Huntington Wins State Awards in PTA Reflections Contest

Two Huntington UFSD students claimed state level awards in this year’s PTA Reflections arts contest, which carried the theme of “Show Your Voice.”

Vying in the literature category, Woodhull Intermediate School fourth grader Rosie Carrillo captured an Award of Merit for her submission titled “My Voice.” In the youngster’s words: “My poem is about my voice. It is about how it changes, how it grows and why it is important.”

In the visual arts category, Jefferson Primary second grader Zayne Prashad received an Award of Merit for his submission titled “Toucan You Can Be You.” In Mr. Prashad’s words: “I love school, but I love art the most! My picture shows a colorful toucan that I drew with charcoal and pastels. A toucan is a colorful bird and it has a big beak. It is important to be kind and be yourself.”

A total of 25 Huntington student artists and writers submitted creative entries in this year’s competition. Rosie Carrillo, Zayne Prashad and Eleanor Olsen (visual arts/Jefferson Primary School) were all named Suffolk County level for their submissions, which then advanced to state level judging.

“We are beyond pleased with the level of participation and recognition among Huntington students resulting from their efforts submitted for adjudication in this year’s PTA Reflections competition,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “The event provides yet another channel through which our student-artists can grow their talents, creativity and interests, as well as express themselves through the arts. We are deeply grateful to the PTA, staff and parents for their support.”

National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. 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 more than 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.

Next year’s contest them is “I Am Hopeful Because...”