James Kelly captured first place in MMI Preparatory School’s annual Spanish II Piñata contest.

Kelly, the son of James and Chris Kelly of Mountaintop, won the contest for his rendition of Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi’s jersey. Gregory Leonard, the son of Gregory and Karen Leonard of Hazle Township, placed second for his Venezuelan Devil. Ryan McNelis, the son of Atty. Edward and Florence McNelis of Conyngham, was third for his Cuban missile piñata.

The Spanish II Piñata contest continues the Spanish tradition of constructing papier-mâché figures for children’s celebrations, birthdays, holidays, and traditional festivals.

Under the leadership of Spanish instructor Syra Dewar, MMI sophomore students spent several weeks designing, building, and decorating their piñatas.

 

#####

CAPTION: James Kelly, center, captured first place in MMI Preparatory School’s annual Spanish II Piñata contest. Also pictured are, from left: third-place finisher Ryan McNelis and runner-up Gregory Leonard.