Student Artists Honored for Creative Talents in 2016-2017 National PTA Reflections Program

Students to be recognized at 2017 National PTA Convention & Expo in Las Vegas

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 10, 2017)—National PTA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2016-2017 Reflections® student art awards program. Seven students from across the country have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award, and nearly 200 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. The awards honor creative interpretations of the theme “What Is Your Story?” in the areas of special artist, dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

“We applaud all of the students across the country who participated in the 2016-2017 Reflections program, and we are thrilled to recognize the award winners for their remarkable talents and creativity,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “Participation in the arts is essential to students’ academic achievement and social and emotional development. The arts inspire creativity and self-expression and help build children’s confidence and sense of accomplishment.”

During the 2016-2017 school year, tens of thousands of students in schools nationwide and in U.S. schools overseas submitted original works to be considered for PTA’s highest honors in the arts. Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients will receive an $800 scholarship to further their artistic talents, and their local PTA will be awarded $200 to support arts and culture in their community. Award of Excellence recipients will receive a $200 scholarship. All national award recipients receive a medallion and certificate.

The following students have been recognized with the Outstanding Interpretation Award:

Hannah Curtis

Midway High School PTA, Waco, Texas

Special Artist: “Who I Am”

Madison Warnick

Mountain View High School PTSA, Orem, Utah

Dance Choreography: “Human”

Nico Chilla

Cupertino High School PTSA, Cupertino, Calif.

Film Production: “Being Human”

Emma Liu

Urbana Middle School PTSA, Ijamsville, Md.

Literature: “The Sun Above Me”

Albert Wang

Falcon Cove Middle School PTA, Weston, Fla.

Music Composition: “Bears in The Valley”

Rachel Doyle

Syosset High School PTA, Syosset, N.Y.

Photography: “Out Of The Darkness”

Kassandra Burger

Mentor High School PTSA, Mentor, Ohio

Visual Arts: “The Story of My Life”

These students are invited to present their works on stage at the 2017 National PTA Convention & Expo, Saturday, June 24 during an awards celebration. The award recipients will also be honored in a student showcase in January 2018 at the U.S. Department of Education’s LBJ Building in Washington, DC. The ceremony will open an exhibition of their artwork, which will be displayed in the building through the end of February 2018.

Each year, the National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages to explore and be involved in the arts. Through the program, National PTA and PTAs across the country encourage students in preschool through grade 12 to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice—dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts—that reflect on the annual theme. There also is a special artist division to provide all students the opportunity to participate in the program. Submissions are reviewed by visual, literary and performing art experts, and students are recognized for their artistic ingenuity in bringing the theme to life.

“For nearly 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has been bringing the arts to life for millions of students across the country,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “National PTA remains committed to the importance of arts in education, and continues to work to ensure all students have access to art programs and classes in their schools and communities.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

 

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

[email protected], (703) 518-1242


2017 National PTA Reflections Winners Announced!

Missouri Winners!!

Film Production (High School Division):
Award of Merit, Marissa Kraus,  2,000 Miles, Hickman High School PTA, Missouri

Literature (Middle School Division):
Award of Excellence, Caleigh Albani, Fur Elise, Lakeview Middle School PTA, Missouri

Literature (Primary School Division):
Award of Merit, Yordanos Miller, A Story of Me When I was Adopted, Tiffany Ridge Elementary PTA, Missouri

Music Composition (High School Division):
Award of Excellence, Ben Rouder, Choices, Rock Bridge High School PTSA, Missouri

National PTA News
2017 National Winners Announced!
This past school year, thousands of students across the country and in U.S. schools overseas contributed their original works to be considered for PTA’s highest honor in the arts.
It is our privilege to announce the 2017 National PTA Reflections Awards in the areas of
Special Artist, Dance Choreography, Film Production,
Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
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Learn more about national prizes and upcoming events!
Questions? Email [email protected].
National PTA Headquarters
1250 N. Pitt Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Phone: (703) 518-1200
Toll Free: (800) 307-4PTA
Fax: (703) 836-0942

1250 N. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314


“What is Your Story?” 2017 State Reflections Winners Announced

The artwork for the 2017 Reflections program was spectacular! Congratulations to all of the students whose entries were advanced to the state round and our sincere appreciation to all of the PTA volunteers that made it possible.

We are proud to announce those students that received first through Honorable Mention placing during the state round. They will be receiving an invitation to the annual Missouri PTA Reflections Student Showcase on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Columbia.
First place entries in every age division and category have advanced to the National PTA for consideration at that level of judging. We are anxiously awaiting the names of national award recipients. These will be announced the first week in May and posted here on our website.

2017 Missouri PTA Reflections Winners