Photos by Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
By MAGNOLIA LAFLEUR | Reporter
Students of Palisades Charter High School were honored on Wednesday, December 8, at the annual Parent Teacher Association Reflections Art Competition Awards.
Reflections is an art program designed to bolster pre-K through 12th grade students’ confidence and aid them in examining their own ideas, creativity and emotions through the creation of original works of art.
This year, nine entries from Pali High were chosen from the arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. Over 300,000 students participate in the PTA Reflections Art Competition annually.
This year, the student-selected theme was “I Will Change the World By …”
“Participation in the Reflection program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms,” according to a statement from the National PTA. “Creating art is a valuable learning process that challenges students to use their critical thinking skills as well as their creative talents to create art that supports a specific theme.”
The Award of Excellence was given to sophomore Julia Leviadin in the Film Production category for her film, “Kind.”
Leviadin, who spent time during safer at home orders making a stop-motion film, shared in her artist statement, “My work is an illustration of the power and impact that a simple act of kindness can have on the world. One gesture of kindness can blossom into something more meaningful and change lives within seconds.”
In the Literature category, Julia Muscmeci was awarded for her story, “Evie and the World and I.”
In the Music Composition category, sophomore Wesley Wells was awarded for his musical piece “Wesley’s Nocturne.” Wells also earned the Film Production award for his film, “Our Struggle for Freedom, Equality and Justice.”
In his artist statement, Wells wrote about how the theme “I Will Change the World By …” was personal to him, and he realized he “was an example of the change that a very great man [Dr. Martin Luther King] … had dreamed of when he sought to change the world.”
“I want to inspire others to see how they can inspire people every day,” Wells said.
Connor Rice, a sophomore who made two hand-blown glass sculptures, won for “Flames of Destruction and Renewal” in the Visual Arts category.
Julia Abbott was given the Award of Excellence in Dance Choreography for her performance to the song “How to Save a Life” by The Fray.
Abbott expressed the importance of hearing others, in relation to her performance.
“Just by listening. I will change the world,” she wrote in her artist statement. “Too many people need someone to hear them. I focus on the importance of being there for others, even if it’s just providing an ear. The piece is a journey starting with the restrained fear of opening up, transitioning to the wilderness and freedom.
“Changing the world starts with small steps, by listening to others we can give peace. In a loud world, let’s give people space to talk.”
The Award of Merit in the Literature category went to Rio Krichmar for his piece, “The Person Behind the Mirror.”
The Visual Arts Honor was awarded to Grant Gailys for “Quiet Focus.”
Honorable mention awards went to Nicole Chang in the Literature category for “Rising from the Heat of Shame,” and Spencer Rodman for “The Key to Peace” in the Visual Arts category.
The awards were presented by Monica Iannessa, Pali High’s director of academic achievement. Each student accepted an award and stated what inspires them.
“Seeing all my friends change and adapt to the COVID situation inspires me,” Rice shared with the Palisadian-Post.
Dennise Weir, the event chair, told the Post that six volunteer judges helped select the winners this year.
“The parents have made such a difference,” she said. “Without them, none of this would happen.”
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
