National PTA Reflections Art in Education Winners Announced

Seven students receive "Outstanding Interpretation" award in the areas
of dance, film, literature, music, photography and the visual arts

Photo courtesy of Lifetouch School Portraits

CINCINNATI (June 22, 2013)—Seven students from across the country will be recognized for their outstanding works of art at the 117th National PTA Convention and Exhibition at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati today.

These students were selected from nearly 300,000 who participated in National PTA’s Reflections program. Through the theme “The Magic of a Moment,” students from across the country (and in American schools overseas) submitted original works of art in six arts categories (Dance Choreography; Film Production; Literature; Music Composition; Photography; Visual Arts) across three grade divisions. There is also a Special Artist Division for students whose physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges meet ADA guidelines. This year’s theme was chosen to highlight the importance of family, the simplicity of nature, and feelings of hope, adventure, and achievement.

“National PTA loves, and has always supported, the arts,” National PTA President Betsy Landers said. “This year, we had a record number of participants in our Reflections program. We are honored to give these talented young artists a platform to display their work.”

The following students will receive the Outstanding Interpretation Award at the General Session today for bringing the theme to life through their chosen art form:

Demiana Remick
Gilford District PTA, Gilford NH
High School Division: Dance Choreography
“The Power of Just One Moment”

John General
Warren Hills High PTSA, Hackettstown, NJ
High School Division: Film Production
“Painted Love”

Jenny Pham
Creekland Middle PTA, Lawrenceville, GA
Middle School Division: Literature
“A Cup of Hope”

Savannah Du
Richard Montgomery High PTA, Potomac, MD
High School Division: Music Composition
“Daybreak Over A Pond”

Tatum Long
Hubbell Elementary PTA, Des Moines, IA
Intermediate Division: Photography
“Skiing in Style”

Alice Abrams
Olympus High PTSA, Holladay, UT
High School Division: Visual Arts
“Imagination”

Sarah Khan
Sherman Elementary PTA, Roselle Park, NJ
Special Artist Division: Dance Choreography
“Sarah’s Friendship”

About Reflections

The Reflections program is the National PTA’s cornerstone arts program. It was developed in 1969 by Colorado’s PTA President Mary Lou Anderson to encourage students to explore their talents and express themselves. Since then, the Reflections Program has inspired millions of students to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork. National PTA believes every child deserves a quality arts education. Participation in arts programs, like Reflections, levels the playing field for underserved students, develops the whole-child, nurtures creativity and teamwork, and connects families and schools to one another and to their communities. Learn more at PTA.org/Reflections.

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 parent involvement 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. Learn more at PTA.org.

Upcoming Celebrations

National Awards of Outstanding Interpretation & Excellence will be recognized in a public gallery at the U.S. Department of Education during the months of January & February 2014. All award winners will be featured at the 2014 PTA Convention in Austin Texas. This summer, all award winners will be featured in the National PTA Reflections Online Gallery of Artwork.  

About National PTA's Support of the Arts

National PTA believes that all children deserve opportunities to explore and be involved in the arts. The National PTA Mary Lou Anderson Grant Program provides matching dollar funding to local PTAs to support in school and after school arts enhancement programs in local communities. PTAs serving at-risk student populations are particularly encouraged to apply. For more information, including grant deadlines, please visit PTA.org/Reflections.

About National PTA Convention

More than 1,000 parents, teachers and students from across the country will attend the 117th National PTA Convention and Exhibition, a four-day event featuring more than 200 exhibits, some of the country’s top advocates for children, and several town-hall style meetings focusing on such critical school issues safety and bullying.

Media Credentials Required

National PTA Press Center, Duke Energy Convention Center, Room 234
Representatives of the media will be admitted to meetings upon presentation of press credentials. Reporters with appropriate press passes will be permitted to sit in the nonvoting section at all general meetings to cover the proceedings. All interviews with delegates or individual attendees should be arranged through National PTA’s press office.