Several local students displayed their creativity and imaginations as part of the Michigan PTSA Reflections program.
Students first enter the program through their schools, and move on to regional, state and national competitions. However, the primary purpose of the reflections project is not competition, but rather to encourage students to experiment with different forms of self expression.
There are four categories to choose from ? literature, visual art, music and photography ? in four divisions by grade level ? primary, intermediate, middle-junior and senior.
Each year’s competition has a different theme, with the 2005-06 one being ‘I wonder why…?? Students could creatively express their search for the reasoning behind anything through a song, painting, essay, photograph or other form.
Students had between September and November to complete their projects. At the school level, local social workers, artists, librarians and others visited schools to act as judges. Winners moved on to Lansing for the State competition on Dec. 1.
Approximately 1,600 students participated in the state level, with judges from all over the state coming to pick winners.
Several local students earned awards and one earned a spot at the national competition in Washington DC.
Local students earning awards were:
Dana Pangori, Bailey Lake Elementary, earned an Award of Merit for visual arts in the primary division.
Jacquelyn Gipe, Sashabaw Middle School, earned an Award of Merit for literature in the middle-junior division.
Kelsey Gipe, Sashabaw Middle School, earned an Award of Excellence for literature in the middle-junior division.
Travis Stone, Sashabaw Middle School, earned an Award of Merit for visual art in the middle-junior division.
Rachel Hampton, Sashabaw Middle School, earned an Award of Excellence for music in the middle-junior division. Hampton also won a spot at the national competition.
Haily Kociszewski, Sashabaw Middle School, earned an Award of Merit for photography in the middle-junior division.
Saran Kim and Ottoavia Molatore, Clarkston High School students, earned Awards of Merit for visual art in the senior division
The Clarkston News would like to congratulate all participating students for their hard work and devotion.

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