click for larger version         ESC students Lucy (left) and Serena (right) with their prize-winning scarecrow, Velma.

Last year, Lee Woolever’s class at Groveport Madison Junior High made a friend, literally.

For a village scarecrow contest, Woolever’s class created a scarecrow based on the Scooby-Doo character Velma. Student Serena suggested basing the scarecrow on the cartoon character.

“As the scarecrow started to take on a ‘human’ shape, the students began to talk to her as if she was a classmate,” Woolever said. “Staff members in the building would come in the classroom to check on our progress and cheer us on.”

The contest suggestion came from a parent and Woolever brought it to the class to practice teamwork and problem solving.

“When we began the project we were just wanting to try something new,” she said. “But, as the class got more creative, they were very much in it to win.”

Entries in the contest hung on light poles around downtown Groveport, and Velma was placed close to the school.

“We often would walk across the street to say ‘hi’ to Velma,” Woolever said.

The care and effort paid off when the class’s entry was named the village’s “Best Scarecrow” by the members of Groveport’s Town Hall.

The class received a congratulatory card, a pumpkin pie, cupcakes and a first place blue ribbon.

“Everyone was very happy,” Woolever said.

With their success, the class has its eyes set on defending its title with big plans for their entry in this year’s scarecrow contest, Woolever said.

“She will be ‘bigger and badder’ to quote the class.”