Over 500 PYLUSD students participate PTA’s Reflections Art Program with five advancing to the state-level competition and beyond

The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has a longstanding commitment to arts education, similar to that of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District. The National PTA’s Reflections Program encourages students to 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.

The theme for this year’s Reflections Program was “Show Your Voice!” which encouraged students to produce works of art that showcased their individuality. Participants are broken up into five age divisions including primary (transitional kindergarten – 2nd grade); intermediate (3rd – 5th grade); middle School (6th – 8th grade), high school (9th – 12th grade); and special artists, which includes students of all ages. Students may submit an original work of art in one of six categories—Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts (2D and 3D).

This year, PYLUSD had 582 student artists from 22 schools participate in Reflections, which is organized by the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified Council (PYLUC). Twenty-six entries then advanced to the Fourth District, which represents all of Orange County PTA members, as well as members in a small portion of Los Angeles County. Fifteen of the 26 entries received 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards, and five awardees were then forwarded to the state-level competition. Notably, three of five entries received recognition at the state level and two were forwarded to the National level of competition. National results are pending until May 3, 2023.

The district’s five State/National participants include Kaiden Surti – 7th grade, Kraemer Middle; Fernando Nunez – 9th grade, El Dorado High; Kendra Livergood – 10th grade, El Dorado High; Emma Schroeder – 6th grade Woodsboro Elementary; and Daisy Bagga – 5th grade, John O. Tynes Elementary. More information about each student and their artwork is included below.

Kaiden Surti (7th grade, Kraemer Middle School) — Music Composition Middle School. Kaiden is one of seven participants to receive the Outstanding Interpretation Award. Kaiden’s entry will be acknowledged and he will be awarded a medallion, certificate, and a $100 Amazon gift card at the PTA State Convention in Sacramento on April 22, 2023. His entry has been forwarded to the National level of competition. Kaiden’s music piece titled: “Hear Me” is perfectly described through his winning artistic statement; “My original Composition was created with two main instruments: the Violin and the Tabla, a percussion instrument native to India. Through the beats of the Tabla, I express my Indian voice. Through the melodies of the violin, I express my American voice. Combining Tabla, Violin, and my original Orchestral creation, I am able to share my unique perspective through the universal language of music.”

Fernando Nunez (9^th grade, El Dorado High School) — Film Production Special Artist Award of Excellence. Fernando’s medallion, and certificate will be awarded by PYLUC.  Fernando’s film titled: “Venture Academy” is a documentary featuring the Venture Academy Choir, an adult transitional program in PYLUSD. His film will be on display at the CA PTA Convention in Sacramento and has already been forwarded to the National level of competition.

Kendra Livergood (10th grade, El Dorado High School) — High School Film Production Award of Merit. Kendra’s Film titled “Last 3 Years” is an interview of her sister sharing her experiences of depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, and suicidal ideation. She found her voice to help others. Kendra’s Film will be on display at the CA PTA Convention April 21-23, 2023, and will receive her Merit award and certificate from PYLUC.

Emma Schroeder (6th grade, Woodsboro Elementary School) — Middle School Photography. Her photography entry titled “I Heart Books” was chosen to be on display at the CA PTA Convention April 21-23, 2023. Emma will receive her CA participation award from PYLUC.

Daisy Bagga (5th grade, John O. Tynes Elementary) — Intermediate Visual Arts. Daisy produced an acrylic painting titled, “Mixed Actions,” and her statement reflects her view of stopping racism. Daisy will receive her CA participation award from PYLUC.

Kaiden’s and Fernando’s submissions have been submitted to the national competitions and will undergo two rounds of review by esteemed arts professionals across the country.  The national awards are to be announced at the beginning of May and the virtual National PTA Convention will be held in June.

Four students now have their entries on display at the California State PTA Convention from April 21 to 23, 2023.

The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District is proud of all of its students who participated in Reflections and grateful to its teachers who foster creativity and art instruction in classrooms. The district also extends gratitude to PYLUC and its members who work diligently to organize and administer a successful Reflections program each and every year. The district looks forward to participating in the 2023-2024 Reflections Program with the theme of “I Am Hopeful Because…”