The Pottsville Business Association (PBA) is inviting local high school students to participate in a holiday window contest. To name a few, Pottsville Area High School, Nativity BVM High School, Gillingham Charter School and St. Joseph’s Center will be participating in the event. Students from these schools will be decorating the windows of elected businesses for the coming holiday season and will earn a chance at winning $50 and an additional $50 for the art teacher who inspired the student the most.

Some participating businesses are the Pottsville Free Public Library, The Thompson Building, The Salvation Army-Pottsville Corps, Schuylkill Community Action, Towne Drugs, CACL, Riverview Bank, Boyer’s Food Market, Charlie’s Pizza and Sub Shop, Ramada Inn,

The Ryon Group, Senator Dave Argall’s Office and Dunkin Donuts.

 “I think it’s always nice to get students involved in our community,” Mrs. Sara Arnold, art teacher, said.

  The goal of the event is to help beautify downtown Pottsville for the holiday season and to help students become more involved in their community and local businesses.

“I chose to sign up because I enjoy art and I thought it would be something fun to do. I would like to be able to look back on this experience and be proud I participated,” senior Sarah Griffiths said.

Judging will take place December 3 at coordinated times in order not to disrupt business. Awards will be handed out December 8 at the annual PBA holiday breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Lodge at Sharp Mountain, catered by The Greystone. Students, teachers and parents are invited to attend the breakfast for $15 per person. Winners and their chosen teacher are invited free of charge. PBA members will judge the event.

“I’m really excited to be participating in this contest. My partner, Erika Shuman, and I got together to discuss ideas and make sketches,” sophomore Donna Lonergan said.

 Students will be judged on being most humorous, most nostalgic, most original, most colorful and most beautiful. PBA will be providing the students’ supplies and hopes to make the contest an annual event.
“The decorated windows will help spread holiday cheer in Pottsville,” Miss Kelly Motuk, PBA member, said.