National PTA’s 50+ year Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Every year, over 300,000 students participate in the program, advancing from the local to the state to the national level, earning recognition and prizes for their talents.
The student-created theme for the 2026-2027 Reflections program is: “What My Culture Means to Me”
Students of all grades and abilities are encouraged to participate and submit entries and student entry forms online by Friday, November 20, 2026. Instructions are as follows:
- REVIEW GUIDELINES AND CREATE original works of art in the following categories and enter under their grade-level (Middle School) division online. (students can submit one piece in each of the 6 arts categories)
- Visual Arts (guidelines)
- Dance Choreography (guidelines)
- Film Production (guidelines)
- Literature (guidelines)
- Music Composition (guidelines)
- Photography (guidelines)
- Accessible Arts division for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 (guidelines)
- SAVE AND UPLOAD a file of the student artwork (photos of the Visual Arts pieces will be accepted) to this Google Drive under the appropriate category and label the entry with the following naming convention: Name of Artwork. Category. PTAName. StudentLastName (e.g. World Peace. Literature. YorktownHighSchoolPTSA. Smith)
- DOWNLOAD, FULLY COMPLETE and UPLOAD a Student Entry Form, preferably typed, including a student-written artist statement and typed student and caregiver signatures, to this Google Drive under the appropriate category and label the entry with the following naming convention: EntryForm. Name of Artwork. Category. PTAName. StudentLastName (e.g. EntryForm. WorldPeace. Literature. Williamsburg Middle School PTSA. Smith)
(**Typed Student Entry Forms are preferred for legibility.)
- SAVE YOUR ARTWORK and STAY TUNED! Student entries will be judged for interpretation of the theme, originality and technique. Winners will be announced and recognition will follow. Students who are awarded top honors (Outstanding Interpretation of the Theme) will advance to the county level and then have the chance to advance to the state and national level for awards and prizes. The pieces that advance may be physically collected, so be sure to save and carefully store your artwork!
*All pieces must be uploaded to the Google Drive by Friday, November 20, 2026 with a completed Student Entry Form to be considered*
Quick Links
Visit Virginia PTA’s Reflections and National PTA’s Reflections websites for more information about this national arts program and awards.
Questions? Contact Maryann or Lou Elin at ReflectionsWMSPTA@gmail.com.