2 Western Middle School Students Honored By CT PTA Arts Program

GREENWICH, CT — Western Middle School is well-represented this year in the Connecticut PTA Reflections Arts Program, which is part of a national contest run by the National PTA.

WMS seventh graders Gabriela Njenji Aliaga and Blake Natale were honored at the state level for their contest entries, which were nominated by the WMS PTA. The students were the only entrants from WMS.

Aliaga was a first place winner in the visual arts category with her artwork titled Bittersweet Tears. Natale won third place in the literature category with his poem titled "Perspective".

Both students have been invited to the state awards ceremony which is planned for May 10 at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.

As a first place winner, Aliaga will also be heading to the National PTA's contest where she will have a chance at winning a $200 Award of Excellence, an $800 Outstanding Interpretation Award, or have her art featured in a traveling exhibition.

"Western is so proud of our incredibly talented students who have been recognized. It speaks to the quality of our Arts program, the professionalism of our teachers and the creativity of our students," said WMS Principal Gordon Beinstein.

According to the National PTA, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme each year.

This year's theme is: I Will Change The World By...

Completed works of art are submitted into one or all categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.

Aliaga's artwork portrays a young girl about to cut her long hair for her sister who has cancer. In her entry form, Aliaga wrote, "I will change the world by being more aware of what others are going through."

WMS art teacher Le Ann Hinkle praised Aliaga for her work.

"Having worked with Gabby at Julian Curtiss School and now at WMS, I have watched her develop her artmaking skills through practice and learning new strategies," Hinkle said. "She is enthusiastic about her work and it shows in her dedication. Gabby is always willing to share her love of art."

Natale's poem is about having perspective on life and how things affect you:

Gaspare Lipari, WMS english teacher/debate advisor, said Natale "has a way with words." Lipari pointed to Natale's performance on the debate team at WMS.

The National PTA will announce their winners in early May.