Reflections
The evolution of a growing program, such as Reflections, is what the PTSA looks forward to supporting year after year. Reflections is a National PTA program that enables students to find a creative outlet in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts. The program began in 1969 and now more than 200,000 students participate annually.
2024-2025 Reflections
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The 2024-2025 Reflections program has closed. Thank you to all the students who participated. Please contact Chevondolyn Williams, Arts + Education Chair to pick up your award if you were unable to attend the Awards Ceremony on December 5, 2024. We will celebrate and recognize all 12 students that advanced to Regionals at the Creations show on May 9, 2025 in The MAT. Visit the 2024-25 Reflections page to view their outstanding artistry! |
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Reflections FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Reflections theme for 2025-2026?
Students are encouraged to reflect, create and submit an original work of art based on the 2025-26 theme "I Belong," in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts.
Who can participate?
All BTWHSPVA students in grades 9-12 can participate. Click on this link to review the eligibility requirements.
How much does it cost to participate?
The program is free; however, the student or parent/guardian from their household must be registered as a PTSA member. Student membership is $5, and Parent/Guardian membership is $15 each. Join or renew your membership online.
What are the rules?
Read the program rules by clicking on your category below. All entries must meet the requirements.
- General Rules English | Spanish
- Dance Choreography English | Spanish
- Film Production English | Spanish
- Literature English | Spanish
- Music Composition English | Spanish
- Photography English | Spanish
- Visual Arts English | Spanish
- Accessible Arts Rules English | Spanish
Are there examples of previous winner submissions?
See the gallery of previous national awardees.
How do students submit their original artwork?
All entries must be submitted digitally through the Membership Toolkit. Files for literature, photography, and visual arts can be uploaded with the entry form. Videos for dance choreography, film production, and music composition must be uploaded to your preferred video platform. Include a link to view the video in the entry form.
Who will judge the entries?
Industry professionals are recruited to judge each entry according to the National PTA Reflections rubric for: Interpretation of the Theme (20 pts), Artistic Merit/Creativity (12 pts), and Mastery of the Medium (8 pts).
How will the entries be judged?
Industry professionals are recruited to judge each entry according to the National PTA Reflections rubric on mastery of the medium (worth 8 points), artistic merit (worth 12 points), and interpretation of the theme (worth 20 points). Mastery of the medium in the context of the national Reflections Program pertains to the level of skill the student demonstrates in the basic principles/ techniques of the arts area. However, a well-developed concept is more important than technique. Entries will be judged primarily on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme. Many times, the artist statement will make a huge difference during judging because this is where the artist can explain in their own words, their thoughts and feelings for their piece.
What awards will be given to the students?
- All students will receive a participation award. Additionally, there will be monetary prizes for the Overall Award of Excellence to the top three scored entries regardless of category—1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
- The top 20% of highest scores will receive Award of Excellence, these entries are excellent interpretations of the Reflections theme, exceptionally creative, and executed extremely well. Students that receive an Award of Excellence will advance to the Regional level.
- The Award of Merit is traditionally awarded to the next 20% of scores and is based on very good interpretations of the Reflections theme, very creative and executed very well.
- The next 30% will receive an Honorable Mention for good interpretations of the Reflections theme, are creative, and executed nicely.
- Winning entries at the Regional level will advance to the State level and, ultimately, to the National level. Review the outline of the awards and recognition received if the entry advances to state and nationals by visiting the following two websites: Texas PTA and National PTA.
What is the deadline to submit the entry form online?
The deadline to submit the entry form online will be in November. Exact date to be announced.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be awarded at the PTSA meeting in December. Exact date to be announced.
Reflections Program Participants Through the Years
View the student artwork of previous submissions by clicking on the links below:
2022-23 Reflections "Show Your Voice"
