22 Students Head To State Level In PTA Reflections Contest

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Nearly two dozen students from Downers Grove Grade School District 58 are advancing to the state level of the 2024 PTA Reflections Contest. This year, students submitted photography, films, literature and other media inspired by the theme, "I Am Hopeful Because."

The students who are heading to the state level of competition are:

Belle Aire Elementary School

• Cora M. in the music category

El Sierra Elementary School

• Florence B. (with help from Riley M. and Haley M.) in the music category
• Harper L. in the dance category

Henry Puffer Elementary School

• Lissette A. in the visual arts category

Herrick Middle School

• Asha G. in the music category
• Leah A. in the photography category
• Sadie S. in the visual arts category
• Zachary Y. in the dance category

Highland Elementary School

• Sydney M. in the dance category
• Ava R. in the visual arts category

Lester Elementary School

• George O. in the music category
• Lydia O. in the photography category
• Mitchell O. in the literature category

Pierce Downers Elementary School

• Anneliese M. in the film category
• Conor M. in the photography category
• Lucy R. in the music category
• Michael M. in the photography category

Whittier Elementary School

• Clare H. in the dance category
• Elsie O. in the dance category
• Sadie P. in the literature category

Related: Dozens Of Students Featured In PTA Reflections Contest

For more than 50 years, the PTA Reflections program has invited annual submissions from students throughout the U.S. on themes chosen by fellow students. Students compete in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, photography, music composition and visual arts.

"We had a large number of entries this year. Students were enthusiastic about the theme and created their pieces with positivity, joy and wonder," District 58 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell told Patch via email.

Dr. Russell added, "In a world that often demands conformity, art empowers children to embrace their uniqueness and create a world in their own unique way. I also [want] to express my gratitude to the PTAs who worked hard to make this a success for our students."