Recognition and Celebrations
Celebrating student achievement provides an opportunity for schools and families to connect with each other and to their community. Prioritize planning and implementing a celebration strategy that effectively communicates with winners and promotes their accomplishments across your community.
To support celebration planning, download the Reflections Celebration Guide for steps and tips to plan a successful celebration event.
Publicly and widely announcing student winners helps makes the accomplishment more special and exciting for student artists, while connecting directly with student winners ensures they don't miss out on their awards and prizes.
Announce Winners
Publicizing achievements enhances the your state PTA's reputation in supporting the arts. Announce winners and showcase student artworks in various ways:
School Announcements: Morning announcements, intercom, assemblies, marquee or digital sign, posters and flyers and a special section in the yearbook.
PTA Announcements: During meetings or special events, on the PTA website and in newsletters.
Community Announcements: Email blasts to community partners and press releases to local newspapers and radio stations.
Digital Announcements: Banners, video announcements and email blasts to the school community.
Connect with Students
Help student artists easily find relevant details, by updating webpages and/or social media with details about Reflections winners and awards, such as:
Winning Entries: Clearly indicate student name, award level and other relevant and specific information (e.g., classroom, school/teacher name, artwork title, entry category).
Advancing Entries: Explain what determines if an entry advances and specific which are advancing for additional review.
Review Details: Provide information on upcoming review levels, processes, points of contact, and timelines.
Celebrations: Share details about upcoming celebrations or exhibits.
Artwork Return: Inform students when they can expect their artwork back. Return non-advancing works immediately after judging or exhibition, and no later than the last day of school. Note that electronic submissions are typically not returned. Be mindful of secondary students needing their artwork for college admissions.
Next Program Theme: Share the theme for the next program to inspire students to participate again. Themes are selected two years in advance through the Annual Theme Search Contest. Learn more at PTA.org/ReflectionsAwards.
Recognizing student winners boosts their confidence and encourages others to participate. It builds community pride, inspires peers and acknowledges hard work.
Organize Celebrations
Boost student confidence by hosting events where family, school staff, and community leaders can appreciate their artistic skills and creative vision. Consider these celebration ideas:
Art Showcase: Host an exhibition displaying Reflections artwork and recognizing winners. Invite family, friends and community members.
Award Ceremony: Organize a ceremony to present certificates or trophies. Make it special with music, decorations and refreshments.
Award Performances: Let students perform their award-winning pieces, such as dance, musical performances or movie screenings.
Creative Workshops: Incorporate arts education into celebrations with workshops where students can learn new techniques or collaborate on projects.
Prizes and Awards for Student Winners
Provide prizes and/or awards to recognize student participation and accomplishments and create lasting memories. Here are some fun prize ideas for student winners:
Art Supplies, Subscriptions and Gift Cards: High-quality sketchbooks, pen sets, vouchers for art stores or online platforms or subscriptions to art magazines or online learning platforms
Books: Inspirational books related to art, creativity or favorite genres.
Tech Gadgets: Fun gadgets like headphones, smartwatches or portable speakers.
Merchandise: School-branded items like hoodies, backpacks or water bottles.
Fun Outings: Organize special outings, like trips to amusement parks, movie days or tickets to art museums, theaters or workshops.
Custom Trophies and Certificates: Personalized trophies or medals with students' names and achievements. Visit the ShopPTA Reflections Shop for additional materials.
Be sure to thank your Reflections reviewers, volunteers and participants while you celebrate your winners. Express your gratitude to reviewers, volunteers, participants, school personnel and sponsors. Consider these additional ways to show appreciation:
Public Recognition: Acknowledge supporters on the PTA/school website, newsletters and social media.
Certificates and Tokens: Present certificates of appreciation or small tokens of gratitude. Download and customize this Template Student Certificate.
Thank-You Events: Host a reception or luncheon to thank everyone involved.
Spotlight Features: Highlight supporters in a special section of the school newsletter or website.
Personalized Notes: Send personalized thank-you notes to students and staff. Download and customize this Thank You Letter for Volunteers (en español).
Information provided by the National PTA website