2023-2024 Reflections Winners
National PTA Reflections Winners:
Congratulations to Emma Lewis and Keren Ding, both from Central High School, who won awards from National PTA Reflections!
Emma Lewis won an Award of Excellence in Literature with her poem, “I Am Hopeful Because…”. Keren Ding won an Award of Excellence in Visual Arts with her piece, “A Life Amidst the Flame”. Both Emma and Keren will receive a $200 Young Artist Scholarship, a Silver Medal, a Certificate of Excellence, and their work will be featured in National PTA’s virtual exhibition.
From 45 state PTA congresses, National PTA received over 900 student entries inspired by the 2023-2024 Reflections theme I am Hopeful Because…. Of those submissions, seven received an Outstanding Interpretation Award and just over 200 student artists won Awards of Excellence and Merit.
Missouri PTA Reflections Winners from Springfield:
Congratulations to these students who placed in the Missouri PTA statewide Reflections Showcase. These students will have their work highlighted at the Missouri PTA Reflections Showcase in Kansas City in May. Dance Choreography2nd Place, High School – David McDowell, Central High School PTSA
Literature
3rd Place, Middle School – Maha Babur, Central High School PTSA
1st Place, High School – Emma Lewis, Central High School PTSA
2nd Place, High School – Evelyn Nelson, Kickapoo PTSA
3rd Place, High School – Kassidy Ellis, Kickapoo PTSA
Music Composition
1st Place – Carter McCord, Kickapoo PTSA
2nd Place – Sam Petitt, Central High School PTSA
Photography
3rd Place – Andrew Baadsgaard, Cherokee Middle School PTSA
Visual Arts
3rd Place – Theodore Quiring, Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary PTA
Honorable Mention – Eva Lurten, Sequiota Elementary PTA
Honorable Mention — Phaedra Soper, Delaware Elementary PTA
1st Place – Jay Londoño, Cherokee Middle School PTSA
1st Place – Keren Ding, Central High School PTSA
Second Place – Gabriel McClanahan, Central High School PTSA
1st place winners Emma Lewis (Central), Carter McCord (Kickapoo), Jay Londoño (Cherokee), and Keren Ding (Central) will advance to the National PTA Reflections showcase. Their state-winning Reflections submissions will be reviewed by esteemed arts professionals across the country. Winners of the National PTA program will be announced May 1 and will be celebrated throughout the following calendar year.
Springfield Council of PTAs Reflections Winners:
Dance Choreography
High School: 1st – David McDowell, Central
Intermediate: 1st – Haddassah Peters, Disney
Literature
Intermediate
3rd – Morgan Riley Labee, Delaware, Alison Gragson, Delaware
2nd – Celine Chalifoux. Delaware
1st – Lucy Wiseman, Mann
Middle School
3rd – Olive Eck, Scholars/Central
2nd – Maha Babur, Scholars/Central
1st – Jay Londoño, Cherokee Middle
High School
3rd – Evelyn Nelson, Kickapoo
2nd – Emma Lewis, Central
1st – Kassidy Ellis, Kickapoo
Music Composition
Primary: 1st – Gemma Garton, Wanda Gray
Intermediate: 1st – Jaleigh Ary, Disney
Middle
2nd – Michael Lynch, Cherokee
1st – Isabella Chernichenko, Cherokee
High School
3rd – Carter McCord, Kickapoo
2nd – Cole Dobbs, Kickapoo
1st – Sam Petitt, Central
Photography
Primary: 1st – Lilliana Hamilton, Mann
Intermediate
2nd – Olivia Ferber, Disney
1st – Carlie Haustein, Disney
Middle: Andrew Baadsgaard, Cherokee
High School: Greyson Adair, Glendale
Visual Arts
Primary
Honorable Mention – Elizabeth Gough, Mann
3rd – Eden Shores, Disney
2nd – Ailyn Gimlin, Wilder
1st – Theodore Quiring, Wilder
Intermediate
3rd – Eden Steer, Sequiota
2nd – Ella Lingo, Disney
1st – Kate Miller, Wilder
Middle
3rd – Campbell Tierney, Wilson’s Creek
2nd – Abena Asare-Bawuah, Cherokee Middle
1st – Jay Londoño, Cherokee Middle
High School
3rd – Spencer Maxwell, Kickapoo
2nd – Ralph Duda, Kickapoo
1st – Keren Ding, Central
What is Reflections?
Reflections is an arts recognition and achievement program created by the National PTA Organization for all students where a PTA unit sponsors the program.
Although the program follows a contest format, a strong emphasis is initially placed on the interpretation, or ‘reflection’, of the chosen theme. Creativity and mastery of artistic ability are important; however, works are judged within the same division and within the appropriate developmental age.
The divisions are:
- Primary – Preschool, Kindergarten to Grade 2
- Intermediate – Grades 3-5
- Middle School – Grades 6-8
- High School – Grades 9-12
- Special Artist – All Grades
More than 10 million students have participated in Reflections since it was created in 1969, where the longevity and enthusiasm for the program are a true assessment to its appeal. The program provides an opportunity for students to express themselves and receive positive recognition for original works of art while increasing the importance of the arts in education.
The goal of the Reflection program is to encourage student participation and foster appreciation for the arts. It’s a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms, while simultaneously challenging them to use critical thinking skills.
Students may submit an entry in any of the six artistic categories. Only original artwork created by the student is accepted.
The artistic categories are:
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Photography
- Visual Arts
- Dance Choreography
- Film Production
This year’s theme is: I Am Hopeful Because…
How to participate?
First register your PTA at PTA.org/Reflections
Check with your PTA President to make sure your PTA is good standing. If they are unsure, contact us at programs@scptamo.com and we check your standing.
Download the leadership guide at MOPTA.org You will also find the extremely useful social media images including promo reels, lawn signs, post cards, and flyers:
Determine your campaign plan and budget about sharing, inviting, and calling for Reflection entries including how you intend to recognize the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd recipients and other participants. Consider making all entrants feel special by sending a congratulatory letter and awarding with certificates, ribbons, medallions, buttons, plaques, trophies, art supplies, film, music supplies, gift certificates, books, and bookmarks. ShopPTA.com has a good collection of Reflections items which include the theme.
Set the deadline for the entries to be submitted to the school office. Meanwhile, start assembling a group of impartial and qualified judges to evaluate the entries. How many judges is up to you; however, 3 to 5 people works nicely. Reach out to professionals in the community as many enjoy supporting art programs in school.
Coordinate a time and way for judges to review entries and provide them with a welcome/thank you letter, instructions, entry rules, judging rubric, and score card. Remember to conduct blind judging where the students name and contact information is not revealed.
How to promote the Reflections program?
Share and publicize the Reflection program and theme to students, parents, principal, and school staff, while encouraging their support and participation. Talk about Reflections at a PTA meeting and have entry forms and rules available as handouts. Ask to include information about it in newsletters, social media, or announcements.
Additional ideas:
- Host a Reflections Program workshop (or Family Art Night) for students to work on projects and provide supplies.
- Talk to before/after school programs to host a Reflections workshop where students are invited to create or submit entries.
- Organize ‘Art Night’ to meet local artists to help and inspire students.
- Hand out flyers during carline.
- Send flyers home in student folders.
- Display posters and lawn signs.
Find posters, flyers, social media ready materials and video at the National PTA website. At any time feel welcome to reach out to the council as we are happy to help if we can. programs@scptamo.com
Springfield Council of PTAs Reflections Program Dates
We have a FB group where Reflections Chairs can ask questions and share ideas (Called Springfield, MO PTA Reflections): https://www.facebook.com/groups/712382127311567
December 1: Turn in School Winners for Council Judging (email Sandi for Google Drive information: programs@scptamo.com)
December 15: Turn in School Winners for State PTA Judging
TBD – Council Winners Announced Via Social Media/Email Blast
January 8 – SCPTA Reflections Celebration at the Creamery Art Center; 411 N Sherman Pkwy; Springfield, MO 65806
- Fillable Student Entry Form (en español)
- General Student Certificate
- Thank You Letter for Volunteers (en español)
- General Reflections Flyer (en español)
- Fillable Call for Entries Poster – 8.5×11 (en español)
- Fillable Call for Entries Black and White Poster – 8.5×11 (en español)
- Fillable Call for Entries Poster – 17×22 (en español)
- Fillable Call for Entries Poster – 11×17 (en español)
- 2023-2024 Reflections Call for Entries video
Reflections Program Contacts
Sandi Haustein, Council VP of Programs, programs@scptamo.com
2022-2023 Reflections Winners
“For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has provided opportunities for millions of students to access the arts and gain recognition, which boosts student confidence and success in and out of the classroom,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “National PTA appreciates BAND’s support of the Reflections program, helping more students access the arts and experience the important benefits that come from participating in the arts.”
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.
Springfield Council of PTAs 