Reflections fine arts contest lets students ‘Believe, Dream, Inspire’

MADISON – Aspiring musicians, visual artists, dancers and writers can let their arts creativity shine with the 2013-2014 National PTA Reflections program.

(CONTRIBUTED)

For 40 years, Reflections has encouraged students across the nation and American schools overseas to explore their talents in the fine arts.

For 2012-2013, Discovery Middle School student Aija Abele received the Reflections Award of Merit for her choreography, “I Was Here,” a chart by country artists Lady Antebellum.

In addition, creative work in 2011-2012 by Madison students James Eaton and Bilal Sultan led to the Award of Excellence from Reflections. At the time, Eaton and Sultan were students at Bob Jones high and Columbia elementary schools, respectively.

This year’s Reflections theme is “Believe, Dream, Inspire.” Students can enter their work in choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts.

Grade divisions for Reflections entries are primary, including pre-school through second grade; intermediate, grades 3-5; middle, grades 6-8; and high school, grades 9-12.

A new category this year, the Special Artist Division is not grade-specific but intended for students with physical, cognitive or mental health challenges that meet American Disabilities Act guidelines.

“Parents should remember to let student artists be responsible for their own work,” public relations manager John Peck said. “Crooked lines, incorrect musical notes or misspelled words do not disqualify anyone.”

Each Madison school will select a top entry in each category and grade division. PTA members and community volunteers recruited by the schools’ PTAs will judge the entries. The school winners then advance to competition for the Madison district.

Deadline for Reflections entries is Oct. 25. Each Madison campus has a designated coordinator for Reflections.

For more information, email to madisoncitypta.reflections@gmail or visit alabamapta.org/community/reflections.asp or Facebook/Madison-City-PTA-Reflections-Program.