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    HBCSD Students Recognized in Reflections Art Program
    Posted 3/8/23

    Along with a strong focus on every student's academic learning experience, Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) also prioritizes self-expression through the arts. Providing artistic opportunities promotes students' interest in school while boosting overall happiness in other aspects of their lives. In partnership with our Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) and the Huntington Union Council of PTAs (HUC), we are pleased to recognize 16 students from all of our schools who created thought-provoking artwork inspired by the prompt “Show Your Voice” as part of the nationwide Reflections Art Program.

    Each year, students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art aligned with the student-selected theme. PTAs across the District organize the art program at their school and encourage students to use critical thinking skills to interpret the theme and express themselves imaginatively. 

    Students submit their completed works of art in the available arts categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade level Pre-K - Grade 2; grades 3-5; grades 6-8; and special artists (all grades welcome). 

    HUC LuncheonHUC Luncheon

    Visual Arts 

    • Sirum Parmar, Seacliff Elementary (also Fourth District PTA* Award of Excellence winner) 
    • Joleen Vansomphone, Dwyer Middle School (also Fourth District PTA honorable mention) 
    • Dylan Koenig, Moffett Elementary (also Fourth District PTA honorable mention) 

    Literature 

    • Victoria Saulson, Seacliff Elementary (also Fourth District PTA honorable mention) 
    • Shiv Oza, Peterson Elementary (also Fourth District PTA  Award of Merit winner)

    Film Production 

    • Leonardo DeLany, Smith Elementary (also Fourth District PTA Award of Merit winner) 
    • Danny Stocker, Seacliff Elementary

    Photography 

    • Lucas Stocker, Seacliff Elementary (also Fourth District PTA Award of Merit winner) 
    • Oliver Arvesen, Seacliff Elementary (also Fourth District PTA Award of Excellence winner) 
    • Hailey Stephens, Sowers Middle School 

    Music Composition 

    • Clara Schiesser, Peterson Elementary (also Fourth District PTA honorable mention) 

    • William Saulson, Seacliff Elementary 

    • Breanna Wareh, Dwyer Middle School 

    Dance Choreography 

    • Annabella Camaro, Seacliff Elementary 
    • Olive Lee, Seacliff Elementary 
    • Kensie Lee, Dwyer Middle School 

    The 16 District winners were selected by a group of volunteer judges that are experts in each art genre. These winners go forward to regional selections and potentially to state and national levels. Students were honored at the annual HUC Founders Day luncheon. 

    “Our students' talents never cease to amaze us!” said Superintendent Dr. Leisa Winston. “Their creativity and expression are inspiring and we’re proud of everyone who participated,” she said.

    The PTA Reflections Art Program has been running since 1969 and has involved more than 10 million students across the country. While the program is a competition, its mission is to inspire students to delve deeper into the art world and use it as a tool for self-reflection and expression.

    *Fourth District PTA represents all of Orange County (California) PTA members as well as members in a small portion of Los Angeles County.