By So Asiddao
Staff Writer
The California State Parent Teacher Association is now inviting Costa students to submit entries to the Parent Teacher Student Association 2015-2016 Reflections Art Contest, which has the theme of “Let Your Imagination Fly.”
The contest allows students to submit paintings, drawings, choreographed dances, films, poetry, stories, songs, photos, and other art pieces that coincide with the contest’s theme.
“The contest has been around since the late 1960s, and, of course, a lot has changed since then,” Costa PTSA President Sandi Gleason said. “Some districts have less of a focus on art now, but I think Costa understands the importance of art, especially music. It is a well-supported subject in our district, and the promotion of art makes art students feel more accepted.”
According to senior and 2014-2015 Reflections Art Contest winner Moorea Henn, the key to winning is to interpret the theme differently from the way most students will. She won first in the local level and third in the district for writing a lyrical song about last year’s theme, “How to Make the World a Better Place.”
“Just be true to yourself, express what’s on your mind, think outside the box, and try to see the world differently,” Henn said.
Costa’s PTSA, the MBUSD school board, and the Manhattan Beach Unified School District decide the winners for Manhattan Beach schools. Those winners’ entries are then submitted to the California State PTA and are considered for Awards of Excellence or Awards of Merit. California Award of Excellence winners then go on to represent California when state winners compete for the National PTA recognition.
“It’s good that there are multiple levels that the art goes through because then there are more opportunities for all students,” Costa PTSA Chairman Annie Han said.
National PTA reward the winners with cash prizes. District winners are invited to a city council meeting and a tea party with PTSA members to be recognized.
“I remember I had to say something about my piece at both ceremonies,” Henn said. “I was so nervous because art is usually a very private thing for me.”
This year, Costa’s PTSA is trying to fundraise so they can give gift cards to winners in addition to the main prize of recognition. According to Gleason, the idea is that the winners will use the money to buy supplies to support their chosen art form.
“The school provides support and a place for art students to display their work, but getting a cash prize may encourage them even more to consider art as a career,” Han said.
Entry forms for the PTSA Reflections Art Contest are on the Mira Costa website, and all entries must be submitted by Nov. 13 to the school’s Guidance Secretary Cindy Gardner in the Costa front office. Winners chosen by Costa’s PTSA and national winners will be announced in January.
“I want to see a large participation,” Han said. “Art students need opportunities like these to put on their résumé.”
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