National PTA Honors Student Artists for Their Creativity in Reflections Program

National PTA Honors Student Artists for Their Creativity in Reflections Program

Heidi May Wilson, Senior Manager, Media Relations

703-518-1242

[email protected]

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 1, 2024)-National PTA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2023-2024 Reflections® student art program. Seven students have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award, and over 200 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. The awards honor creative interpretations of the theme I am Hopeful Because… in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts as well as a special artist division.

The Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients are:

Ansh Patel
Photography: "Faith is the Solution"
Mills Park Middle School PTSA, North Carolina

Gauri Binup
Literature: "Hopeful"
Lebanon Trail High School PTSA, Texas

Gavin Brown
Film Production-Special Artist Division: "I am Hopeful Because… An Animated Short Film"
McNeil High School PTA, Texas

Grace Manning
Visual Arts: "I am Hopeful Because of Literacy and Humanity"
SKA Academy PTSA, Georgia

Olivia Garza
Film Production: "After Tragedy"
Shawnee Mission South High School PTSA, Kansas

Orion Edwards-Wilson
Music Composition: "A Spark of Hope"
Samoset Middle School PTSA, New York

Soraya Arjomand
Dance Choreography: "Times Embrace"
Bellevue High School PTSA, Washington

"We are thrilled to recognize the recipients of the Outstanding Interpretation Award and Awards of Excellence and Merit, and we applaud all of the student artists who participated in the 2023-2024 Reflections program," said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA. "The importance of participating in the arts cannot be emphasized enough as it provides our youth a way to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas and passions, as well as increase their confidence. We are proud to honor our student artists for their remarkable creativity."

Each year through the Reflections program, National PTA and PTAs across the country encourage students of all ages to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice that reflect on the annual student-created theme. Submissions are reviewed by arts professionals, and students are recognized for their artistic technique and ingenuity in bringing the theme to life. Hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 from across the country and in U.S. schools overseas created original works of art as part of the 2023-2024 Reflections program.

The Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients each receive an $800 scholarship to further their artistic talents, and their local PTA is awarded $200 to support arts and culture in their community. Award of Excellence recipients receive a $200 scholarship. All national award recipients receive a medallion and certificate, as well as year-round recognition from National PTA.

"Reflections is a long-standing signature program of PTA through which millions of students across the country have been provided with opportunities for recognition in and access to the arts," added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. "We thank all the students who have participated in the program for sharing your incredible talents with us, and we look forward to celebrating our 2023-2024 honorees throughout the year."

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. For more information, visit PTA.org.