McKinley School Students Winners in State 'Reflections' Competition

Editor's note: The following news release was received from Deborah Burns of Burns Communications, LLC in Fairfield's Southport neighborhood.

Erin Charlotte Harrington and Audrey Lansing Burns, both Fairfield residents and McKinley School 4th graders, were recognized Thursday night at the Connecticut Parent Teacher Student Association's annual 2010-2011 Reflections Program "Together We Can" awards ceremony and reception held at Hamden Middle School.

Erin won first place for her video composition and Audrey won second place for her music composition. Harrington's entry also won recognition at the national level. Master of Ceremonies Sarah Beier, State Reflections chair, and Marne Usher, State Reflections president, recognized the winners with medals for first-place winners and certificates for all other winners.

"We are sincerely honored that Erin and Audrey's talents have been recognized, and warm  congratulations to all of the winners throughout the state," said Ginger Vail, principal of McKinley School. "Their win is also a reflection on the quality of the curriculum offered at McKinley School."

The Connecticut PTSA, through the National PTA, hosts the Reflections annual cultural arts program to encourage children from preschool through grade 12 to create and submit works of art and receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts in six areas: Literature; Visual Arts (which includes art forms such as drawing, painting, print making, and collage); Photography; Dance Choreography; and Film/Video and Musical Composition.

The Reflections Program allows PTAs throughout the state to recognize children for their creativity in portraying yearly themes.

For nearly 40 years, The Reflections Program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. The Reflections Program was started in 1969 by then Colorado PTA President, Mary Lou Anderson. Students participate in the Reflections Program by submitting entries to their local PTA or PTSA. Any PTA/PTSA in good standing is eligible to sponsor a Reflections Program.

Submitted by Deborah Burns of Burns Communications, LLC