March is Arts Education Month, a perfect time to celebrate the transformative power of creativity and the vital role of arts in our children’s education. California State PTA is thrilled to recognize the outstanding artistic achievements of students who participated in the 2024-2025 Reflections Program under the inspiring theme “Accepting Imperfection.”
For over five decades, the Reflections Program has been a cornerstone of PTA’s commitment to the arts, providing opportunities for students of all ages to unleash their creative talents, express themselves imaginatively, and experience the joy of making art. Designed to enhance, not replace, quality arts education, Reflections encourages students to tap into critical thinking skills as they respond to a chosen theme through original works in various art forms. This year’s theme, “Accepting Imperfection,” invited students to explore the beauty and growth that can arise from embracing flaws and vulnerabilities.
California State PTA proudly congratulates the talented students who have earned recognition at the state level. These exceptional artists have demonstrated remarkable creativity and thoughtful interpretation of the theme. Their work will be showcased at the California State PTA Convention, providing an opportunity for attendees to witness the incredible artistic talent within our student community.
The Reflections Program offers several levels of recognition: Outstanding Interpretation, Award of Excellence (1st Place), and Award of Merit (2nd Place). Outstanding Interpretation honorees represent truly exceptional and unique expressions of the theme. These students will be invited to the California State PTA Convention, where their entries will be displayed before moving on to the National PTA Reflections level for further review.
We are delighted to announce the following students who have received the Outstanding Interpretation honor:
- Abigail Hong (Middle School/7th Grade, Oxford Academy PTSA, Fourth District) for Visual Arts.
- Katelyn Gooneratne (High School/11th Grade, Canyon High School PTSA, Fourth District) for Photography.
- Avni Anand (Middle School/6th Grade, Bowditch Middle School PTSA, Seventeenth District) for Literature.
- Kai Hosein (High School/12th Grade, Eagle Rock Jr/Sr High PTSA, Tenth District) for Music Composition.
- Rowan Zollars (Middle School/6th Grade, Sycamore Canyon School PTSA, Twelfth District) for Dance Choreography.
- Mariah Moreno (High School/11th Grade, Santiago High School PTSA, Twenty-Third District) for Film Production.
- Isabella Juarez-Padilla (Accessible Arts/10th Grade, Corona del Mar High School PTA, Fourth District) for Accessible Arts.
The Award of Excellence recognizes first-place entries in each category and division. These outstanding artworks will also be displayed at the California State PTA Convention and will proceed to the National PTA Reflections level for judging.
The Reflections Program also includes the Accessible Arts division, which provides modified rules and guidelines for students with disabilities. This ensures that all students have the opportunity to participate and be recognized for their creative efforts, as exemplified by Isabella Juarez-Padilla’s Outstanding Interpretation in this division.
The success of the Reflections Program highlights the crucial role of PTA in fostering arts education and providing platforms for student expression. By encouraging participation in programs like Reflections, PTAs across California contribute to increased community awareness of the importance of arts in education.
Congratulations once again to all the talented Reflections participants and award winners! Your creativity and dedication to the arts enrich our communities and inspire us all. As we celebrate Arts Education Month, let us continue to champion the arts in our schools and support programs that empower students to explore their unique talents and voices.
Visit our website at capta.org/award-of-excellence-recipients to view the award winner.