Submitted Photo Proudly displaying their art are: Row 1, from left: Isabelle Kaczmarczyk, Grady Finnerty, Archer Kilby, Joshua Ghani-Paradiso, Mallory Connors. Row 2, from left: Addison Martin, Abigail Dale, Vya Kennedy, Noah Hoffnung, Dylan Jowsey, John Burris, Tucker Rogers, Emma Marsh, and Olivia Bald.

ANGOLA — May’s “Evening with the Arts” drew hundreds of students, families and teachers as A.J. Schmidt Elementary School showcased both art and music — and a Book Fair that allowed students to stock up on summer reading material.

“This year’s art show highlighted students’ efforts with more than 600 works of art hung proudly throughout our hallways,” said Principal Jill Clark. “Several goals were accomplished by featuring how the visual arts allow children to challenge themselves to try their best and show their outstanding effort and creativity. Most importantly, Mr. Chuck Ruffino, our elementary art teacher, strived to inspire children with an awareness of how they each contribute to a building-wide culture of kindness and creativity.

“In the music component, our fourth and fifth grade bands and orchestras showed off their talents,” said Mrs. Clark. “Our students have been working hard throughout the year to grow as young musicians and their efforts were well received with outstanding performances all around. Both the band and orchestra performed combined numbers between fourth and fifth grades to foster the community element of music-making. Music teachers Mr. Nicholas Capitummino and Mrs. Holly Martin are so proud of the growth their young performers have made throughout the school year.”

The evening also featured a basket raffle and book fair, Mrs. Clark continued. “Developing early literacy skills and inspiring students with books makes it easier for children to learn to read. Children who enter school with these skills have an advantage that carries with them throughout their school years,” she said. “It’s true, life-long learning is key!”

The hundreds of attendees purchased books, supplies and posters, and also participated in a raffle basket to support AJ Schmidt’s goal in raising money for children. Proceeds were used to purchase books for summer and birthday books for each student.

Summer flowers already were in full artistic bloom at A.J. Schmidt Elementary School where hundreds of children displayed art work during the school’s recent “Evening with the Arts.” Proudly displaying their art are: Row 1, from left: Isabelle Kaczmarczyk, Grady Finnerty, Archer Kilby, Joshua Ghani-Paradiso, Mallory Connors. Row 2, from left: Addison Martin, Abigail Dale, Vya Kennedy, Noah Hoffnung, Dylan Jowsey, John Burris, Tucker Rogers, Emma Marsh, and Olivia Bald