A warm welcome was given to the representatives of Esplora and the May The Force Be With You- Science Meets Star Wars team on Friday 15 December in the John Paul II Hall at Stella Maris College. Students who participated in two drawing competitions - Beware of The Dark Side of Cyberbullying and the Star Wars Fan Art competitions gathered for a prize award ceremony with a difference.
Two enthusiastic members of the Imperial Force Team engaged the students with their insightful presentations showing that hidden talents can be discovered through one's love for Star Wars. Nicholas Vella Magri Demajo otherwise known on Facebook as The Sith Crafter demonstrated how he has been creating an array of handcrafted masks through fibreglass and the art of Pepakura inspired by key characters like Kylo Ren from the Star Wars saga.
The other presenter John Peel who is an avid Star Wars Cosplayer who manages The Forge Facebook page explained how he used 3D printing technology to create Star Wars costumes in their entirety. Amongst his costumes one can find the Mandalorian Bounty Hunter and the Imperial Death Trooper.
Students were enthralled with the presentations and showed their enthusiasm by waving hands constantly to ask a multitude of questions to the speakers.
One particular guest stood out during the ceremony a replica of Tony Dyson's creation - R2D2 made entirely from recyclable and upcycle materials by Art teacher Frank O'Neill.
During the ceremony the Head of school, Brother David, before giving out the prizes and certificates of participation to the students spoke about the importance of such initiatives within schools.
Brother David said: "Education is a lifelong journey where learning and discovery never cease and educational tools like Star Wars make learning fun and engaging".
Star Wars Fan Art Drawing Competition winners:
1st prize: Shane Cummings- Grade 10
2nd prize: Ryan Libreri-Grade 8
3rd prize: Fabian Lauri- Grade 7
Star Wars Cyberbullying competition winners
1st prize: Andrei Buttigieg -Grade 7
2nd prize: Benjamin Hintner -Grade 8
The above winners had their drawings displayed during the May the Force Be With You - Science Meets Star Wars event that took place at Esplora Interactive Science Centre on Nov 11th and Nov 12th. The May the Force Be With You - Science Meets Star Wars was a collaboration between Euro Media Forum and Esplora Interactive Science Centre.