Highlights From National PTA Reflections Art Exhibit Opening at U.S. Department of Education

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - January 20, 2010) - National PTA and the U.S. Department of Education honored students last week Friday for their award-winning artwork from PTA's Reflections Program. A ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Department's headquarters on January 15th in Washington, D.C. officially marked the opening of the exhibit which features student artwork from the 2008-2009 Reflections Program, themed "Wow!"

This year's opening ceremony featured special guest speakers and artistic performances from award-winning students. Highlights from this year's event included:

--  Remarks from Scott Pearson, Associate Assistant Deputy Secretary for
    Innovation and Improvement; David Hoff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the
    Office of Communication and Outreach; Tichina Arnold, National PTA Advisory
    Board Member and Actress; Susan Kane, Editor-in-Chief at Parenting
    Magazine; and Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, National PTA President;
--  Musical performances of "Yonder Come Day," the "National Anthem," and "I
    Am." performed by the William E. Doar, Jr. Public Charter School for the
    Performing Arts choir;
--  A special dance performance by a 2008-2009 Reflections Award of
    Excellence winner Marissa Rajasekhara; and
--  The premier of National PTA's anthem "Above Horizons" music video
    (recorded by CeCe Peniston, multi-platinum recording artist and National
    PTA Ambassador).
    

Quotes from speakers' remarks:

--  "While there's plenty to be said for drive and talent, it was my parents'
    support that started me on the path that led me here today." - Tichina
    Arnold, National PTA Advisory Board Member and Actress.
    
--  "The role that creativity and artistic expression play in a child's
    development is undeniable, and our role as supporters is unending." - Susan
    Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Parenting Magazine.
    
--  "Parent involvement can be the difference between a child picking up a
    paintbrush or keeping their creativity to themselves." - Charles J. "Chuck"
    Saylors, National PTA President.
    

The exhibit will be on display for public viewing through February 19, 2010. Click here or visit www.pta.org/reflections to view some of the artwork that is on exhibit.

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 family engagement 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.

About the Reflections Program

In its 40-year history, the Reflections Program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents. PTA believes that all children deserve a quality arts education and encourages students to pursue artistic expression through participation in its annual Reflections Program. The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to submit works of art in six arts areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts (which include art forms such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage). For more information about the National Reflections program please visit, www.PTAreflections.org

To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/pta_00120/index.html

Contact Information: Contacts: James Martinez Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325 Cell: (773) 339-4533 La'Keisha Gray-Sewell Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 321 Cell: (312) 623-4560