Students' Talents on Display at Masuk Expo 2011

Writers of the Panther's Pen, a literary magazine published by Masuk High School students, sold copies for four dollars a piece in the school lobby Tuesday afternoon. Visitors perused a photography display by student shutterbugs a few feet away.

The hallway and cafeteria was decked out in paintings, TV screens with videos, furniture crafted in wood shop, sculptures, architecture, fashion, robotics, video games and culinary creations — all made by Masuk students.

It was Masuk High School Expo 2011, a celebration of teenagers' many talents.

"I love the expo," Principal John Battista said as Masuk's String Orchestra played the Pink Panther theme song in the cafeteria. "I love this time of year, because it's a chance to highlight all of the kids — the art, writing, music, robotics. It's everything. They get to showcase everything they're doing."

The Masuk Color Guard performed in the gym and school musicians participated in a senior recital at 7:30 that night. A book sale was held inside the media center.

Outside, Brian Morcone and David Reid, both freshmen and members of the fire brigade at Masuk, showed visitors air packs and the inside of a Stevenson Volunteer Fire Co. truck. That is the company both serve in.

Police brought the Convincer, an accident simulator from the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. It's to encourage the use of seat belts.

Dorée Voychick, Fine and Performing Arts K-12 coordinator, was taking in her last Masuk Expo. She is retiring at the end of the year. She said she helped Assistant Principal Mark Schwarz to coordinate the event.

"This is a ceiling tile," Voychick said with a smile, while motioning toward a painting of sharks swimming underwater. It was created by Bronte Pirulli.