REFLECTIONS
OVERVIEW
National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, boosting student confidence and success in the arts and life.
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Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+-year-old program helps them explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them succeed in school and life. This year's theme is "Show Your Voice" where students are inspired and encouraged to create original works highlighting one of six areas: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.
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This year, there were 537 art entries submitted at the school sites throughout Glendale Unified School District, and 123 were judged at the Council PTA level. Thirty outstanding interpretation winners, which are featured below, were then judged at First District PTA. From these 30, 5 moved on to the State competition. Two from GUSD will be moving on to the National competition!
Kayla Kim, age 8, I Love Mark Keppel, 2022
Music by Ikson, "Wanna"
Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Mark Keppel PTA
I wanted to tell that I love Mark Keppel. For my film the lips slowly open the mouth and the teeth showing Mark Keppel.
Olivia Harkins, age 10, Equalizer: SHOW YOUR VOICE, 2022
Music from iMovie stock music library
Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Dunsmore Avenue PTA
This is about a superhero that comes to Earth to help save the environment from global warming and help the people to love and respect each other.
Zachary Yang, age 11, Silent Voice, 2022
Animation created with iMovie (including sound effects) and FlipAClip apps on the iPad.
Middle School (Grades 6-8), Mountain Avenue PTA
My film “Silent Voice” shows that there are multiple ways to show your voice. I was inspired by a character in a movie who was mute. It made me wonder about how someone who is unable to speak can speak up for themselves. In “Silent Voice” the main character shows their voice by drawing and presenting, which are uncommon ways to show your voice.
Will Hays, age 16, Tethered, 2022
Music: "Ending" by Peter Sandberg, "Progressive Progress" by Howard Harper-Barnes, and "Fantastic Voyage" by Coolio (prod. DJ Wino)
High School (Grades 9-12), Crescenta Valley High School PTSA
"Tethered," features a young man named Leonard who takes
a stand in his own life. I’m "Showing my Voice" through this
film by reflecting my experience of having to find the balance between my schoolwork and extracurricular activities while maintaining my relationships with my friends.
Dominic Koh, age 18, My Voice is Special, 2022
Special Artist (All Grades), College View SEPTA
I don't often use my voice because it is hard for me. However,
I have learned to say, "Hi Mom!" and I know it makes my mom happy.
