Reflections

EXPLORE THE ARTS, AND EXPRESS YOURSELF!

All MW students are encouraged to participate in the MW PTA Reflections Arts Contest. The theme for 2023-2024 is “I am Hopeful Because…”

About Reflections

For more than 50 years, the National PTA organization has offered its Reflections art contest to provide opportunities for student recognition and access to the arts that boost student confidence and success. The art contest includes six categories, but this year, MW PTA is focusing on 3 categories: Visual Arts, Literature/Creative Writing, and Photography.

Student Recognition

All students participating in the MW Reflections competition have a chance to win prizes from the PTA for each of the entry categories. Participating students also will receive recognition by the school and the MW PTA via certificate of participation and a Reflections art display in the school building. Category winners in our local-level MW contest also will have the chance to move up and compete at the WJCC PTAs, Virginia PTA and National PTA competition levels.

Competitors who reach the National PTA level could win:

1. Outstanding Interpretation Award: $800 Young Artist Scholarship; Gold Medal; Certificate of Outstanding Interpretation; work featured in the virtual exhibition; $200 Prize for Local PTA Unit
2. Award of Excellence: $200 Young Artist Scholarship; Silver Medal; Certificate of Excellence; work
   featured in the virtual exhibition
3. Merit Award: Bronze Medal; Certificate of Merit; work featured in the virtual exhibition

Entry Form and Requirements

Students and parents should review these documents to make sure you have met all requirements before entering the contest.

• Reflections Entry Form: English | Spanish (this signed and completed form must be
  submitted with the artwork)
• Reflections Entry Rules:
  • Literature / Creative Writing Category Rules: English | Spanish
  • Photography Category Rules: English | Spanish
  • Visual Arts Category Rules: English | Spanish
• 2022-2023 Deadlines:
  • Nov 18th: MW PTA Reflections entries due
  • November 30th: MW PTA winners announced to students
  • Dec 2: MW PTA submits student entries to WJCC PTA Reflections competition
  • December: WJCC PTA winners announced
  • March: Virginia PTA winners announced
  • May: National PTA Winners announced

How to Enter

After following the above-mentioned reflection entry requirements, students must follow the steps below to submit their reflection entries to the MW PTA by the November 18th deadline.

1. Download the Reflections entry form in English or form in Spanish.
2. Fill out the student information section only. The form must be hand-signed by both the student and a parent/guardian.
3. The student must submit a digital photo of the original artwork along with the entry form during the online entry process, as a visual reference for the judges.
4. The student or parent/guardian should email the signed entry form and digital artwork together in a single message to mwespta@gmail.com with the student’s name, grade, and category in the email subject line.

NOTE: All artwork must be submitted to the main office, to be saved for potential use at future contest stages.

Good luck to all contestants. We look forward to your art!