Steenrod 4th Grader Niko Gomez recently claimed a national win in the annual Parent Teacher Association national “Reflections” contest.
According to the PTA, “Each year, students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. In Reflections, students submit artworks in the available arts category areas and program divisions: Primary (Pre-K – Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Accessible Arts (All grades welcome).”
This year’s theme focused on accepting imperfections, and Niko submitted a photo and essay about his grandmother’s hands to the “interpretation of photography” category of the competition. In his essay, Niko discussed that while his grandmother may no longer like the appearance of her hands, to Niko and his family, her hands have forever changed their lives.
After claiming the regional and state win, 850 entries advanced to the national level, and Niko secured first place in his category. This is the first time win for West Virginia. Niko secured an $800 scholarship as well as $200 for Steenrod Elementary’s PTA.
