Students take time to reflect for art contest
By Mira Reverente Special to the Acorn

Students from across Ventura County were awarded last week at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo for their participation in the Ventura County PTA's 39th annual Reflections Art Contest.

The contest's theme, "I Can Make a Difference by . . ." forced students to think about ways in which they can impact a variety of big issues, such as the importance of recycling, energy conversation, the effects of global warming and ending ocean pollution.

Students from kindergarten to 12th grade were invited to submit entries in any of the six categories: visual arts, dance, photography, film/video, literature and musical composition based on the theme.

More than 3,800 entries from throughout the district vied for one of three awards: "Highly Commended," "Award of Merit" or "Award of Excellence." The 24 students who received "Awards of Excellence" will compete at the state level.

Tamara McCarty, a junior from Royal High School in Simi Valley, will move on to the state competition with her choreographed ballet routine titled "Sharing a Smile"

"Dance as a creative outlet has been a positive aspect of my life," Tamara said. "I wanted this piece to be simplistic yet free flowing and joyful,"

Peter Loya, a sixth-grader from Chaparral Middle School in Moorpark, produced a oneminute video called "Surviving Middle School."

"By making this video, I can make a difference by showing kids I am surviving middle school, having a positive experience, and they can do it too," said Peter, whose garnered him an "Award of Merit".

In the literature category, Harini Pathak, a fourth-grader at Vista Fundamental in Simi Valley, showed through her poem that acts of kindness can go a long way in making a difference. "The world can really be a better place, but we have to start with ourselves first before going global," said Harin, who received a "Highly Commended" award.

Melissa Stein, a fourthgrader from Tierra Linda Elementary in Camarillo, on the other hand, believed the act of recycling was how she could make a difference. Her poem earned her a "Highly Commended" award.

"It has been said that kids who are engaged in the arts do better in school," said National PTA President Jan Domene. "I agree, and I urge all parents to keep their kids' creative juices flowing. I will do my part and continue advocating for the arts."

Domene said she was impressed with the number of entries and the event's large turnout.