National PTA Announces 2010 Reflections Award Recipients

Arts Program Recognizes Six Students, Celebrates 40 Years of Student Expression


CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 11, 2010) -  As National PTA® celebrates the 40th anniversary of Reflections, the country's longest running arts in education program, the association announced this week the 2010 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Award winners in six arts categories. The winners were chosen from more than 500,000 submissions from students across the nation who participated in this year's program, themed "Beauty is..." Each year the program provides opportunities for students to receive recognition for their artistic efforts and expressions.

The six students will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 114th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition June 12 in Memphis, Tenn. They also will receive a certificate, medallion, and $800 for their winning entry. A special award of $200 will be granted to each winner's local PTA.

The national Outstanding Interpretation Award Recipients are:

  • Outstanding Interpretation Dance Choreography
     "I Look To You"
     Chelsea D. Townsend
     Hillside High PTA
     Durham, NC

  • Outstanding Interpretation Musical Composition
     "Reverie"
     Peter S. Shin
     Park Hill High School PTSA
     Kansas City, MO

  • Outstanding Interpretation Film Production
     "Beauty is Spontaneous"
     Cody A. Bralts
     Urbana High School PTSA
     Urbana, IL

  • Outstanding Interpretation Photography
     "Eyes"
     Aleck M. Tan
     Pikesville HS PTSA
     Baltimore, MD

  • Outstanding Interpretation Literature
     "Beauty"
     Joan K. Bedinger
     Campbell HS PTSA
     Marietta, GA

  • Outstanding Interpretation Visual Arts
     "Beauty is Hilarious"
     Daniel J. Fairbanks
     Stevenson High School PTSA
     Livonia, MI

The association will also recognize 72 students with Awards of Excellence and 120 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 the visual arts. A complete list of winners is showcased in the virtual PTA Reflections gallery. To view the gallery visit http://www.ptareflections.org/cs/2010_national_winners.

The judging process was completed by professionals representing a number of disciplines including, the non-profit, higher education, and corporate sectors. Volunteer judges represented The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Howard University, College of Arts and Sciences; Parenting Magazine (Proud National Media Sponsor of Reflections); Cable in the Classroom; Institute for Educational Leadership-Coalition for Community Schools; National Association of State Directors of Special Education; Learning to Give; and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. More information about the national awards and recognition is available online at http://www.ptareflections.org/cs/awards_and_recognition.

About PTA Reflections Program 
Celebrating 40 years, PTA Reflections Program is designed to 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 the 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 a media-rich version of this release, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/pta_00507/index.html

Contact Information:

Contacts:
James Martinez
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325
Cell: (773) 339-4533