National PTA Announces 2012 Reflections Award Recipients

ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - May 8, 2012) - While a recent report by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that many states are cutting their support for the arts in schools, one factor has remained constant in America for more than 40 years: National PTA's^® Reflections Program (SM) each year provides opportunities for students to explore and express themselves through the arts and receive positive recognition for their efforts and achievements.

That's why National PTA is proud to announce the 2011-2012 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Award winners in six arts categories, along with 188 other Awards of Excellence and Merit. The Reflections Program has served tens of millions of children since its inception and is one of the country's oldest and largest arts recognition programs.

Winners were chosen from hundreds of thousands of submissions from students across the nation and in European schools serving military families who participated in this year's program, themed "Diversity Means..."

"Research shows that the arts contribute to creative thinking, emotional resiliency, problem-solving, and other 21^st century skills which are critical for student success in college and career. So, we're proud of our Reflections Program because for more than 40 years this arts program has given children the opportunity to express themselves creatively and be recognized for it," said National PTA President Betsy Landers.

The six students will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 116th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition in June in San Jose, Calif. They also will receive a certificate, medallion, and $800 for their winning entry. A special award of $200 will be granted to each outstanding winner's local PTA.

The national Outstanding Interpretation Award Recipients are:

• Dance Choreography
  Raquel Charles
  "True Colors"
  Sequoyah High School PTSA
  Canton, Georgia

• Film Production
  Ansel Lapier
  "The Quest"
  Liberty Lake Elementary PTSA
  Liberty Lake, Washington

• Literature
  Melanie Mignucci
  "Es La Lluvia Que Le Molesta"
  Staples High School PTA
  Westport, Connecticut

• Musical Composition
  Polly Moser
  "The Flow of Water"
  Burleigh Manor Middle School PTA
  Ellicott City, Maryland

• Photography
  Kobie Dawn Long
  "Scrambled Students"
  Hubbell Elementary PTA
  Des Moines, Iowa

• Visual Arts
  Emily Lam
  "Diversity Means Harmony in the World"
  SKA Academy PTSA
  Duluth, Georgia

The association also recognizes 72 students with Awards of Excellence and 116 students with Awards of Merit across four grade divisions -- primary, intermediate, middle/junior, and senior -- in six arts categories -- dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts. A complete list of winners is available at www.PTA.org/ReflectionsWinners. Their artwork will be showcased in a virtual PTA Reflections gallery that will be live later this year.

About PTA Reflections Program
For more than 40 years National PTA's Reflections Program has enhance quality arts education for students in preschool through grade 12, encouraging them to create works of art in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts.

About National PTA
National 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 association 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.

To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2012/national_pta/reflections/