Valley Stream South High School (South) is proud to announce that four of its student entries were named Nassau Region finalists in the 2024-2025 PTSA Reflections Program. Their creative works have advanced to the New York State PTA level for further judging. The theme for this year’s Reflections Program is Accepting Imperfection.
The following students were recognized by the Nassau Region PTA for their submissions:
- Odaly Velasquez – Visual Arts: Accepting Self Love and Literature: Not Everybody’s Perfect
- Jacob Ruiz Nunez – Literature: We All Have Imperfections
- Maryum Kazam – Literature: The Tiger King
The Nassau Region PTA will host a Reflections Reception to honor the finalists, and invitations will be shared with the students and their families. The Valley Stream South PTSA is also collaborating with Green Acres Mall to organize a spring showcase of all Reflections entries, celebrating the creativity and hard work of every participant.
The South student submissions are among over 300,000 entries annually from students in grades Pre-K through 12. The Reflections Program, which has been running for more than 50 years, aims to boost student confidence and success in the arts while encouraging young artists to explore their thoughts, feelings, and ideas through creative expression.
Art teacher Jenna Petikas, from left, Jacob Ruiz Nunez, Odaly Velasques and English teacher Jennifer Polletta.
Maryam Kazam, left, and English teacher Alison Rudin.