Awards and Reflections Celebration to take place during 2016 Annual National PTA Convention & Expo in Orlando and feature student music and dance performances

WHAT:
On Saturday, July 2, National PTA will host an Awards and Reflections Celebration at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort to recognize students from across the country for letting their imaginations fly through the arts. The event will feature music and dance performances, Disney superstars and celebrity guests.

The National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages 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—that reflect on an 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 each year for their artistic ingenuity in bringing the theme to life.

The 2015-2016 National PTA Reflections program was themed “Let Your Imagination Fly.” Seven students have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award, and nearly 200 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. The students were selected to receive the awards from among 300,000 submissions nationwide.

In addition to recognizing the 2015-2016 Reflections student honorees, National PTA will also honor the recipients of its Phoebe Apperson Hearst Awards for Innovation in Family Engagement as well as its Jan Harp Domene Diversity and Inclusion Awards during the celebration event.

WHEN:
Saturday, July 2 — 7 to 10 p.m.

WHERE:
Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort — Pacific AB
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Orlando, Florida 32830

WHO:

• Mickey and Minnie Mouse
• Larramie “Doc” Shaw — Actor, singer, rapper and Young Artist Award recipient
• Lisa Hearst Hagerman — Director of The Hearst Corporation
• Laura Bay — National PTA President
• Nathan R. Monell, CAE — National PTA Executive Director
• 2015-2016 National PTA Reflections student honorees
• Arts education leaders and advocates from across the country

CONTACT:
Heidi May Wilson, National PTA
hmay@pta.org, (614)-570-3922

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, business, and community leaders devoted to the education 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.