Information for 2026-2027 “What My Culture Means to Me” Reflections National Arts Contest
North Carolina PTA proudly encourages the opportunity for local units to participate in the National PTA Reflections Arts Program. Students in Pre-K through grade 12, and an Accessible Arts division, are invited to create theme-based artwork in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. This competition encourages students to express themselves through artistic exploration by providing positive recognition for their artistic efforts.
Since it was founded in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, millions of students have benefited from this program.
2025-2026 NCPTA Reflections highlights:
- 143 First Place Winning Entries were submitted to NCPTA for State Level Judging
- 16 National Winners were North Carolina Artists
- Over 200 artists and their families were in attendance at our NCPTA Reflections Arts Celebration!
Interested in participating in Reflections this year? NCPTA would love to have your unit participate! Read below for important information, training requirements, and deadlines!
HOW IT WORKS
Students submit their completed work of art that falls within 6 different categories, or within the Accessible Arts Division, with an artist statement, to their local units PTA's Reflections contest in the Fall.
- Local PTAs celebrate winners at the school level, and then forward 1st place winning entries in each age division and art category to their County Council PTA. If your school is not located in a County with a participating Council, then your school PTA's winning entries should be submitted directly to North Carolina PTA for regional judging.
- Council PTAs select winning entries and submit winning entries for each age division and art category to North Carolina PTA. Council PTA's hold Student Awards Celebrations in late winter/early spring.
If you are in a county that has PTA Council in good standing, your winning entries must be submitted to them for judging
- North Carolina PTA selects and submits state winning entries to National PTA to compete against students from across the United States.
- Annually, North Carolina PTA hosts a Reflection Awards Celebration.
- National PTA selects and announces winners of the national-level contest in May.
* If your school PTA hasn't been sharing information about Reflections, reach out to your school PTA! They may need a volunteer to help organize the arts contest for your school community.
NORTH CAROLINA PTA AWARDS
- Reflections Awards Ceremony: All NCPTA winners will be invited to an awards ceremony, celebrating their success. Their art, or a clip of their art will be displayed and a trophy or medal will be awarded.
- Virtual Reflections Gallery: A virtual gallery is available on ncpta.org following the awards ceremony. We hope you will share with family and friends to continue celebrating students' success!
NATIONAL PTA AWARDS
- Merit Award: Bronze Medal; Certificate of Merit; Work featured in the virtual exhibition
- Award of Excellence: $200 Young Artist Scholarship; Silver Medal; Certificate of Excellence; Work featured in the virtual exhibition
- Outstanding Interpretation Award: $800 Young Artist Scholarship; Gold Medal; Certificate of Outstanding Interpretation; Work featured in the virtual exhibition; $200 Prize for Local PTA Unit
Check Out Winners from Previous Years!
2025-2026 NCPTA State Reflections Winners
2024-2025 NCPTA State Reflections Winners
2023-24 NCPTA State Reflections Winners
View the full listing of State Winners Here.
View the Winners Entries Here!
View Photo Booth Photos From Reflections Celebration Event Here!
2022-23 NCPTA State Reflections Winners
View the full listing of State Winners HERE.
View the Winners Entries Here!