Cara Ingram, a student at Stuart Place Elementary, received a state level Award of Excellence for her Parent-Teacher Association Reflections entry in the category of Literature.
A total of 56,000 students entered the competition with 1,700 students advancing to the state level. Ingram was one of 47 fourth grade students to be selected in her category, and the only student to be awarded from the Rio Grande Valley. The Award of Excellence is given to recognize entries that best utilize creativity and incorporation of the year’s theme, which was “Diversity Means…”
Prior to entering the state level of the competition, Ingram’s entry was selected to represent Stuart Place at a district competition, and then as a representative for the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. She was encouraged to participate by fourth grade teacher Cynthia Elledge, and by observing her brother who had previously reached the state level of the competition, she said.
“We are ecstatic that Cara was selected for this prestigious award,” said Stuart Place Principal Michele Todd. “We are so proud that she was able to represent our school and the district at the state competition, and we can’t wait to see what she will accomplish this coming year.”
The PTA Reflections Program hosts its yearly contest to provide students the opportunity to submit an artist statement that describes what inspires them. The programs mission to encourage students across the nation to explore their artistic talents. Students can submit entries in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. Students in pre-k through grade 12 are encouraged to participate.
Ingram was thankful to be for being able to have the opportunity to participate and honored that her essay was recognized, she said. She will be entering fifth grade this fall.
Students that are interested in participating for the 2012-2013 school year should contact their school’s PTA for more information on their eligibility to sponsor a Reflections Program.
