Fourteen student artists recognized at state level, top entries advance to national PTA Reflections contest

Fourteen students were recognized for their artwork in many categories during this year’s Washington State PTA (WSPTA) Reflections contest. Students submitted their completed works of art in the following categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. At the state level, students compete to earn the highest recognition in what they call Outstanding Interpretation, followed by the Award of Excellence and then an Award of Merit. Students who receive the Outstanding Interpretation award at the state level qualify and are forwarded to the National PTA Reflections competition.

According to the WSPTA website, Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life. Students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a theme. The theme for the 2025-2026 program this year was “I Belong!” 

District level Reflections winners were honored in January with their artwork on display at the Lake Washington School District Resource Center. This happens every year and is a time to showcase and celebrate the imaginative, inspirational and original works of art created by student artists from local PTAs who participated in this year’s National PTA Reflections art contest. It also allows anyone to come and see the winning council-level selections that move on to Washington State PTA judging. You can see that list of winners by clicking on  the following link provided by the Lake Washington PTSA Council: click here.

Below is a list of all the winners from this year’s state level contest. The sections in quotes indicate the title of the artwork:

• Dance Choreography
  • Award of Merit - Preema Desai, Rose Hill Middle School, "I Belong to a Community, Rooted in Unity!"
• Film Production
  • Outstanding - Mika Chang, Rockwell Elementary School, "The Village of Ballons"
  • Outstanding, Maria Sagalaeva, Renaissance School, “Flutter”
  • Award of Excellence - Anika Bhadra, Eastlake High School, "Never Alone"
  • Award of Excellence - Jude Pollock, Kirk Elementary, "True Police"
  • Award of Merit - Vaishnavi Hemant, Redmond Middle School, "Togetherville"
• Literature
  • Outstanding - Alaynaa Shriraj, Inglewood Middle School, "Learning to Stay"
• Music Composition
  • Outstanding - Liam Valentin, Explorer Community School, "I Belong in The Beats"
  • Outstanding - Christine Le, Redmond High School, "I Will Find Home"
  • Award of Merit - July Qiao, Smith Elementary School, "I Belong Where Hearts Can Sing"
• Photography
  • Outstanding - Rishav Das, Redmond Elementary School, "Finding myself in nature"
  • Award of Excellence - Horus Cooney, Mann Elementary School, "Stars"
• Visual Arts
  • Outstanding - Lily Chen, Redmond Middle School, "My Place in the World"
  • Outstanding (Accessible Arts division) - Kingston Chin, Renaissance School, “My Favorite Island”
  • Outstanding - Iris Wang, Rockwell Elementary School, "Whenever You Wander, Wherever You Go..."
  • Award of Excellence - Miso Kim, Redmond Middle School, "Across the World in One Tap"

Updated 4/28/26