Congratulations to all of the students who have participated in Reflections and have shared their creativity with us all.
The National PTA's annual 2023 Reflections Student Arts Showcase will be held Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. EST on the National PTA's YouTube Channel. This virtual event will feature a selection of artists and recognize all of the national-level winning artists from the 2021-2022 National PTA Reflections program, I Will Change the World By....
Reflections Art Competition 2021-2022
Theme: "I Will Change the World By . . ."
Theme: "I Will Change the World By . . ."
Film
Every Little Thing Helps by Maggie Wu, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Artist Statement: My work "Every Little Thing Helps," shows four friends helping to clean up trash/recycle, and also shows them volunteering at a food bank. My artwork relates to the theme because it shows that everything you do to help the environment and society helps, even just recycling your water bottle instead of throwing it away.
Watch Maggie Wu's film. (Background music: "Look Busy" and "Cheerful Monday").
Artist Statement: My work "Every Little Thing Helps," shows four friends helping to clean up trash/recycle, and also shows them volunteering at a food bank. My artwork relates to the theme because it shows that everything you do to help the environment and society helps, even just recycling your water bottle instead of throwing it away.
Watch Maggie Wu's film. (Background music: "Look Busy" and "Cheerful Monday").
Literature
Seasons by Kareena Gupta, 8th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Honorable Mention Recipient
Artist Statement: I can change the world by sharing my observations of nature with others. Writers like me can capture the beauty and strength of the natural world. When people read my poem, they will become more aware of nature and hopefully will also be inspired to observe these amazing things themselves. If everyone is more aware of the natural world, the whole world will be a much better place. This is how I can change the world through my poem because in order for something to change, someone must take the initiative to start.
Read Kareena Gupta's poem.
Believe by Lavanya Ravi, 8th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: My poem "Believe" is more of a free-verse. It explains how changing the world takes many steps and obstacles. However, if we keep believing we get a little closer each time. By putting our heads together and using our last learning we can we can understand our world a little better to improve it. Anyone and everyone can change the world by believing.
Read Lavanya Ravi's poem.
Artist Statement: I can change the world by sharing my observations of nature with others. Writers like me can capture the beauty and strength of the natural world. When people read my poem, they will become more aware of nature and hopefully will also be inspired to observe these amazing things themselves. If everyone is more aware of the natural world, the whole world will be a much better place. This is how I can change the world through my poem because in order for something to change, someone must take the initiative to start.
Read Kareena Gupta's poem.
Believe by Lavanya Ravi, 8th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: My poem "Believe" is more of a free-verse. It explains how changing the world takes many steps and obstacles. However, if we keep believing we get a little closer each time. By putting our heads together and using our last learning we can we can understand our world a little better to improve it. Anyone and everyone can change the world by believing.
Read Lavanya Ravi's poem.
Musical Composition
Blazing Star by August McFeaters, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient and Free State PTA Award of Merit Recipient
Artist Statement: I will change the world by being a "Blazing Star." I will show what good can be done if you shine bright and be the best you can be. My composition is about a star . . . a little star that wants to change the world. A star that wants to blaze with compassion an generosity. Through its journey it realizes that just one act of kindness can lead to many more. Even though its starts out small, more and more hearts get lit, and the star can finally blaze.
Listen to August McFeaters' musical composition and read the score.
Power of Music by Linus Tsang, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient; Free State PTA Outstanding Interpretation Award Recipient; and National PTA Award of Merit Winner
Artist Statement: I can change the world by the "Power of Music." My composition shows how music has the power to change minds and emotions. This first movement is like a person dancing alone. It's a sad but beautiful piece. The second movement shows how an angry place the world can be. Warfare, chaos, and many other things can affect people's lives everyday. The third movement shows that music can bring happiness and triumph over sadness.
Listen to Linus Tsang's musical composition and read the score.
Artist Statement: I will change the world by being a "Blazing Star." I will show what good can be done if you shine bright and be the best you can be. My composition is about a star . . . a little star that wants to change the world. A star that wants to blaze with compassion an generosity. Through its journey it realizes that just one act of kindness can lead to many more. Even though its starts out small, more and more hearts get lit, and the star can finally blaze.
Listen to August McFeaters' musical composition and read the score.
Power of Music by Linus Tsang, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient; Free State PTA Outstanding Interpretation Award Recipient; and National PTA Award of Merit Winner
Artist Statement: I can change the world by the "Power of Music." My composition shows how music has the power to change minds and emotions. This first movement is like a person dancing alone. It's a sad but beautiful piece. The second movement shows how an angry place the world can be. Warfare, chaos, and many other things can affect people's lives everyday. The third movement shows that music can bring happiness and triumph over sadness.
Listen to Linus Tsang's musical composition and read the score.
Photography
Small Efforts, Big Results by Charlotte Liu, 8th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: My photo captures Time Square at nighttime. Even the small efforts that were put into making the plaza, helped create one of the most famous places in the entire world. Any amount effort can create a big change.
Artist Statement: My photo captures Time Square at nighttime. Even the small efforts that were put into making the plaza, helped create one of the most famous places in the entire world. Any amount effort can create a big change.
Visual Arts
Changing Myself One Step at a Time by Nandita Bangalore, 7th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: My art piece is called "Changing Myself One Step at a Time". I believe that all positive changes must begin within me to see those changes in my surroundings. Those who lead by example inspire others, and slowly the entire world starts changing. In the center, there are four hands together with different skin shades. I am showing that skin color does not matter. Every human, and other living beings deserve to be treated with love and respect. Our planet Earth and all its resources deserve respect. I can be eco-friendly by planting more trees, promoting recycling, reusing, and reducing.
Artist Statement: My art piece is called "Changing Myself One Step at a Time". I believe that all positive changes must begin within me to see those changes in my surroundings. Those who lead by example inspire others, and slowly the entire world starts changing. In the center, there are four hands together with different skin shades. I am showing that skin color does not matter. Every human, and other living beings deserve to be treated with love and respect. Our planet Earth and all its resources deserve respect. I can be eco-friendly by planting more trees, promoting recycling, reusing, and reducing.
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From Colorless to Full of Life by Michael Dong, 7th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Artist Statement: My art piece is called "From Colorless to Full of Life" because it shows how you can change the world by adding more color and adding life to the world. On one side, there is black and white, and on the other side it is full of color an happiness. On the left side, you can see power plants creating smoke and greenhouse gases. On the right side, you can see windmills creating renewable energy.
Artist Statement: My art piece is called "From Colorless to Full of Life" because it shows how you can change the world by adding more color and adding life to the world. On one side, there is black and white, and on the other side it is full of color an happiness. On the left side, you can see power plants creating smoke and greenhouse gases. On the right side, you can see windmills creating renewable energy.
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Illuminating the World by Sohum Sen, 7th Grade
Artist Statement: My art piece depicts how when I meditate, I feel calm, peaceful, an compassionate towards others. By being kind and compassionate to other beings, I am radiating a "light" to them, Illuminating their hearts. Once their heart is illuminated, they will spread this light to even more souls. In this manner, the whole world will slowly fill up with a peaceful, calm, and compassionate glow.
Artist Statement: My art piece depicts how when I meditate, I feel calm, peaceful, an compassionate towards others. By being kind and compassionate to other beings, I am radiating a "light" to them, Illuminating their hearts. Once their heart is illuminated, they will spread this light to even more souls. In this manner, the whole world will slowly fill up with a peaceful, calm, and compassionate glow.
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If Only . . . by Anjali Trevor, 7th Grade
Artist Statement: My painting shows a diverse group of hands holding our planet. The hands are of all colors, and one is wearing a pride bracelet. This symbolizes the many problems in our world like discrimination, homophobia, climate change, and racism. If only we could accept one another. If only we could be less selfish, and care for our planet first. If only we could CHANGE. That is what I plan to do. I will change the world, one step at a time.
Artist Statement: My painting shows a diverse group of hands holding our planet. The hands are of all colors, and one is wearing a pride bracelet. This symbolizes the many problems in our world like discrimination, homophobia, climate change, and racism. If only we could accept one another. If only we could be less selfish, and care for our planet first. If only we could CHANGE. That is what I plan to do. I will change the world, one step at a time.
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Taking Off by Katherine Xue, 8th Grade - Hoover Finalist, also a MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient; Free State PTA Outstanding Interpretation Award Recipient; and National PTA Award of Excellence Winner
Artist Statement: We cannot change what we do not acknowledge. The lens of the glasses portray the human tendency to think in black and white, despite reality being all shades of color. The glasses themselves represent our ignorance and prejudice, which distort and obstruct our vision. However, the moment we take off our glasses to look at the world without a filter is when change starts to occur - and my own glasses are slowly, but surely, coming off. I will change the world - and I'll start by recognizing and understanding the issues that surround us.
Artist Statement: We cannot change what we do not acknowledge. The lens of the glasses portray the human tendency to think in black and white, despite reality being all shades of color. The glasses themselves represent our ignorance and prejudice, which distort and obstruct our vision. However, the moment we take off our glasses to look at the world without a filter is when change starts to occur - and my own glasses are slowly, but surely, coming off. I will change the world - and I'll start by recognizing and understanding the issues that surround us.
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Breaking Down the Walls, We Make a Better World by Angela Yao, 6th Grade
Artist Statement: My painting shows that once we break the walls in our hearts or the barriers among us, we make a better world. The "walls" can be the fear for change, the hatred toward others, or the territories we haven't explored in nature or the medical field. The left side of my painting depicts a person feeling left out by the others, or battling the disease that we won't have a cure for yet. The person kicking a hole in the wall represents a major breakthrough. The right side depicts people of different colors standing by each other and creating beautiful and colorful world together.
Artist Statement: My painting shows that once we break the walls in our hearts or the barriers among us, we make a better world. The "walls" can be the fear for change, the hatred toward others, or the territories we haven't explored in nature or the medical field. The left side of my painting depicts a person feeling left out by the others, or battling the disease that we won't have a cure for yet. The person kicking a hole in the wall represents a major breakthrough. The right side depicts people of different colors standing by each other and creating beautiful and colorful world together.
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Nature Research by Vivian Zhang, 8th Grade
Artist Statement: I used water color and colored pencils to draw a camera recording or taking a picture of a frog. This relates to the theme because learning new things in our world would let us understand our beautiful world better. Then we can work together and make it a better place for all living things.
Artist Statement: I used water color and colored pencils to draw a camera recording or taking a picture of a frog. This relates to the theme because learning new things in our world would let us understand our beautiful world better. Then we can work together and make it a better place for all living things.
Reflections Art Competition 2020-2021
Theme: "I Matter Because . . ."
Theme: "I Matter Because . . ."
Here is the 2022 MCCPTA Celebration of Excellence Awards Show (5/29/22) for Hoover's Reflections Winners from the 2020-2021 Reflections Art Competition.
Literature
A Beautiful World by Troy Chou, 6th Grade
Artist Statement: My poem is about how I make the world a better place and how my existence can benefit the world.
Read Troy Chou's poem.
Artist Statement: My poem is about how I make the world a better place and how my existence can benefit the world.
Read Troy Chou's poem.
A Star Made Out of Matter by Elizabeth Chung, 6th Grade
Artist Statement: The poem tries to relate to people who feel lost. It tries to show that everybody has a place. Everybody matters and the piece shows that. Everyone matters, you just need to do a little digging.
Read Elizabeth Chung's poem.
Artist Statement: The poem tries to relate to people who feel lost. It tries to show that everybody has a place. Everybody matters and the piece shows that. Everyone matters, you just need to do a little digging.
Read Elizabeth Chung's poem.
Our Legacy of Perseverance by Julianne Elam, 7th Grade - Hoover Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Artist Statement: My poem is about perseverance of my ancestors and how my family has persevered to get me here. This perseverance is also how I love and care because without love, one cannot persevere. Our perseverance is why I matter.
Read Julianne Elam's poem.
Artist Statement: My poem is about perseverance of my ancestors and how my family has persevered to get me here. This perseverance is also how I love and care because without love, one cannot persevere. Our perseverance is why I matter.
Read Julianne Elam's poem.
I Am "Me" by Lavanya Ravi, 7th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: My poem, "I Am Me" explains how I matter and how everyone is unique in their own way. It describes how everyone, including me, matters in their own special way. We are all different and we should embrace our differences. My poem relates to the theme because it illustrates how I matter in this huge world, and how we all matter with our different thoughts and emotions.
Read Lavanya Ravi's poem.
Artist Statement: My poem, "I Am Me" explains how I matter and how everyone is unique in their own way. It describes how everyone, including me, matters in their own special way. We are all different and we should embrace our differences. My poem relates to the theme because it illustrates how I matter in this huge world, and how we all matter with our different thoughts and emotions.
Read Lavanya Ravi's poem.
I Can Change "WE" by Harry Reis, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist, MCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Artist Statement: I feel that the theme is asking us to reflect on our role in the broader community. My work is a reminder that even the smallest can have great power.
Read Harry Reis' poem.
Artist Statement: I feel that the theme is asking us to reflect on our role in the broader community. My work is a reminder that even the smallest can have great power.
Read Harry Reis' poem.
Serena and Her Math Club by Paige Zhu, 6th Grade
Artist Statement: I have been learning math for a long time. And I love it. I want to spread that love and enjoyment of math to girls all over the world. Here's one way I can do that. A Math Club.
Read Paige Zhu's story.
Artist Statement: I have been learning math for a long time. And I love it. I want to spread that love and enjoyment of math to girls all over the world. Here's one way I can do that. A Math Club.
Read Paige Zhu's story.
Musical Composition
True to You by Nataly Sidawy, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: This song shows that not matter what people say, I will always matter. Even when people judge, remember to be true to yourself and remember you matter.
Listen to Nataly Sidawy's musical composition.
Artist Statement: This song shows that not matter what people say, I will always matter. Even when people judge, remember to be true to yourself and remember you matter.
Listen to Nataly Sidawy's musical composition.
Photography
The Shadow Behind Us by Charlotte Liu, 7th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: This year's theme, "I Matter Because . . ." relates to my photo because after everything we have gone through, we still try our best to put it in that past and move forward with our lives. My photo features my brother "shooting a basketball into the hoop." His shadow behind him represents all of the bad events in our lives, put in the past. The bright basketball represents the bright future. The hoop represents his goals. We can all put our challenges in the past, and keep moving forward.
Artist Statement: This year's theme, "I Matter Because . . ." relates to my photo because after everything we have gone through, we still try our best to put it in that past and move forward with our lives. My photo features my brother "shooting a basketball into the hoop." His shadow behind him represents all of the bad events in our lives, put in the past. The bright basketball represents the bright future. The hoop represents his goals. We can all put our challenges in the past, and keep moving forward.
Through Our Passions by Charlotte Liu, 7th Grade - Hoover Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Artist Statement: This year's theme, "I Matter Because . . ." relates to my photo because after everything we have gone through, we still do our best to do what we love. The photo features my brother's shadow, throwing a basketball (drawn with chalk). The shadow is dark and gloomy, which represents all of the tough events in our lives. While the basketball is bright and vibrant, which represents what we love doing. Through our passions, we call all overcome hard challenges we may face.
Artist Statement: This year's theme, "I Matter Because . . ." relates to my photo because after everything we have gone through, we still do our best to do what we love. The photo features my brother's shadow, throwing a basketball (drawn with chalk). The shadow is dark and gloomy, which represents all of the tough events in our lives. While the basketball is bright and vibrant, which represents what we love doing. Through our passions, we call all overcome hard challenges we may face.
Visual Arts
Optimist by Nina Krishnan, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: My painting, "Optimist" relates to the theme because it shows how I am unique and matter in this world. The girl in the picture is walking outside on a gloomy, rainy day. However, she notices the bright flowers, music, and greenery, and finds a reason to be happy. I matter because I am that girl, and I hope to radiate joy to everyone no matter how life has changed. During these hard times, I still appreciate the beauty of art, nature, and music. In conclusion, I matter because I lift people's spirits.
Artist Statement: My painting, "Optimist" relates to the theme because it shows how I am unique and matter in this world. The girl in the picture is walking outside on a gloomy, rainy day. However, she notices the bright flowers, music, and greenery, and finds a reason to be happy. I matter because I am that girl, and I hope to radiate joy to everyone no matter how life has changed. During these hard times, I still appreciate the beauty of art, nature, and music. In conclusion, I matter because I lift people's spirits.
I Help the World by Sohum Sen, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist
Artist Statement: I matter because when I grow up, I will create medicines for incurable diseases, like cancer. I think it's important, because people are losing their loved ones from diseases that don't have a cure. My drawing shows me standing in front of my school which will shape my future, thinking about how I will help the world.
Artist Statement: I matter because when I grow up, I will create medicines for incurable diseases, like cancer. I think it's important, because people are losing their loved ones from diseases that don't have a cure. My drawing shows me standing in front of my school which will shape my future, thinking about how I will help the world.
A Glowing Heart of Love in a Beautiful Sky of Stars by Anjali Trevor, 6th Grade - Hoover Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Artist Statement: The feeling my painting is portraying is that you are not alone. You matter because you have people with you that love you. The person in the middle represents you, and the rest represent your family, friends, and community. You may feel like you are alone and you don't matter, but you matter to them! They care about you! That is why they are still standing by your side. The moon represents all those who you have lost. It is a heart because they are always with you in your heart, and you will always matter to them.
Artist Statement: The feeling my painting is portraying is that you are not alone. You matter because you have people with you that love you. The person in the middle represents you, and the rest represent your family, friends, and community. You may feel like you are alone and you don't matter, but you matter to them! They care about you! That is why they are still standing by your side. The moon represents all those who you have lost. It is a heart because they are always with you in your heart, and you will always matter to them.
Reflections Art Competition 2019 - 2020
Theme: "Look Within"
Theme: "Look Within"
Literature
Walking the Walls by Elias Bernstein, 8th Grade - Finalist
Mirror of Truth by Chloe D'Arpino, 6th Grade and Henna Jain, 6th Grade - Finalists, MCCPTA Honorable Mention Recipients
The Key of Kindness by Lavanya Ravi, 7th Grade - Finalist
Photography
Sun in My Eyes by Julia Levi, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Visual Arts
I Will Get There by Angie Chen, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Deep Inside a Person's Heart by Lisa He, 6th Grade - Finalist
Dreams and Struggles by Yuanxi (Arielsie) Li, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Reflections Art Competition 2018 - 2019
Theme: "Heroes Around Me"
Theme: "Heroes Around Me"
Literature
How My Hero Came to Be, Unexpectedly by Rachel Krakower, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Photography
To Touch the Clouds by Caroline Chou, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Film Production
My Grandma, My Hero by Todd Zhou, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Reflections Art Competition 2017 - 2018
Theme: "Within Reach"
Theme: "Within Reach"
Literature
A Home Away From Home by Kaylen Chang, 7th Grade - Finalist
Within Reach by Dylan Goldberg, 6th Grade - Finalist
Waiting by Anna O'Connor, 8th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Merit Recipient
Music Composition
Fantasy Piece No. 1 by Phoebe Hong, 8th Grade - Finalist
Photography
An Unknown Treasure by Caroline Chou, 7th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Honorable Mention Recipient
The World is Within Reach by Lauren Ty, 7th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Award of Excellence Recipient
Fishing Pals by Todd Zhou, 7th Grade - Finalist
Visual Arts
Dream Depot by Angie Chen, 6th Grade
A Colorful Monochrome by Kaylen Chen, 7th Grade - Finalist, MCCPTA Honorable Mention Recipient
Film Production
Humanity Stops, But Nature's Cycle Still Continues by Todd Zhou, 7th Grade - Finalist
Reflections Art Competition 2016 - 2017
Theme: "What Is Your Story?"
Theme: "What Is Your Story?"
Literature
An Evolution by Bella Koschalk, 7th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 1st Place)
What We Are Taught by Ha-tien Nguyen, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 3rd Place)
Second Chances by Jessica Qiu, 7th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 2nd Place)
Music Composition
Night's Moon Lullaby by Phoebe Hong, 7th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 1st Place)
Photography
My Creative World by Caroline Chou, 6th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 3rd Place)
Snowfall of Leaves by Alexander Lindsay, 7th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 2nd Place)
The Beauty of Nature in Shenandoah by Todd Zhou, 6th Grade (Hoover 1st Place)
Visual Arts
A Piece of Mind by Navin Durbhakula, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 3rd Place)
I Am My Dreams That I See In The Night by Ksenia Volkova, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 1st Place)
Dream by Amberly Wu, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 2nd Place)
Film Production
Time Loop by Brady Fine, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 2nd Place)
What Is Your Story - My Brother by Jack Statter, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 1st Place)
Death by Amberly Wu, 8th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 3rd Place)
Dance Choreography
Hope by Isabella Leo, 7th Grade - Finalist (Hoover 1st Place)
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