2026 THEME
What My Culture Means to Me
What does culture mean to YOU?
It might be your family traditions, food, music, language, neighborhood, celebrations, memories, values, heritage, friendships, school community—or something completely unique to your own experience.
There is no single “right” way to interpret the theme. We want to see your story and your creativity!
Contest & Awards
APS students will compete within three grade divisions:
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Primary: Pre-K–Grade 2
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Intermediate: Grades 3–5
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Middle School: Grades 6–8
APS winners will:
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Receive a Reflections ribbon
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Be featured on Falcon News
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Advance to the Orange County Reflections competition
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Potentially continue to the Florida PTA and National PTA competitions
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Important Dates
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Contest Opens: October 5, 2026
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APS Submission Deadline: November 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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APS Judging: Mid-November
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APS Winners Announced around Thanksgiving
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Winning eligible entries will then have an opportunity to advance to the Orange County Council PTA competition, which has a December 4, 2026 submission deadline.
Categories
Students may enter more than one arts category, so don't feel like you have to choose just one.
Visual Arts
Drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking and other original works of visual art.
Photography
An original photograph that creatively interprets this year's theme.
Literature
Original writing such as poetry, short stories, essays, scripts, reflective writing or other literary works.
Music Composition
An original piece of music created by the student. Entries may include vocals, instruments or both.
Film Production
Original films such as narrative films, animation, documentaries, experimental films or other student-created video works.
Dance Choreography
An original choreographed dance created by the student. Solo and ensemble performances may be used, but the student entering the work must be the choreographer.
Reflections also offers an Accessible Arts Division for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or Section 504.
Eligible students may participate in the Accessible Arts Division and receive appropriate non-artistic accommodations while creating their own original work.
Rules
Before you begin, keep these Reflections rules in mind:
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Follow this year's theme.
Every entry must be inspired by “What My Culture Means to Me.”
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Create something NEW.
Your submission should be new artwork created specifically for this year's Reflections program. Do not submit an old school assignment, previous competition entry or previously created work.
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It must be YOUR work.
Each entry must be the original work of one student only. Parents, teachers, friends and family members may encourage students, but they may not make artistic decisions or create portions of the work for the student.
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Give your artwork an original title.
Every entry needs its own title. Your title should complement your artwork rather than simply repeat the Reflections theme.
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Include an Artist Statement.
Every student must explain how their work relates to the theme. The Artist Statement is an important part of the entry because it helps judges understand the student's ideas, inspiration and creative choices.
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Think about:
What inspired you?
What does your artwork mean to you?
How does it connect to “What My Culture Means to Me”?
What do you hope someone understands or feels when they experience your work?
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Technology must be disclosed.
If digital tools, software or technology were used to create or enhance an entry, students should identify the tools used and briefly explain how they were used. The student's own creativity and artistic choices must remain at the center of the work.
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Follow the rules for your specific category.
Film, photography, literature, music, dance and visual arts each have their own requirements regarding file types, length, dimensions and other specifications. Please review your category's rules before submitting.
Judging Criteria
Reflections isn't simply about being the “best artist.” Judges consider how well students communicate their own interpretation of the theme.
The National PTA judging criteria are:
Interpretation of Theme
40 Points
How closely the artwork and Artist Statement connect to “What My Culture Means to Me.”
Creativity
30 Points
How original and imaginative the student's concept and presentation are.
Technical Skill
30 Points
The level of skill demonstrated in the chosen art form.
Your idea and your story matter!
Ready to Enter?
Additional Links:
National PTA Reflections for Students & Families
National PTA Craft an Entry, Category Rules & Tips
Questions?
Email the APS PTSA Reflections Committee.