PTA Refelctions Contest

By: Bryan Kim

Staff Writer

An ample opportunity has arrived for artists at South. The National PTA is holding its annual National PTA Reflections; a competition which explores artistic expression throughout a variety of fields. Mary Lou Anderson, the PTA Colorado President and founder of PTA Reflections strongly believes in the importance of art for students across the nation. The PTA Reflections contest is the result of this belief, with the competition recognizing students around America for 50 years.

Reflections recognizes 7 different art categories including: dance, choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, and an accessible arts division (for students requiring service). Participants’ art must revolve around the year’s chosen theme. The artwork is scored on technique, creativity, and interpretation of the theme.

Students’ artwork will be originally judged at the school level between the pool of South High applicants. If successful their artwork could then continue on through the District, State and National levels.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: NATIONAL PTA

This year's Refelctions theme is "What my Culture Means to me."

Nationally, 200 of the submitted artworks are recognized in a Virtual Museum (can be found on the National PTA Reflections website). These individuals also earn one of three awards: Merit Award, Award of Excellence, and Outstanding Interpretation Award. The Merit Award gives the student a bronze medal and a certificate of merit. For the Award of Excellence a student receives an $200 Young Artist scholarship, along with a certificate and silver medal. The final award, the Outstanding Interpretation Award, is only given to 7 competitors in the nation. They each receive an $800 Young Artists scholarship, a $200 prize from their Local PTA Unit, a certificate, and a gold medal.

This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me”, and entries are due October 25th. You can apply using the application link here.

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