## Celebrating Creativity: The “Young Artists 2026” Award Ceremony in Kelkheim
Kelkheim (mp) – “We are all part of something much bigger,” remarked a student from the Albert-von-Rheinach School during the “Young Artists 2026” award ceremony held last week at the town hall in Kelkheim. This event showcased the creativity of students from six primary schools in Kelkheim, all of whom delivered impressive projects centered around the theme “Our Universe.”
### A Musical Prelude
The ceremony commenced with a stirring musical performance from the Albert-von-Rheinach School. Fifty-one exuberant children sang “Alles nichts ohne dich” from the movie “Die Schule der magischen Tiere,” setting a heartfelt tone for the evening. This vibrant start was complemented by a warm welcome from the First Alderman, Dirk Hofmann, who expressed his joy in reconnecting with his old school, the Pestalozzi-Kinder.
### Insights from a Renowned Physicist
One of the highlights of the evening was a presentation by the world-renowned physicist, Prof. Dr. Horst Schmidt-Böcking. His enlightening exposition on the universe captivated the students, mentioning that the cosmos is estimated to be between 15 and 16 billion years old and without an end. Using magnificent images of the starry sky projected onto a screen, he explained astronomy concepts, including a captivating comparison of the Milky Way to a hurricane, showcasing the spiral structure and rotating motion of galactic arms.
The children were particularly intrigued by the concept of black holes, where light ceases to exist. Prof. Schmidt-Böcking concluded his segment with a short film that took the audience on a journey through space but left them pondering their return.
### Engaging Performances and Creative Displays
Following the talk, the Sindlinger-Wiesen School showcased a dynamic “Alien Dance,” where children joyfully waved colorful scarves to the tune of “Nano vom Planeten X” by Markus Becker. The cheerful atmosphere was palpable, and the young performers left the stage beaming with pride.
As performances wrapped up, attendees enjoyed a gallery walk, exploring various creative projects focused on the universe. The Anne-Frank School presented a delightful flight into space, utilizing paper plates adorned with stars.
### Innovations and Hands-On Activities
A standout exhibit came from the Rossert School, featuring an impressively large “Rossert Shuttle,” meticulously crafted over five weeks. This towering rocket featured flip windows secured with magnets, showcasing short informational texts. Alderman Hofmann emphasized that following the awards, these students would set off in their rocket to explore galaxies. To add to the excitement, each child had the opportunity to create their own origami rocket on-site, alongside beautiful wall displays of the solar system illuminated by string lights.
Directly across was the Max-von-Gagern School’s installation, providing an immersive look into the universe, where children could observe planets and stars. The joyous expressions on the children’s faces reflected their fascination, as it seemed like aliens with colossal eyes could inhabit these planets.
### Final Creative Projects: A Celebration of Imagination
The Pestalozzi School concluded the showcase with two inventive craft projects. They presented self-made 3D planets, two of which housed alien families within their caves. Additionally, students unveiled creative star constellations of their own design; some resembled actual constellations, hinting at new discoveries yet to come.
### Supporting Young Talent
This year’s event was a testament to the power of creativity, made possible through the unwavering support of the Kelkheim Citizens’ Foundation, which provides €800 to each of the participating schools annually. Their commitment to enhancing children’s imaginative skills outside the classroom has spotlighted a range of topics from nature to architecture and music.
In conclusion, the “Young Artists 2026” award ceremony not only celebrated outstanding creativity but also fostered community engagement and educational growth among the youth. Thanks to both the children’s hard work and the foundation’s support, Kelkheim continues to nurture a generation of curious, inspired minds.
