Three Highline students received Washington State PTSA awards for their entries in the annual Reflections program; Ellen Van Wyk, Benjamin Niu, and Nicole Mays. The students were honored by the School Board during the April 8 meeting.

Photo caption: (l-r) At School Board meeting, HCPTSA Reflections Chairperson Debbie Thoma, Helen Van Wyk, Nicole Mays, and Superintendent Welch. Benjamin Niu was unable to attend.

This year’s Reflections theme was “WOW!” and these students put their creative minds to work in a variety of different mediums to express themselves in response to the theme. They competed at the building level, then the district-wide level, before being sent on to the state level for competition. More than 17,000 students participated in this program- which means some very challenging competition – and only 6 students receive awards in each age division.

Ellen, a senior, representing Mount Rainier High School, received the Washington State PTSA Award for Outstanding Interpretation Award for Visual Arts – Senior Division. There is only one award given for the entire state of Washington in this category for grades 9-12. Ellen’s watercolor painting entitled “Fireworks” was sent on to National PTSA Reflections for additional judging and consideration for a national award.

Benjamin, a junior representing Mount Rainier High School, received the Washington State PTSA Award of Excellence for Visual Arts - Senior Division (one of only five such awards in the state). Benjamin’s colored pencil drawing is titled “From Possibility to Actuality.”

Nicole, an eighth grader from Sylvester Middle School, received the Washington State Award of Excellence for Literature – Junior Division (again, one of just five awards given for the entire state in the division and age group). Nicole’s story is titled, “Wow, the Christmas Lights are Back On.”

These students will receive medals of honor for their acheivement at the Washington State PTA Convention, during the Reflections Ceremony to be held on May 3 at the DoubleTree Hotel in SeaTac. National PTA Reflections awards should be announced at the ceremony as well.

Photo caption: (l-r) At School Board meeting, HCPTSA Reflections Chairperson Debbie Thoma, Helen Van Wyk, Nicole Mays, and Superintendent Welch. Benjamin Niu was unable to attend.