Three hundred twenty two PTA Reflections entries… that is the final count for
the number of entries submitted by students from Franklin, Kennedy, Jefferson,
Nixon, Lincoln/Roosevelt and Eisenhower Middle School.
This year’s PTA Reflections theme was “A Different Kind of Hero.” From the number of entries this year, it can be said that it was a theme that touched many Roxbury students. Whether a literature, visual art, photography, musical composition or choreography entry, the students conveyed the thought that heroes are all around us and do not necessarily need to be lifesavers. Many of the heroes depicted are people who faced adversity with courage, those who gave of themselves selflessly or those who simply taught a valuable life lesson, sometimes unwittingly.
“After reading all 121 literature entries, looking at all 191 visual arts projects and listening to all 9 musical composition, I was amazed at the outstanding work the students did and proud of all our participants,” stated Mrs. Evelyn Mishkin, PTA Reflections District Coordinator.
Of the three hundred twenty two
entries, 115 are now advancing to the PTA Reflections County Level competition.
The Roxbury School District will now wait until January to find out which
students advance to the State level.
With over 170 more entries than in the 2003-2004 competition, Mrs. Mishkin comments, “The increase in participation this year, particularly at the middle school level, can be attributed in large part to the support of several teachers. The success of this year's program has truly been a collaborative effort between students, teachers, administrative staff and PTA volunteers.”
For all those interested in discovering the many heroes of Roxbury and beyond, the students’ entries will be on display at the Ledgewood Mall in the spring of 2005. By taking the time to read and view these works in the spring, community members will be reminded that heroes are those that we can look up to – no matter how young or old they might be. And for the students that participated in this year’s program, this point is possibly the most important lesson learned – for while these students may be young, they too can be heroes.