ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 1, 2020)—National PTA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2019-2020 Reflections® student art program. The awards honor creative interpretations of the theme “Look Within” in the areas of special artist, dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

“Participating in the arts helps students explore their thoughts, feelings and ideas; boosts their confidence; and supports their success in school and in life,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “We applaud all of the students who participated in the Reflections program this school year, and we are thrilled to recognize the winners for their talents and creativity.”

Over 300,000 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 2019-2020 Reflections program. Seven students have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award, and over 200 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. Following are the students who have been recognized with the Outstanding Interpretation Award:

Harper Phillips
Will Rogers Elementary PTA, Oklahoma
Special Artist: “Dancing with Dyslexia”

Makenna Miller              
Union Chapel Elementary School PTA, Missouri
Dance Choreography: “Look Within”

Gabriel Irving   
Weaver Education Center PTA, North Carolina
Film Production: “Look Within” 

Jax Thompson  
Stonewall Elementary PTA, Kentucky
Literature: “Reflectin' on RE-AL-I-TY”

Illasell Tan
Canyon Lake Middle School PTSA, California
Music Composition: “Look Within Yourself”

Leahalani Adolfo             
Keaau Middle School PTSA, Hawaii
Photography: “The Light Within” 

Kaycie Colton   
Virginia Beach Middle PTA, Virginia
Visual Arts: “Burn to Born”

These students 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.

Each year, the National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice that reflect on the annual theme. Submissions are reviewed by visual, literary and performing arts experts, and students are recognized for their artistic ingenuity in bringing the theme to life.

“For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has provided opportunities for students to access the arts,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “Access to the arts is essential for all students as participating in the arts is an important way to help children explore their creativity and express their emotions, which is especially important during this time to support children’s well-being.”

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.