the dark.
Patricia Rose is the talented artist behind all three of Cheri’s books. As a freelance artist, Patricia’s primary focus is portraiture. Her medium of choice is pastel, although she enjoys watercolor and working with clay. She is a member of The Northern Indiana Pastel Society, The Buchanan Art Center, and The Niles Art Association. Wanting to pass on her love of art to young budding artists, Patricia teaches children’s classes and speaks at The Buchanan Art Center and at various schools.
“I am thrilled to see this Literature Project continue into a second year,” commented Jenny Andrews, Conference Director and Marketing and Communications Director for Miller College in Battle Creek. “I am so proud to be a part of something that has had such a positive influence on so many children and families in our community. Nearly 1,000 students participated last year, I am hoping to double that figure this year.” For more information, please visit www.millercollege.edu/learning_project
