By Kathy L. Collins
Public school students from all across Hillsborough County entered creative pieces into the 2013 Hillsborough County Council PTA/PTSA Reflections Program. Three students from Newsome High School in Lithia received awards at the county level. The theme for this year’s Reflections is ‘The Magic of a Moment.’
The three Newsome High School students are Theresa Arnold, a twelfth- grade student who took second place in the visual arts category with her acrylic painting, “Fireflies.”
Mark D’Angelo, a tenth-grade student, took judge’s choice for his photograph entitled, “Shimmering Spider.”
Doi Kim, a ninth-grade student, also took home a judge’s choice award for her acrylic painting called “Discovery of Beauty.” It is a painting of a cat outside.
Each winning student received a plaque from the county and gift certificates for winning at the school level.
According to Lynea D’Angelo, Newsome High School PTA’s Reflections Chair, “Newsome High School had 13 entries in the categories of visual arts, literature and photography.” D’Amgelo added, “We were very excited that the students placed at the county level. There are only four categories for high school students, and Newsome High School students received three of the 15 possible winners.”
The Reflections Program was started in 1969 as a means to encourage students to explore their creative talents and a venue for them to express themselves. It is open to students in pre-kindergarten through the twelfth grade. Entries are accepted in six categories including dance choreography, music composition, film, literature, visual arts and photography.
D’Angelo said, “The Reflections Program allows students to express themselves creatively and not just always think academically. The artwork produced by the students becomes a part of their permanent, college portfolio. This enhances the portfolio and shows that they are more diversified.”
Works are judged at both the school level and the county level.
Newsome High School has participated in the Reflections Program each year since the school opened in 2003. D’Angelo said, “We take great pride in the students who won at both the school level and the county level.”
For more information, please visit ww.hcctaptsa.org/reflections.
