{"id":14767,"date":"2026-02-18T09:35:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=14767"},"modified":"2026-02-18T09:35:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T14:35:08","slug":"winners-announced-2026-citywide-pta-reflections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/winners-announced-2026-citywide-pta-reflections\/","title":{"rendered":"Winners announced: 2026 citywide PTA Reflections"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
ODS fifth graders Emma Spektor, left, and Naiya Agbulos showed off their medals awarded during the citywide PTA Reflections contest ceremony. Emma won in the musical composition category and Naiya for dance\/choreography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By <\/em>Cindy Butler Focke<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Christa Jard was one of 68 VBCPS students recognized at the 2026 citywide PTA Reflections awards ceremony. The First Colonial High freshman\u2019s painting of flowers focused on this year\u2019s theme \u201cI Belong.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kellam High School hosted the 2025-26 citywide PTA Reflections contest awards ceremony Feb. 11.<\/p>\n

More than 170 entries were submitted by VBCPS students \u2013 in preschool through 12th<\/sup> grade \u2013 for the competition sponsored by the Virginia Beach Council of PTAs.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme was \u201cI Belong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christa Jard was one of the 68 winners recognized during the ceremony.<\/p>\n

Her 8×8-inch visual arts entry depicted flowers, including a rose, lily and milkweed.<\/p>\n

The First Colonial High School freshman said a weed has a purpose in the garden.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone is their own type of flower,\u201d she said. \u201cYou can be a milkweed and still belong.\u201d<\/p>\n

Citywide PTA Reflections chairperson Rebecca Brooks congratulated the honorees on their accomplishments.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach piece demonstrates dedication, imagination and heart,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Winners were presented on stage with a medal, certificate, goody bag, plus a movie pass and popcorn from Cinema Caf\u00e9. Some won raffle prizes.<\/p>\n

Reflections is a national program that encourages students to enter works of art in the areas of literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts, film\/videography and dance\/choreography. PTAs select their schools\u2019 winning artwork and submit to the citywide contest for judging.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Kingston Elementary second grader Aidan Wang was excited to receive a medal during the citywide PTA Reflections awards ceremony. He placed first in the primary division for his musical composition entry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First place citywide winners\u2019 artwork was forwarded to the state competition with the chance to move up to the national level. Students could win \u201cyoung artist\u201d scholarships and have their works featured in a virtual exhibition.<\/p>\n

Senior Executive Director of Middle Schools Dr. James Smith helped present the awards and applauded students for sharing their ideas and unique perspectives.<\/p>\n

He also thanked the PTA for its valuable partnership with VBCPS. \u201cThe PTA helps support our teachers and our schools each and every day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

2026 Reflections winners<\/h1>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Christopher Martin\u2019s winning Reflections contest entry showcased a mother and daughter sitting on the sand at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The First Colonial senior asked to take their photo and found out they were in town visiting family members. \u201cThey looked like they belonged,\u201d he said.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photography:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Primary(grades K-2)-<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Eleni Johnston, Red Mill<\/li>\n
  2. Isaiah Meadows, John B. Dey<\/li>\n
  3. McKenzie Walker, Centerville<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Intermediate(grades 3-5)-<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Maxx Fernandez, Providence<\/li>\n
    2. Stella Meadows, John B. Dey<\/li>\n
    3. Brynn Poston, Tallwood<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Middle School-<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Jameson Moore, Great Neck<\/li>\n
      2. Nameer Karim, Old Donation School (ODS)<\/li>\n
      3. Nicole Verbanic, Independence<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        High School-<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Liam Conery, Ocean Lakes<\/li>\n
        2. Christopher Martin, First Colonial<\/li>\n
        3. Marlee Warren, Salem<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Literature:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          Accessible arts division-<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Breana Will, Lynnhaven Middle<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \"\"<\/a>
            VBCPS Senior Director of Middle Schools Dr. James Smith shook hands with citywide Reflections contest winners, including Luxford Elementary student Prachiti Baviskar, during the awards ceremony. PTA Reflections chairperson Rebecca Brooks awarded the medals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

            Primary-<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Prachiti Baviskar, Luxford<\/li>\n
            2. Lyla Hines, Kings Grant<\/li>\n
            3. Dani Reyes, Trantwood<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Intermediate-<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Asia Hardee, John B. Dey<\/li>\n
              2. Doug Bynum, Ocean Lakes<\/li>\n
              3. Saachi Chitikeshi, Kingston<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Middle School-<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Leonna McCants, Independence<\/li>\n
                2. Yue-Ting Chen, ODS<\/li>\n
                3. Laura Hartin, Great Neck<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  High School-<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. McKenna Townsley, Tallwood<\/li>\n
                  2. Scarlett Clark, First Colonial<\/li>\n
                  3. Yue-Lin Chen, Ocean Lakes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Film:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                    Intermediate-<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. Levi Freeman, Malibu<\/li>\n
                    2. Gretchen Sachs, John B. Dey<\/li>\n
                    3. Mridul Samtani, ODS<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Middle School-<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Jahnavi Deepak, ODS<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        High School-<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Isabelle Perry, First Colonial<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          \"\"<\/a>
                          Citywide PTA Reflections contest winners were honored Feb. 11 in the categories of literature, musical composition, photography, visual art, film\/videography and dance\/choreography. Entries were displayed and QR codes provided for the music entries.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                          Music:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                          Accessible arts division-<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. Elise Rodriguez, Great Neck Middle<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Primary-<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            1. Aidan Wang, Kingston<\/li>\n
                            2. Graham Dozier, John B. Dey<\/li>\n
                            3. Fiona Riordan, Kings Grant<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              Intermediate-<\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. Shreya Aravind, Woodstock<\/li>\n
                              2. Norah Conery, ODS<\/li>\n
                              3. Marianna Jimenet, Fairfield<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                Honorable mention: Emma Spektor<\/p>\n

                                Middle School-<\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                1. Kennedi Cobbs, Virginia Beach<\/li>\n
                                2. Emma Wang, ODS<\/li>\n
                                3. Nicole Verbanic, Independence<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  High School-<\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. Bradley Song, Ocean Lakes<\/li>\n
                                  2. Dante Coe, Bayside<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                    Dance:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
                                    \"\"<\/a>
                                    Citywide Reflections contest winners McKenzie Walker, left, and Ellis Halsey from ODS attended the awards ceremony Feb. 11 at Kellam High School. McKenzie won in the photography division, while Ellis was honored for her dance choreography entry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                                    Primary-<\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    1. Camryn Flint, John B. Dey<\/li>\n
                                    2. Ellis Halsey, Centerville<\/li>\n
                                    3. Sawyer Bruno, Thoroughgood<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                      Intermediate-<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      1. Naiya Agbulos, ODS<\/li>\n
                                      2. Raelyn Pokrywka, Kempsville Meadows<\/li>\n
                                      3. Maeson Flint, John B. Dey<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                        Middle School-<\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        1. Nia Kaczkowski, ODS<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                          Visual Arts:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

                                          Accessible arts division-<\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          1. Kori Reyes, Trantwood Elementary<\/li>\n
                                          2. Anastasiia Dolynska, Providence Elementary<\/li>\n
                                          3. Isa Rivera-Santiago, Landstown Middle<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                            Primary-<\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            1. Jenavieve Klepacz, Windsor Woods<\/li>\n
                                            2. Emory Bolander, Kingston<\/li>\n
                                            3. Lucy Coston, Glenwood<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                              Honorable mention: Tatiyana Byrd, Christopher Farms<\/p>\n

                                              Intermediate-<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              1. Victoria Blythe, Fairfield<\/li>\n
                                              2. Noah Nielsen, Princess Anne<\/li>\n
                                              3. Mira Ballard, Parkway<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                Honorable mention: Sloane Riordan, Kings Grant<\/p>\n

                                                Middle School-<\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. Brooklyn Denette, Lynnhaven<\/li>\n
                                                2. Shruthi Giridmaran, ODS<\/li>\n
                                                3. Eilana Calimlim, Salem<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                  Honorable mention: Lauren Holmes, Princess Anne<\/p>\n

                                                  High School-<\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  1. Bella Tian, Landstown<\/li>\n
                                                  2. Brayden Harrell, Cox<\/li>\n
                                                  3. Christa Jard, First Colonial<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                    Honorable mention: Amariah Evans, Salem<\/p>\n

                                                    \"\"<\/a>
                                                    The 2025-26 citywide PTA Reflections contest winners were recognized Feb. 11 during a ceremony at Kellam High School. Honorees received free raffle tickets to win prizes, including tickets to the Virginia Zoo and Chrysler Museum of Art, bowling passes and more. From left, volunteers Sadie Dickerson and Raegan Thompson from Kellam High and Landstown High student Jade Virella.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                                                    \"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                    By Cindy Butler Focke Kellam High School hosted the 2025-26 citywide PTA Reflections contest awards ceremony Feb. 11. More than 170 entries were submitted by VBCPS students \u2013 in preschool […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":14773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14767","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14767","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14767"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14767\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14788,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14767\/revisions\/14788"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14773"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14767"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}