RUMFORD — Mountain Valley High School junior Valerie DeRoehn had a rare opportunity to learn glass bead making from a world-renown art instructor. She, along with about 70 Maine high school students, participated in a three-day studio session at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle.

Bead making involves melting glass with a torch and turning the molten glass into a variety of beads.

“The highlight of my experience was meeting all kinds of new people and getting to make glass beads with all of them. It was a new experience for most of us. I enjoyed getting to do something that probably not many people get to try in their life, ” said DeRoehn.

“It was a really cool environment, being around people who have the same interests as me. Everyone there was super nice and welcoming. Also, the location and Haystack itself were beautiful, ”said DeRoehn.

MVHS art teacher Steve McGinty recommended DeRoehn for the program.

“I thought Valerie was an excellent candidate for Haystack. She is very hard working and likes to try a variety of media in art. Valerie also works very well independently. All these attributes make her a perfect fit for the Haystack program,” said McGinty.

Upon returning to MVHS, DeRoehn reflected on her opportunity and how it would benefit others.

“I would absolutely recommend Haystack to another student. It was a memorable experience for me. I would tell them it’s a great opportunity to try new art mediums that aren’t offered at MVHS,”said DeRoehn.

After taking three years of art classes, so far, at MVHS and her Haystack experience, DeRoehn plans to attend college after graduation next year.

“I am still undecided about what exactly I want to study,” she said. “Although I know it will be something related to art.”