As PTA Reflections Arts Contest Enjoys Resurgence, Wilton Public Schools Holds Inaugural Ceremony Celebrating Award Winners

For 55 years the National PTA has sponsored an arts contest called “Reflections,” which encourages students to use their creativity to make original art in response to a specific theme.

This year’s theme asked students to complete a statement of optimism: “I am hopeful because…” Students can enter wide-ranging categories, including visual arts, photography, literature, film production, dance choreography, music composition and special artist, which accommodates students with disabilities.

According to Wilton PTA Reflections volunteers, there was some lapse in uniform program participation across Wilton Public Schools before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic then forced the program online, and since 2020, entries have been submitted through DropBox, which allowed results and art submissions to be shared virtually.

Now, despite the pause in the program and the pandemic setback, Reflections in Wilton is enjoying a general reinvigoration and resurgence. Organizers said this was evident on Friday, Jan. 26, at a celebratory inaugural district-wide Reflections Ceremony held in the Zellner Gallery at the Clune Center, which was very well-attended and presided over by Superintendent Dr. Kevin Smith.

The ceremony included a gallery-style display of almost 80 works of art, with photographs, visual art, and literature entries from students in Miller-Driscoll, Cider Mill, Middlebrook, and Wilton High Schools. Art categories and schools were purposely displayed in mixed arrangements to encourage the viewers to look carefully around at all pieces. Non-video music entries played from a speaker as the crowd circulated through the displays. On a large screen, attendees were able to view films, original music performances, and choreographed dances. The delight of the audience was palpable during their rapt viewing. A comment box allowed attendees to offer thoughts to the artists.

The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation. Superintendent Smith embraced the theme and explained why he was hopeful — because of increased student participation in Wilton, incredible volunteer power, and thoughtful pieces for community consideration. Smith recognized and congratulated all Reflections participants as first-, second-, and third-place awards and honorable mention ribbons were presented.

All submissions had been adjudicated by an anonymous and independent panel of judges from the Wilton community. Organizers said judges deemed this year’s body of submitted work ‘exceptional,” and they were amazed by the technical excellence and astounding creativity shown by the student artists.

When the local contest period ended on Monday, Jan. 29, winning entries representing Wilton Public Schools were sent to the Connecticut State PTA for judging at the state level. The Connecticut PTA ceremony honoring state and national winners will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at Fairfield Warde High School.

Below are the winners from all four Wilton schools.

Miller-Driscoll Elementary School

Visual Arts

First: Ajaykrishna Premkumar
Second: Teddy Price
Third: Viggo Kylan

Literature

First: Dheuti Patel

Film Production

First: Grayden Tesler

Cider Mill School

Photography

First: Disha Avadhani
Second: Nick Pamnani
Third: Parker Bailey

Visual Arts

First: Sofiia Mykhailenko
Second: Myra Jaiswal
Third: Rose Mack

Literature

First: Sloka Attaluri
Second: Sahana Kaushik
Third: Emerson Kannry

Music Composition

First: Ellie Wong
Second: Penelope Calo

Dance Choreography

First: Charlotte Gimmel
Second: Mason Alleva

Middlebrook Middle School

Photography

First: Dylan Pamnani

Visual Arts

First: Shia Borelli
Second: Penelope Kulon

Literature

First: Maurya Muppalla
Second: Freya Pandey

Film Production

First: Jiya Praveen

Special Artist

First: Magnolia Tesler

Wilton High School

Photography

First: Finley Kaeyer
Second: Abigail Marie Nesheiwat
Third: Sisu Alter

Visual Arts

First: Kaitlyn Vallerie
Second: Lia Freedman
Third: Samantha Yan

Literature

First: Illeas Paschalidis
Second: Erin Robins
Third: Harper Crawford

Film Production

First: Ekaterina Falina
Second: Danielle Westgate
Third: Hannah McCall

Music Composition

First: Arnov Pandey
Second: Riley Griffin
Third: Kinga Sigmond