I recently served as a judge for the Parent/Teacher Associationís Reflection Program, which is a national effort to recognize students for their artistic ability. Students at Falcon Middle School (grade six through eight) participated in the competition.The students were encouraged to create and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and the visual arts such as drawing, painting, print making and collage. Each entry was based on a theme, and this yearís theme was ìmagic of a moment.îA total of 15 entries from 13 students (two entered more than one art form) were received.I judged each entry based on the following guidelines: interpretation of the theme; artistic merit; creative merit; and technical merit. The winner with the most points (or the first place winner) from Falcon Middle School will compete again at the county level. From there, the competition is state and then national.Only one student will receive the Outstanding Interpretation Award, along with $800, a gold medal and an additional $200 award that goes to the local PTA. The winning studentís artwork is also recognized at the National PTA Annual Convention and Exhibition, and his or her artwork will be on exhibit at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.The PTA held a small reception for the Falcon Middle School winners at the end of November. I will follow up with the names and photos of the winners in the January issue of The New Falcon Herald.The PTA Reflections was started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, who served as Colorado PTA president at the time. In its 40-year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to create and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which include art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage).Through Reflections, the PTA recognizes students for their artistic efforts at local, regional, state and national levels. The awards include the following:
- Outstanding Interpretation Awards:†Presented to one student in each arts category and the Special Artist Division for best theme interpretation. Recipients receive $800, a gold medal, and a $200 award for their local PTA. Award winners are recognized at the National PTA Annual Convention and Exhibition and their artwork is displayed at an exhibit in the†U.S. Department of Education†in Washington, DC.
- Awards of Excellence:†Presented to the top three scores for each arts category in each Division. In 2012, the PTA recognized 72 students with Awards of Excellence. Recipients received $200, a bronze medal and were mentioned in the National PTAís†awards ceremony program. They may be highlighted during an exhibit at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington.
- Awards of Merit:†Presented to the next five highest scores for each arts category in each division. In 2012, PTA recognized 116 students with Awards of Merit. Recipients received a certificate.
