1. News Gallery
SHAPE Community Life 22 January 2014 3
NEWSNEWS
High school students Vladislava Dyecheva,
Madisen Popyk, Brigitte Blanchard, Freder-
ick Townsend, Claudia Richoux, Elizabeth
Harris, Kyle Meisner, Marianna-Rodopi
Ntouniadaki of SHAPE American High
School recently went to Oberwesel, Ger-
many for a week-long adventure in the arts.
The students were chosen to participate
in a school program called “Creative Con-
nections”. The program brings together
students from all of Europe who excel in
drawing, painting, dance, drama, video
and music. The students spent the week
working in their respective creative area
with the students from the other schools.
SHAPE art teacher Bill Root and former
SHAPE student Martin Reimann both men-
tored the art students. Rebecca Dosch,
SHAPE music teacher, worked with the
string ensemble.
The students learned skills such as working
with other students, improving ensemble
playing, the value of teamwork in an en-
semble, how to work long hours towards a
common goal, and techniques for improv-
ing drawing, painting and collage. They
were led by art, music, dance, drama and
video production teachers from all the Eu-
ropean schools. The
week was organized
by the Dodea school
districts in Europe.
Students were over-
joyed with the entire
experience. They
shared their feelings
through moving state-
ments of their personal
experiences. “Cre-
ative Connections is a
unique experience where you find peo-
ple that think exactly like you, no matter
where you look. It’s a once in a lifetime
event,” stated junior, Freddy Townsend.
Libby Harris described it with enthusiasm,
“Creative Connections is one of the most
amazing experiences. You get to go meet
kids from all over Europe who share the
same passions as you. Now, if that’s not
being fortunate, I don’t know what is!” Clau-
dia Richoux said about the experience: “It
was fun. I’m going to miss all the friends
from all the workshops and being able to
play in such a talented ensemble when I
move.” Brigitte Blanchard said: “Creative
Connections is an amazing experience
where students interested in the arts get
to work together for a week and then get
to participate in the concert.” “ The stu-
dents with me in the showchoir group were
very dedicated and creative. We had a
lot of fun with new learning experiences
that made up a really fun and enjoyable
week” Kyle Meisner. “I had a lot of great
experiences. I met outstanding people that
I will never forget. It was the chance of a
lifetime”. Maddie Popyk “by being a part
of the mixed media workshop, we had fun
experimenting and providing the surround-
ings with our own style while cherishing
the mélange of others’ talents. Taking the
program increased my skills exponentially
by the exposure to other minds like mine.
I really appreciate the experience. “ Vlada
Dyecheva
Students are already looking forward to
next year’s wonderful experience and
planning their audition tapes in the hope
that they will, once again, be chosen to
participate.
European Art Workshop By Vicki Jo Towsend (USA - Civ)
Above: Brigitte Blanchard, Claudia Richoux and Freddy Townsend perform with the orchestra.
Brigitte Blanchard, third from left, and Freddy Townsend, far
right, listen to introductions during the orchestra performance.
Freddy Townsend announces the orchestral pieces.
Libby Harris, bottom left, prepares for her performance with the
drama students.
Maddie Popyk stands before some of her creations.
Kyle Meisner, center, performs with the show choir at Creative
Connections.
Vlada Dyecheva shows off some of her art work.
Bill Root, art teacher at SHAPE American High School and art
instructor and coordinator for Creative Connections, stands with
two of his art students, Maddie Popyk and Vlada Dyecheva.