Newport News Council PTA honors PTA Reflections winners

Posted: March 21, 2024

The Newport News Council PTA recognized the creative works of 15 students who participated in the 2023-2024 National PTA Reflections competition at an awards ceremony March 18 at Kiln Creek Elementary School.

This year’s theme was "I am hopeful because ..."

Students participated in the appropriate division for their grade level and submitted their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

Kaia Trieshmann Murphy, a second grader at Hilton Elementary School, received Honorable Mention at the state level by the Virginia PTA for her entry in the literature category, primary division.

The National PTA's Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life, according to the organization.

Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

Newport News Council PTA Reflections 2023-24

PHOTOGRAPHY

High School Division

1st Place: Sahanah Vishwanathan, Menchville High School

Middle School Division

1st Place: Sahasra Vishwanathan, Crittenden Middle School

VISUAL ARTS

High School Division

1st Place: Ella Cox, Warwick High School
2nd Place: Sahanah Vishwanathan, Menchville High School

Middle School Division

1st Place: Sahasra Vishwanathan, Crittenden Middle School
2nd Place: Layana Davis, Gildersleeve Middle School

Intermediate Division (grades 3-5)

1st Place: Cruz Salazar, Hilton Elementary School
2nd Place: Hunter Martinez, B.C. Charles Elementary School

Primary Division (grades PreK-2)

1st Place: Chase Lam, Deer Park Elementary School
2nd Place: Grace Beck, Dutrow Elementary School
3rd Place: Mia Vito, B.C. Charles Elementary School

LITERATURE

Middle School Division

1st Place: Omniaon Reid, Ella Fitzgerald Middle School
2nd Place: Eleanor Bennet, Booker T. Washington Middle School

Primary Division (grades PreK-2)

1st Place: Kaia Trieshmann Murphy, Hilton Elementary School
2nd Place: Chase Lam, Deer Park Elementary School