Clover Park School District's Annual PTA Reflections Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, January 12th I attended the Annual PTA Reflections Awards Ceremony with the Clover Park School District. I was honored to be the emcee and host of this very fun event. Reflections has played a vital part in the development of both of my boys for the past several years. Both Kenny and Cody are very artistic, and to celebrate their talent through the Reflections program each year has truly been such a blessing, especially with the challenges they face academically with their special needs. However, due to our very busy year we did not get a chance to enter, but plan on submitting art work this spring again at the Puyallup Fair.

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works. Each year, Reflections challenges students to create art that supports a specific theme. Themes are selected from thousands of ideas submitted by students to National PTA's Reflections Theme Search. 2010-11 Reflections theme is: "Together We Can". Young artists get involved in Reflections through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of six arts areas. Only original works of art are accepted. The six art areas are: Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Film/Video and Choreography/Dance.

Thanks to Elysia Mbuja and Barbara Green for doing such a fabulous job organizing the Clover Park School Districts PTA Reflections Ceremony. These women are just amazing PTA Mommies!

With Clover Park School Board Member Paul Wagemann

With my friend Cheryl who is also a dedicated PTA Mom and supporter of Reflections.

With Debbie Lebeau - Superintendent for Clover Park School District

Speaking to the audience about the important role that art and music education play in the development of our children. I personally shared my own family's story of the vital role that music and art plays in my own children's lives. As Mrs. Washington, I am proud to be a spokesperson for MENC (National Association for Music Education) and teaching others how they too can be advocates for their children.

Presenting Reflection Awards

Sarah - Photography. She had so much fun capturing nature with her camera!

Hannah and Grace - Visual Arts. They are both very creative and artistic as you can see!

Andrew - Photography. He is very techno-savvy here in combining his computer skills with photography.

Jaren - Visual Arts. I just can't believe this boy is only in 4th grade - beautiful piece!

Sadie - Visual Arts. I love how she incorporated faces into the American Flag implying that together we can make a difference instead of doing it alone.