Hubbell Fourth Grader Wins National PTA Award

Kobie Long

Hubbell Elementary School fourth grade student Kobie Long is the winner of a national Outstanding Interpretation Award for a photograph she entered in a National PTA®-sponsored contest reflecting diversity.

National PTA’s Reflections Program SM each year provides opportunities for students to explore and express themselves through the arts and receive positive recognition for their efforts and achievements. The 2011-2012 Reflections Outstanding Interpretation Awards were presented in six arts categories (dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts).

“I wanted to show diversity by taking pictures of different kids on the Hubbell playground,” said Long, whose winning photograph “Scrambled Students” was chosen from hundreds of thousands of submissions from students across the nation and in European schools serving military families.

“Research shows that the arts contribute to creative thinking, emotional resiliency, problem-solving, as well as other important 21st century skills which, in turn, result in better attendance, higher test scores and higher graduation rates. We are extremely proud of our Reflections Program. For more than 40 years this arts program has given children the opportunity to express themselves creatively and be recognized for it,” said National PTA President Betsy Landers.

The student winner in each of the six categories will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 116th Annual National PTA Convention and Exhibition in June in San Jose, Calif. They also will receive a certificate, medallion, and $800 for their winning entry. A special award of $200 will be granted to each outstanding winner’s local PTA.

The Reflections Program has served tens of millions of children since its inception and is one of the country’s oldest and largest arts recognition programs.

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools.

Kobie Long's award-winning photograph "Scrambled Students"