As the play season begins to wind down I just wanted to say what a great year! I saw the Mercy-Xavier production of "South Pacific." Amazing job Mercy and Xavier! The Middletown High School production of "Grease" was spectacular... and did I mention Michael Cho who plays Kenickie drives a real car on stage, not once, not twice, but three times!. I photographed Portland High School's Annie Get Your Gun during their dress rehearsal, they had a few kinks to work out and a state basketball championship to win but I am pretty convinced the Highlanders pulled off two wins that weekend!

But today, I was in for a special treat. Cromwell Middle School Drama Club's production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was fantastic! They had it all, a very clever and colorful set, sound affects, a bed for the grandparents that doubled as the Bucket Shack.

And the The Middletown Press Stage Presence Award nominees are...drum roll please.

Mercy senior Andrea Claudio as Bloody Mary.

Middletown High's Kevin Hilversum as Danny Zuko, second from left, leader of the Burger Palace Boys.

Cromwell Middle School 8th grader Jared Darius as Willy Wonka.

Say goodnight Gracie...

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I've photographed Monique McClain twice for the articles we ran in the Press and both times, Monique has been quiet and respectful. Actually, very respectful! How many 13 year olds girls do you know will look you square in the eye, shake your hand, and say thank you without prompting from parents.

Monique is a beautiful girl, her face resembles a young Janet Jackson.

I met Monique at the Russell Library last night and she looked pretty tired. I suggested we go to the Young Adult section, it's usually pretty quiet there.

Monique perked up as she entered the stacks of books. Within a few minutes, she chose a book and sat down at a table and began to read. As I viewed Monique through my lens, I studied her body language and noticed she wasn't pretending to read, she was actually reading. After shooting several frames, I asked her mother to join Monique at the table and photographed mother and daughter engaged in conversation as if they were at home. I can't help to feel bad for Alycia who works third shift. For me, working second shift takes a toll on me as well as my family. I can't even imagine what it's like for Alycia.

I often get caught up chatting with my subjects, but I had to get back to The Press for deadline, so I quickly organized my gear and said goodbye. But for a split second, I had a chance to watch Monique interact with her mother and grandmother. She asked her Mom if it was alright to take the book home and then turned to her grandmother and asked if she could borrow her library card. I was impressed...Monique doesn't take anything for granted.

I have spent most of my life working with kids. As a teen, I worked as a playground instructor at Vets Park and Spencer School, in my early twenties I ran the athletic program at the Polish Falcons, for thirteen years starting in my mid twenties to well into my thirties, I worked with the after school photography program at Mercy High School and for the last eleven years, I have been involved in Scouting, first as a den leader, a Cubmaster, and now as the Eagle Advisor for our Troop. I worked as a program director for the Middletown Cub Scout Day Camp and through the years, I've witnessed all sorts of interaction between kids and their parents. Some moments I would rather forget, some I will cherish.

I enjoy kids and I believe Monique is genuine, I only wish I could do more for her.

Monique, I wish you much success and a happy life!

Mercy senior forward Amber Bepko drives to the hoop as Career Magnet senior Nicole Bentley defends in the CIAC Class LL championship game at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. The Tigers defeated the Panthers 39-37 Saturday afternoon.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY BY JIM BRANSFIELD.