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Contact Info

James Martinez
O: 312-670-6782 x325
C: 773-339-4533
E: jmartinez@pta.org

Students Nationally Recognized for Arts Achievement

More than half-a-million kids participate in PTA national arts program

CHICAGO (May 7, 2009) –As arts programs disappear from schools nationwide every year, hundreds of thousands of children have less and less ways to creatively express themselves.

That’s why the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is proud to announce this year’s national award recipients of PTA’s Reflections Program. The nearly 40-year-old arts based program—themed this year as “Wow!”—provides opportunities for kids to receive recognition for their artistic efforts and expressions.

PTA is recognizing six students as recipients of PTA’s Reflections Program Outstanding Interpretation Award—the best-of-the-best in six arts categories.  The six students will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 113th Annual PTA National Convention and Exhibition (June 26–June 29) in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  They also will receive cash awards of $800 and cash awards of $200 will go to their local PTAs.

The organization will also recognize 71 students with Awards of Excellence and 119 students with Awards of Merit across four grade divisions—primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior—and six arts categories—dance choreography, film/video production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts. All the national award–winning pieces will be featured in a virtual gallery in July; however, the complete list of winners is currently available on PTA’s website or at www.pta.org/reflectionswinners.

Professionals from well-respected institutions, including the National Assembly of States Arts Agencies, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Cable in the Classroom, College of Arts and Sciences, DC Youth Orchestra, The Dance Institute of Washington, Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts, and National Children's Museum, volunteered to judge close to 1,500 art pieces which reached the national level of judging.

The national Outstanding Interpretation Award recipients are:

• Outstanding Interpretation for Dance Choreography
  “In Remembrance”
  Ashley Q. Schrader, Grade 12
  Dr. Phillips High School PTSA
  Orlando, FL
  
  
• Outstanding Interpretation for Film/Video Production
  “Focus”
  Jared Fadel, Grade 12
  Bountiful High School PTSA
  Bountiful, UT
  
  
• Outstanding Interpretation for Literature
  “A Mother’s Art”
  Kate S. Huh, Grade 11
  Troy PTSA
  Fullerton, CA
  
  
• Outstanding Interpretation for Musical Composition
  “Sexy You”
  Kai L. Sandoval, Grade 12
  Florence Community PTA
  Florence, OR
  
  
• Outstanding Interpretation for Photography
  “Palindrome Reflection 2”
  Keely M. Buchanan, Grade 2
  High Lakes PTA
  Bend, OR
  
  
• Outstanding Interpretation for Visual Arts
  “Knowledge is Power”
  Alice Y. Yang, Grade 8
  First Avenue PTSA
  Arcadia, CA

About the Reflections Program
In its nearly 40-year history, the PTA Reflections Program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents. PTA believes that all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to submit works of art in six areas: literature, dance choreography, film/video production, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).

About National PTA
PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 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.

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Award Recipients
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Outstanding Interpretation
for Dance Choreography
“In Remembrance”
Ashley Q. Schrader, Grade 12
Dr. Phillips High School PTSA
Orlando, FL
Click here to view.

Outstanding Interpretation
for Film/Video Production
“Focus”
Jared Fadel, Grade 12
Bountiful High School PTSA
Bountiful, UT
Click here to view.

Outstanding Interpretation
for Literature
“A Mother’s Art”
Kate S. Huh, Grade 11
Troy PTSA
Fullerton, CA
Click here to read.

Outstanding Interpretation
for Musical Composition
“Sexy You”
Kai L. Sandoval, Grade 12
Florence Community PTA
Florence, OR
Click here to listen.

Outstanding Interpretation
for Photography
“Palindrome
Reflection 2”
Keely M. Buchanan, Grade 2
High Lakes PTA
Bend, OR
Click here to view.

Outstanding Interpretation
for Visual Arts
“Knowledge is Power”
Alice Y. Yang, Grade 8
First Avenue PTSA
Arcadia, CA
Click here to view.

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