The Reflections Art contest has been around for over fifty years. “The Reflections program was founded by Mary Lou Anderson in 1969 and provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life,” says PTA.org.
Consisting of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts and special artists; this is a competition to showcase student talents. “Nation PTA sponsors this event yearly. Each school has the opportunity to share this event with their school in each county,” says Mrs. Tracey Kah, who is the Reflections contest organizer.
The amount of participation varies year to year. “In years past there were as many as 100 plus entries. Now, we are lucky to get three entries. I would love to see more students express themselves in a positive way using the arts programs,” Kahl states. “The most entries are in literature, visual arts, and photography.”
The contest starts early in the year, with different deadlines that must be met. “Most years, it starts the first part of October and entries are due sometime in early December. This year, the local deadline is Dec. 1, 2023. This gives us time to judge the artwork and submit it to the county level by Dec. 15 ,2023.” After placing at the local level, contestants can go to county level, or “maybe even Nationals!” Kahl says.
Contestants will find out if they placed. “Locally, we will know about ten days after the deadline,” Kahl explains. The different levels of awards that can be won are the “Merit award, the award of excellence, and the outstanding interpretation award.”
The prizes that are won for each level increase, the higher the level, “Merit Award [gets a] Bronze Medal; Certificate of Merit; Work featured in the virtual exhibition. Award of Excellence [gets a] $200 Young Artist Scholarship; Silver Medal; Certificate of Excellence; Work featured in the virtual exhibition. Outstanding Interpretation Award [gets a] $800 Young Artist Scholarship; Gold Medal; Certificate of Outstanding Interpretation; Work featured in the virtual exhibition; $200 Prize for Local PTA Unit,” Kahl explains.
The prizes for each level vary. “They are different for each local school. NHHS gives a certificate and a gift card. The county also has an award ceremony; they too give certificates and gift cards,” says Kahl
Regarding advice for people looking to enter this contest Kahl says, “Good luck! Enjoy [and] express yourself.”
