By Tamas Mondovics
Newsome High School students with a desire to display their talents in literature, photography, film production or visual arts had a chance to do just that last month as part of the 2014 Reflections Program contest.
The Reflections program is in its 44th year as the largest National PTA Program. Under this year’s theme “The World Would Be a Better Place If…” the contest focused on encouraging students to engage in creative activities and use their imaginations to make artwork in various categories.
Newsome High School’s PTSA is sponsoring the 2014 Reflections Program under the direction of Event Chair Monica Weaver and Co-Chair Tracey Bockholt, and accepted nearly two dozen original work submissions to be entered at the local county, and possibly the state or national level.
Weaver said that the arts categories; Dance Choreography, Music Composition, Film Production, Photography, Literature and Visual Arts along with a Special Artist category for students with disabilities, give the students a nice variety to sport their individuality and artistic talents.
“Our goal is to encourage and support budding or accomplished artists so that they can grow in confidence, build upon their craft and be recognized for their unique gifts and talents,” Weaver said.
Encouraged by the great turnout of submitted work, Weaver said that many young artists are not yet ready to share their work, but the school boasts of a lot of incredible artists.
“This program encourages and gives everyone a chance to get involved, participate and display their work,” she said.
Pleased to see the 18 submissions, Newsome Reflections 2014 officials were grateful for the participation of local professionals willing to take time out of their busy schedule and support the contest on the school level.
“We actually had more student-submissions this year, which in itself is a reflection of our young artist’s talents and desire to participate,” Weaver said.
Newsome High School is planning on hosting a recognition ceremony next spring for all the student-artists that took part in the contest. For more information, visit www.floridapta.org.
