TURNERS FALLS — Turners Falls High School students debuted a range of creative scarecrows as part of their midterm project in digital filmmaking and theater arts teacher Jonathan Chappell’s class, with five category winners selected.

The five winners, chosen by Principal Shawn Rickan and a group of other administrators, received an equal cut of a $200 donation from local DJ Robert “Bobby C” Campbell, whose grandson is a student. The winners are as follows:

■Scariest: “The Wendigo” by Zachary Kenney.

■Funniest: “Squidward” by Lilee Lizotte.

■Best Use of Materials: “Falkor” by Athena Willor.

■Honorable Mention: “Alan the Alien” by Robert Goff.

■Best in Storytelling: “The Dark Disney Princesses” by Madisyn Dietz and Janelle Massey.

For Kenney, this marks his third winning scarecrow. Kenney said he chose to make a wendigo, a mythical monster, because of his appreciation for Algonquian folklore.

Kenney said he used a combination of materials, including a deer skull, to create the scarecrow over the course of two months. As this was his final year competing, he said it was his goal to “go all out.”

In crafting her Falkor scarecrow, based on the 1980s cult classic “The NeverEnding Story,” Willor used foam to help create the shape of the dragon creature. A felt fabric covers the foam pieces, giving the Falkor its golden fur.

Willor said she chose to make a Falkor scarecrow because her late grandmother loved “The NeverEnding Story” and she wanted to do something to honor her.

For Chappell, this project is a labor of love that he enjoys bringing back year after year for his students. To make this project work, he guides students on the practicality of their ideas, and helps them see their creations come together as the first part of the school year progresses.

“It’s just a matter of diligence, of grit, showing up every day, making a little progress, getting over the little challenges that might discourage somebody, learning from them and moving forward,” Chappell explained.

When asked how students feel about the scarecrow project, he said it gives them a sense of pride and helps them understand that school can be a mix of work and fun.

“They’re enjoying seeing the creations at the front of the school. It gives them a sense of pride,” Chappell said. “[School] can be cool, and they can show off their stuff and be recognized.”

The scarecrows will stay outside the school in the pick-up and drop-off loop by the front doors for another week.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.