Get Ready for Reflections 2018-2019

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and New York State PTA cultural arts competition that gives students confidence in their abilities to explore ideas and learn through the arts! 

The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.

Each year thousands of students in preschool through grade 12 create and submit original works in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students here in New York participate in Reflections through their school’s PTA. A student may submit an entry in any of six listed arts areas.

The 2018-2019 theme “Heroes Around Me” will spark imagination and creativity in school and at home. At the same time, you can encourage your school to imagine, create and celebrate with Reflections during National Arts & Humanities Month this October.

Reflections Program

The National PTA Reflections Program welcomes students of all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Students reflect on a theme, create original works of art and earn positive recognition for their achievements. Any PTA/PTSA held in good standing may take part in Reflections.

Questions: contact reflections@nyspta.org.

2017-18 Reflections Winners – “Within Reach”

Congratulations to all our 2018 Reflections Award of Excellence and Award of Merit winners.

On March 1, 2018, NYS PTA submitted 29 Award of Excellence entries to National PTA for further judging and recognition. At the state level, we also awarded 108 Award of Merit entries.

Thank you to all our regions who participated. Almost every region had at least one Award of Excellence or Award of Merit winner.

National PTA will be announcing their winners on May 1, 2018. We will keep you updated.

2017 National Reflections Winners

In 2016-17, thousands of students across the country and in US schools overseas contributed their original works to be considered for PTA’s highest honor in the arts.

It is our privilege to announce the six 2017 National PTA Reflections Award Winners from New York:

National PTA Outstanding Interpretation

Rachel Doyle from Syosset High School PTA; Photography – High School; Nassau Region

National PTA Award of Merit

Nicholas Alvino from Division Avenue High School PTSA; Dance Choreography – High School; Nassau Region

Tyler Sapoff from Old Country Road School PTA; Literature – Primary; Nassau Region

Christina Morris from Freeport High School PTSA; Music Composition – High School; Nassau Region

Ivyana Rose Dragoo from Heritage Heights PTA; Music Composition – Primary; Western Region

Joselyn Aponte from Wheeler Ave PTA; Visual Arts – Intermediate; Nassau Region

Additional Opportunities

Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant Program

The National PTA Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant provides matching dollar funding to local PTAs to support in-school and after-school arts enhancement programs within their communities. Matching grants of up to $1,000 are awarded each year to local PTAs. Eligible applicants must be a PTA in good standing.

Apply for a Grant! Applications for projects starting in the 2016-2017 school year will be accepted January 4 through March 11, 2016. For more information, visit the National PTA Mary Lou Anderson Grant webpage.