Students to be recognized during 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition in Austin, Texas

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 4, 2014) — National PTA® is pleased to announce the winners of the 2013-2014 Reflections® arts in education program. Seven students from across the country have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award and more than 190 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. The awards honor imagination, creativity and interpretation of the theme “Believe, Dream, Inspire” in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. The students were selected to receive the awards from nearly 300,000 entries nationwide as well as American schools overseas. Their artwork will be on display during the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition, which will be held June 19-22 at the Convention Center in Austin, Texas.

“National PTA has long supported the arts, recognizing the importance of the arts in education and student achievement. It is a top priority of the association to ensure all children have access to arts programs and classes,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “We applaud all of the students who participated in the 2013-2014 Reflections program, and we are honored to recognize the award winners for their talent and creativity.”

The National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts in an educational way. Through the program, National PTA and PTAs across the country urge 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 — reflecting on a specific theme. There also is a special artist division to provide all students the opportunity to participate in the program. Submissions are reviewed by experts in the visual, literary and performing arts, and students are recognized each year for their artistic ingenuity to bring the theme to life in a way that is personal and meaningful.

The following students have been recognized with the Outstanding Interpretation Award and will present their works on stage during the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition during a luncheon on Saturday, June 21:

Ella Carter-Klauschie
Castle Heights Elementary School, Calif.
Dance Choreography: Intermediate Division
“One World”

Jessica Clay
Buena High School, Calif.
Dance Choreography: Special Artist Division
“Imagine”

Eric Gillespie
Valley View Elementary, Utah
Film Production: Intermediate Division
“Dream Walking”

Biz Rasich
Deep Run High School, Va.
Literature: High School Division
“The Girl Who Called the Moon”

Joseph Codispoti
Delran High School, N.J.
Music Composition: High School Division
“Live Your Dreams”

Hannah Shoultz
Yorktown High School, Va.
Photography: High School Division
“Ink Mirage”

Daniel Chang
Harold F. Scott Elementary School, R.I.
Visual Arts: Primary Division
“Dream and Inspiration”

Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients receive an $800 arts education grant to further their artistic talents. An additional $200 is awarded to the student’s local PTA to support arts and cultural exploration. Award of Excellence recipients receive a $200 arts education grant. All award recipients receive a medallion and certificate.

In addition to being recognized during the 2014 Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition, the 2013-2014 Reflections award recipients also will be honored in a ceremony on January 13, 2015 at the U.S. Department of Education’s LBJ Building in Washington DC. The ceremony will open an exhibit of their artwork, which will be displayed in the building through the end of February 2015.

Since 1969, the National PTA Reflections program has inspired millions of students to explore their talents and be involved in the arts by creating works for fun and recognition. For more information about the program and to view a complete list of the 2013-2014 award winners, visit 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.