(from L-R) Willandie Loannes Presnard, Howitt Middle School Principal Mike Gavalas, Earl Jones III, Chloe Corrigan, and Madeline Ortiz,
They say that art is a window into the soul. At Howitt Middle School, several young artists took the opportunity to show why they matter through various artistic mediums during the annual national PTA competition, Reflections. This year’s theme, “I matter because..,” allowed students to create works representing who they are and why they matter. Whether through film, literature, photography, or other visual methods, the students’ works afforded those who viewed them access to some of the most talented young artists in the country! Among those artists include Howitt’s Madeline Ortiz, Chloe Corrigan, Earl Jones III, Alexandra Goench, Willandie Loannes Presnard, and Sydney Luckman. Our Howitt artists continue to remind us all why art matters and why we all matter through their incredible works of self-expression!
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade twelve create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50 plus year-old program helps students explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning to help them become more successful in school and life.
Entries are judged at the school level, and winning entries advance to Nassau Region. Winning entries at Nassau Region advance to New York State PTA. New York State PTA selects winners to advance to National PTA.
The 2020-2021 theme was “I Matter Because….” The Weldon E. Howitt Middle School PTA had six entries chosen to advance to Nassau Region PTA and of those six entries, four were selected to move onto New York State PTA. Those four entries were created by: Chloe Corrigan, Madeline Ortiz, Willandie Loannes Presnard, and Earl Jones III. At the New York State PTA level, Earl Jones III received an Award of Merit.
PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. Today’s PTA is comprised of more than four million parents, teachers, grandparents, caregivers, foster parents, and other caring adults who share a commitment to improving the education, health, and safety of all children.
For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, please visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.