Categories - Choose how you want to create

💃 Dance Choreography

Create an original dance that shows what “What My Culture Means to Me” means to you.

🎬 Film Production

Lights, camera, CREATE! Tell your story through an original film.

📖 Literature

Poems, stories, essays and other original writing can bring your ideas to life.

🎵 Music Composition

Compose original music inspired by this year's theme.

📷 Photography

Tell your story through an original photograph.

🎨 Visual Arts

Draw, paint or create an original piece of visual artwork.

Divisions

Each category is broken into 3 divisions:

Primary: TK - 2nd grade

Intermediate: 3rd grade - 5th grade

Accessible: Open to students in all grades for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA Section 504. 

How to Enter

1. CREATE 🎨
Create an original work inspired by “What My Culture Means to Me.”

2. EXPLAIN 💭
Give your artwork a title and tell us what it means to you in your Artist Statement.

3. SUBMIT 📤
Have a parent/guardian complete the online entry form and upload your work. Parent signature required.

👨‍👩‍👧 PARENTS: IMPORTANT RULES

Your child should create the artwork.

Parents can encourage, explain the program and help with logistical/technical needs when permitted, but creative decisions and the artwork itself must be directed by the student. National PTA specifically prohibits artistic assistance from parents, teachers, friends or others.

Projects must be original.

The artwork needs to be newly created for the current Reflections theme rather than repurposed from another assignment or competition.

One student per entry.

Reflections entries are individual rather than group submissions.

Don't forget the Artist Statement.

This matters a lot. Judges consider the artwork and the artist statement when evaluating interpretation of the theme.

❓ FAQs

Does my child have to be an amazing artist?
No! Reflections is about creativity, expression and interpreting the theme.

Can parents help?
Parents can support their child, but the creative work and decisions must be the student's own.

Does my child need an artist statement?
Yes. Entries require an original title and artist statement.

When are entries due?
📅 Due October 15, 2026

How will entries be submitted?
📥Use the "Submit My Project" button at the beginning of this page.

What does my child get for participating?
🎉 All participants earn an EXTRA RECESS!