Every year, National PTA invites students across the PTA member network to participate in the annual Reflections Theme Search Contest—a national competition to select an original and inspiring theme for the upcoming Reflections year. We are so pleased to announce the winner of the 2024-2025 Reflections Theme Search… drumroll please!
Congratulations to Paige Opaska, an 8th grader from Barbara Bush Middle School PTA in San Antonio, Texas, for her winning theme, “Accepting Imperfection.”
Paige’s theme was selected from nearly 100 student submissions across 20 State PTAs, with reviews conducted by the National PTA board officers and programs committee. As the Theme Search Contest winner, Paige will receive $100 from National PTA and national recognition throughout the year.
“Accepting Imperfection” will serve as the inspiration for hundreds of thousands of students across the country and in U.S. schools abroad as they create original dance choreography, film productions, music compositions, photography, literature and visual art as part of the 2024-2025 Reflections program.
Paige described her theme in this way: “‘Accepting Imperfection’ is a reminder to myself that mistakes are welcome because they are a part of being human. Our flaws are as much a part of us as our strengths, so being imperfect should be perfect enough for us.”
Texas State PTA leadership, Paige’s middle school principal and special guests surprised her with a weeknight Zoom call Jan. 18 to announce that her theme had been chosen as the national winner.
The announcement included Michelle Jackson, Texas PTA, Executive Director; Carrie Mays, Texas PTA, Programs Manager; Melinda Samberson, Texas PTA VP Programs and Resources; Risa Ginther, Texas PTA Arts in Ed Chair; Ana-Maria Morales, President, Barbara Bush Middle School PTA; Lettie Galarza, Barbara Bush Middle School PTA, Reflections Chair; Rodolfo Salinas, Principal, Barbara Bush Middle School; Kate Patterson, North East ISD Council of PTAs, Arts in Education; and Debbie Weissmuller, North East ISD Council of PTAs, President. Thanks to Paige’s mom, Kristen Opaska, for helping coordinate the big reveal—check out those smiles!
The “Accepting Imperfection” theme was a strong favorite among National PTA’s Theme Search review panel, with one reviewer noting that the theme “allows students room to show vulnerability, a willingness to address failure and move on, promotes empathy and a pro-mental health mindset.”
In addition to participating in the theme search competition, Paige is one of the hundreds of thousands of students across the country who submitted artwork for the current year’s Reflections 2022-2023 program, inspired by the theme, “Show Your Voice!” When asked for advice to other young artists looking to develop their creativity, Paige replied:
“I’m involved in a lot of different clubs within my school, including band and sports, so my advice would be, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take advantage of opportunities you are given.”
The current 2022-2023 theme, “Show Your Voice!” was submitted by 2021 Theme Search winner Jason Yevin from Salk/Macarthur PTSA in New York State. Regional and state submissions for the current year are ongoing, with national winners to be announced May 1, so mark your calendar!
Next year’s 2023-2024 Reflections program theme, “I Am Hopeful Because...” was composed by Alice Meko of Hampton Cove Elementary School in Alabama during the 2022 Theme Search. You can learn more about Alice’s theme idea in this blog post. Stay tuned for the program launch at PTA.org/Reflections and then look for more information from your participating state PTA.
Students from PTA member schools can help shape the future of the Reflections program by participating in the annual Theme Search Contest. We welcome your creativity and imagination! Visit your state PTA’s Reflections Program page to learn more.
Cathleen O’Malley is the 2022-2024 National PTA Arts in Education Fellow.
