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smac pta
KS PTA Reflections
Award Winners
Claire Martin
Speechless
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Dance Choreography
Corinth Elementary
The lyrics of this song are about being treated like an object because you're a girl, but that the singer has a voice and she is going to use it. The choreography in the beginning is meant to show powerlessness, and the scarf over my mouth symbolizes society silencing me. After I take off the scarf and my hair falls out of it's bun the movements become more carefree and powerful. I am more than just a pretty girl. I am strong, smart, brave, and kind. I have a voice and I'm going to use it. I matter.
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Dance Choreography
Corinth Elementary
The lyrics of this song are about being treated like an object because you're a girl, but that the singer has a voice and she is going to use it. The choreography in the beginning is meant to show powerlessness, and the scarf over my mouth symbolizes society silencing me. After I take off the scarf and my hair falls out of it's bun the movements become more carefree and powerful. I am more than just a pretty girl. I am strong, smart, brave, and kind. I have a voice and I'm going to use it. I matter.
Claire Langford
#COVIDHAPPY
Award of Excellence, Middle School Dance Choreography
Indian Hills Middle School
We made this video on September 27th. Originally we made it for our kindergarten teacher, who was going through some hard times and we also made it for our Great Grandma, who is in the hospital with stomach issues. My siblings and I: Violet, Eloise, and Liam Langford, all danced in this video while the camera was going. I put it together as a film. My siblings go to Briarwood Elementary School and are in 2nd grade. We have been having 'dance parties' in our basement ever since I can remember and during COVID when we were stuck in the house, we would dance for hours at a time. The dance doesn't really have choreography, only the first segment is. The purpose of this video is to add some light to this dark world. 'Because I'm happy and you can clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth'.
Award of Excellence, Middle School Dance Choreography
Indian Hills Middle School
We made this video on September 27th. Originally we made it for our kindergarten teacher, who was going through some hard times and we also made it for our Great Grandma, who is in the hospital with stomach issues. My siblings and I: Violet, Eloise, and Liam Langford, all danced in this video while the camera was going. I put it together as a film. My siblings go to Briarwood Elementary School and are in 2nd grade. We have been having 'dance parties' in our basement ever since I can remember and during COVID when we were stuck in the house, we would dance for hours at a time. The dance doesn't really have choreography, only the first segment is. The purpose of this video is to add some light to this dark world. 'Because I'm happy and you can clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth'.
Emma Radford
We Matter Because We're Different
Aware of Excellence, High School Dance Choreography
Shawnee Mission East High School
I picked the song "Be Nice" because it's about how we should embrace our differences and try our best to be happy. I think we could all use an uplifting tap dance to get us through the hardships of 2020.
Aware of Excellence, High School Dance Choreography
Shawnee Mission East High School
I picked the song "Be Nice" because it's about how we should embrace our differences and try our best to be happy. I think we could all use an uplifting tap dance to get us through the hardships of 2020.
Patrick Zueckert
I Matter Because I Create
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Film Production
Highlands Elementary
I love creating with LEGOs and making stop motion movies. Bob in my movie is painting a wall with a happy face and then rides an imaginary creature.
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Film Production
Highlands Elementary
I love creating with LEGOs and making stop motion movies. Bob in my movie is painting a wall with a happy face and then rides an imaginary creature.
Aubrey Van Lerberg
Gen Z
Award of Excellence, Middle School Film Production
Indian Hills Middle School
I want to spread a message not about how I matter but how WE matter.
Award of Excellence, Middle School Film Production
Indian Hills Middle School
I want to spread a message not about how I matter but how WE matter.
Campbell Rigsby
I Matter Because...
Award of Excellence, Primary Literature
Prairie Elementary
It is an "I Matter" poem. I matter because I am a pet owner, friend, sister, cousin, daughter and am a part of this world.
Award of Excellence, Primary Literature
Prairie Elementary
It is an "I Matter" poem. I matter because I am a pet owner, friend, sister, cousin, daughter and am a part of this world.
Brynn Weiss
We All Matter
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Literature
Trailwood Elementary
I chose to write about three people who think that they are useless because it shows that everyone has a purpose in this world. You may find yours earlier or later than other people, but everyone matters. You, your friends, your family, and everyone you've ever known make your mark on the planet, and no matter where you choose to go or why you do these things you matter. This story shows the important lesson that nobody matters more or less than one another, and everyone ever has a purpose.
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Literature
Trailwood Elementary
I chose to write about three people who think that they are useless because it shows that everyone has a purpose in this world. You may find yours earlier or later than other people, but everyone matters. You, your friends, your family, and everyone you've ever known make your mark on the planet, and no matter where you choose to go or why you do these things you matter. This story shows the important lesson that nobody matters more or less than one another, and everyone ever has a purpose.
Katherine Hipp
Ripples
Award of Excellence, Middle School Literature
Trailwood Elementary
There is a girl name Jess, she starts to contemplate why and how she matter in the world.
Award of Excellence, Middle School Literature
Trailwood Elementary
There is a girl name Jess, she starts to contemplate why and how she matter in the world.
Aneet Kakkar
Mera na Zaina
Award of Merit, Middle School Literature
Prairie Trail Middle School
My work is a narrative titled Mera Na Zaina. This narrative of mine connects back to the theme because the story is about a girl who is an immigrant from India, and comes to California, with her family. Her mother has always told her that she matters and her education matters, and no one can take that away from her. Through her journey she learns about the actual meaning of the American Dream. She even learns about her own importance, and her dreams through her family's support.
Award of Merit, Middle School Literature
Prairie Trail Middle School
My work is a narrative titled Mera Na Zaina. This narrative of mine connects back to the theme because the story is about a girl who is an immigrant from India, and comes to California, with her family. Her mother has always told her that she matters and her education matters, and no one can take that away from her. Through her journey she learns about the actual meaning of the American Dream. She even learns about her own importance, and her dreams through her family's support.
Varshini Murugesh
Youth and the Universe
Award of Excellence, High School Literature
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
This reflective essay will discuss the societal myth that, in the the grand scheme of society, we serve little purpose. I reflect on the preservation of innocence and a more childish mindset that allows us to approach life with the assumption that we have something to live for.
Award of Excellence, High School Literature
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
This reflective essay will discuss the societal myth that, in the the grand scheme of society, we serve little purpose. I reflect on the preservation of innocence and a more childish mindset that allows us to approach life with the assumption that we have something to live for.
Darius Bean
Vote
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Photography
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
I walk with my family and we've passed this sign many times. When I thought about the theme "I matter because..." I decided the perfect photo was a kid and the vote sign. you see, I am a kid. One day I will be old enough to vote. And my vote will matter!
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Photography
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
I walk with my family and we've passed this sign many times. When I thought about the theme "I matter because..." I decided the perfect photo was a kid and the vote sign. you see, I am a kid. One day I will be old enough to vote. And my vote will matter!
Ava Carroll
Under the Surface
Award of Excellence, Middle School Photography
Indian Hills Middle School
I took this photograph of my sister (Carmen) because I saw the moment that was there and knew it had to be captured. I matter because I can see the goodness and beauty in others. I titled this "Under the Surface" because I see under the surface of others and always to try to think about the water they are swimming in. She is upside down because she looks at the world from a different angle that is her own. This photo recognizes there is much under the surface: I matter because I seek it.
Award of Excellence, Middle School Photography
Indian Hills Middle School
I took this photograph of my sister (Carmen) because I saw the moment that was there and knew it had to be captured. I matter because I can see the goodness and beauty in others. I titled this "Under the Surface" because I see under the surface of others and always to try to think about the water they are swimming in. She is upside down because she looks at the world from a different angle that is her own. This photo recognizes there is much under the surface: I matter because I seek it.
Olivia Pixton
City Hall Occupation
Award of Excellence, High School Photography
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Kansas City has one of the highest rates of police killings in the country. This monument of Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad can be found at the City Hall downtown. It is now decorated with signs and posters that demand our Police Department be held accountable for the violence that has been inflicted on our citizens. Hundreds of protesters camped out outside the City Hall in peaceful protest on the weekend of October 10th and many still remain. These protesters share their voice in the fight against police brutality. I was able to go see the monument myself and learn more about the movement. I matter because I can be a part in the change for better by sharing my voice and supporting others in the fight for equality and justice.
Award of Excellence, High School Photography
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
Kansas City has one of the highest rates of police killings in the country. This monument of Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad can be found at the City Hall downtown. It is now decorated with signs and posters that demand our Police Department be held accountable for the violence that has been inflicted on our citizens. Hundreds of protesters camped out outside the City Hall in peaceful protest on the weekend of October 10th and many still remain. These protesters share their voice in the fight against police brutality. I was able to go see the monument myself and learn more about the movement. I matter because I can be a part in the change for better by sharing my voice and supporting others in the fight for equality and justice.
Jiya Bhavsar
I Believe
Award of Excellence, Primary Music Composition
Briarwood Elementary
I matter because I believe I can make a difference. I matter because I believe that I’m unique, unlike anybody else. I matter because I believe that I can help someone. I have happy days and sad days. Just like that, my song has ups and downs. It has a gentle tempo. My song sounds like it changes from a soft breeze to a gusty wind.
Award of Excellence, Primary Music Composition
Briarwood Elementary
I matter because I believe I can make a difference. I matter because I believe that I’m unique, unlike anybody else. I matter because I believe that I can help someone. I have happy days and sad days. Just like that, my song has ups and downs. It has a gentle tempo. My song sounds like it changes from a soft breeze to a gusty wind.
Mary Kathryn Mitchell
Faith, Love and Hope
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Music Composition
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
My song relates to the theme because it shows why helping others is a way to show that I matter. When I help others and make a difference, it matters to my community, my family and friends, and myself.
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Music Composition
Christa McAuliffe Elementary
My song relates to the theme because it shows why helping others is a way to show that I matter. When I help others and make a difference, it matters to my community, my family and friends, and myself.
Ishya Bhavsar
Created
Award of Excellence, Middle School Music Composition
Indian Hills Middle School
Everyone expresses themself in their own special way. And we are always creating and doing and expressing ourselves. In fact I had the idea for this song at one in the morning when I couldn't sleep. My creations have always been special to me because I know that nobody could have done what I have done and made what I have made. This song is part of something that makes me who I am. I matter because of my unique creativity and so does every single human being.
Award of Excellence, Middle School Music Composition
Indian Hills Middle School
Everyone expresses themself in their own special way. And we are always creating and doing and expressing ourselves. In fact I had the idea for this song at one in the morning when I couldn't sleep. My creations have always been special to me because I know that nobody could have done what I have done and made what I have made. This song is part of something that makes me who I am. I matter because of my unique creativity and so does every single human being.
Andrew Schnake
To Show Kindness
Award of Excellence, High School Music Composition
Shawnee Mission West High School
Kindness guides every decision I make. After having dealt with depression for 6 years, I try my best to be emotionally supportive of those around me. Sometimes it can be very difficult to help those around me, especially if I have my own troubles. I matter, and I want to do my best to help others realize that they do matter. The first movement of this piece focuses on depression, and the second one kindness. Also in both movements is a theme of purpose, tying the two movements together.
Award of Excellence, High School Music Composition
Shawnee Mission West High School
Kindness guides every decision I make. After having dealt with depression for 6 years, I try my best to be emotionally supportive of those around me. Sometimes it can be very difficult to help those around me, especially if I have my own troubles. I matter, and I want to do my best to help others realize that they do matter. The first movement of this piece focuses on depression, and the second one kindness. Also in both movements is a theme of purpose, tying the two movements together.
Nixon Katzenmeier
Nixon’s Future Is Bright
Award of Excellence, Primary Visual Art
Trailwood Elementary
I matter because... I am the future. My words and actions will make the future bright. The future is mine to fill with love.
Award of Excellence, Primary Visual Art
Trailwood Elementary
I matter because... I am the future. My words and actions will make the future bright. The future is mine to fill with love.
Simone Workcuff
God Made Me
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Visual Art
Brookwood Elementary
I matter because ... GOD made all of us. My art piece represents God's hands holding the world. And all the little dots on the continents are people. The reason that the dots are different colors is because there's not just one color of skin. And we all matter because God loves us.
Award of Excellence, Intermediate Visual Art
Brookwood Elementary
I matter because ... GOD made all of us. My art piece represents God's hands holding the world. And all the little dots on the continents are people. The reason that the dots are different colors is because there's not just one color of skin. And we all matter because God loves us.
Harpuneet Virk
Splash Your Canvas
Award of Excellence, Middle School Visual Art
Prairie Trail Middle School
My artwork is made around two key things, an entity, and a canvas. Both represent parts of your life. The “being” in the work, is your life, and based on your decisions, it paints the canvas. The canvas and what's on it, are the consequences of your decisions. The amount of paint shows your successfulness, and the vibrancy of the paint shows how happy and prosperous you are. This relates to the theme by showing you matter because of your life’s work, and you wouldn’t want to leave your canvas empty, so splash it with color!
Award of Excellence, Middle School Visual Art
Prairie Trail Middle School
My artwork is made around two key things, an entity, and a canvas. Both represent parts of your life. The “being” in the work, is your life, and based on your decisions, it paints the canvas. The canvas and what's on it, are the consequences of your decisions. The amount of paint shows your successfulness, and the vibrancy of the paint shows how happy and prosperous you are. This relates to the theme by showing you matter because of your life’s work, and you wouldn’t want to leave your canvas empty, so splash it with color!
Paige Bean
I Matter Because I Have A Voice
Award of Merit, Middle School Visual Art
Indian Hills Middle School
I matter because I have a voice. My project ties into the theme because it shows why I and my voice matters. I made this piece of visual art to show I will not stay quiet and silence is violence. The girl holding up the sign in the middle of the photography is me at a Black Lives Matter protest and the pictures surrounding her are pictures I took. Everyone has a voice to speak up about what is right and against what is wrong. I matter because I have a voice.
Award of Merit, Middle School Visual Art
Indian Hills Middle School
I matter because I have a voice. My project ties into the theme because it shows why I and my voice matters. I made this piece of visual art to show I will not stay quiet and silence is violence. The girl holding up the sign in the middle of the photography is me at a Black Lives Matter protest and the pictures surrounding her are pictures I took. Everyone has a voice to speak up about what is right and against what is wrong. I matter because I have a voice.
Destyni Meadows
Unmask Your Truth
Award of Excellence, High School Visual Art
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
I matter because...this statement was difficult to answer in the middle of a pandemic and racial injustices in the news. I wanted to UNMASK my truth. I matter because I am a strong woman, beautiful inside and out, who is proud to be white and black. I matter because I am a leader and role model with an unbreakable voice that promotes positivity and love. I matter because I was taught not to see people by the color of their skin but for the person within. Why do I matter the most? It's because I know YOU matter.
Award of Excellence, High School Visual Art
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
I matter because...this statement was difficult to answer in the middle of a pandemic and racial injustices in the news. I wanted to UNMASK my truth. I matter because I am a strong woman, beautiful inside and out, who is proud to be white and black. I matter because I am a leader and role model with an unbreakable voice that promotes positivity and love. I matter because I was taught not to see people by the color of their skin but for the person within. Why do I matter the most? It's because I know YOU matter.
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