Bruno Perosino Wins Logo Contest

 I am so happy to announce that we now have a fantastic logo for the Tolland Garden Paths' Tolland Youth Garden as a result of the contest for a design. Bruno Perosino gave us a green smiling sprout, to illustrate, as he put it: "not only the idea of a sprouting plant, but the growing minds of the Tolland Youth Garden's members."

I'd say the young man has a good start in his goal toward future studies in graphic design.

When I asked him about his courses, he said that studio courses help and are enjoyable, and that "no matter what medium you're talking about, composition is always important."

Many of us know that being talented does not necessarily equal being nice, but apparently Bruno has it down; I have heard only positive, pleasant things about the young man’s attitude and demeanor. Bonus, Bruno. We look forward to future projects on which we can work with you.

The idea for the logo contest was inspired by the fabulous energy projected by John Powell, Tolland High School Science teacher and faculty leader of VISION. From the beginning, I had a feeling that we on the Youth Garden team would be happy we "discovered" him. VISION stands for Volunteers In Service In Our Neighborhood and according to the THS website:

provides a place for community minded students to volunteer with their peers. It is a club that provides members with an opportunity to give back to the community in an organized fashion. Students devote their free time to volunteering to better their surrounding area. VISION has been involved with the Channel 3 Kids Camp for three years. The club is also notorious for their yummy bake sales and their clothing drives held on the Tolland Green. VISION is proof that volunteering is fun and easy.

I think I was a little too independent and shy, let's say, to want to hear very much about collaborative learning in my younger days. But I am convinced: working with other people can be fun, effective, efficient and useful.

Student VISION co-leaders Victoria Powers and Kaitlin Flynn are fortunate to already understand this, demonstrating good organizational and communication skills. Like Mr. Powell, Bruno, and other members we met, they were helpful and enjoyable to work with, too.

After having begun the process of the logo contest with myself and others, VISION members worked in the garden with Youth Garden leaders Fran Maynard, Debbie Kupfer and Paula Robinson. Victoria later wrote to me: “It was great working with the Youth Garden this year-- we look forward to working with the organization even more over the summer!”

Thank you, VISION, for doing what you do. Your organization is wonderful. I know you can get a lot out of your experiences led by Mr. Powell and other members of your classes and community, and that people appreciate the help and ideas you provide. I love that I learned from you.