"I Matter Because" PTA Reflections
2020-2021
Shore Winning Entries-Going to State!
Visual Arts & Photography
Jordyn Helcberger, 8th Grade
"I matter because my family and I are part of the 501st Legion which is the largest volunteer Star Wars costume group in the country. I dress up in a Jawa costume and volunteer at many different charity events. We raise money for groups such as Make a Wish and A Special Wish. I love seeing the smiles on people's faces when they see me and I know it makes people happy. I matter because I make a difference."
Madison Nawrocki, 8th Grade
"I have painted a picture of my family. To create this piece, I used acrylic paint and a photo of my family as a reference. I used a variety of colors to make my artwork realistic. In the painting, my family members and I are all holding hands. This symbolizes that we are always there for each other and we're all connected in unique ways. My family matters to me for numerous reasons. I'm beyond thankful for them."
David Baumann, 6th Grade
"I Matter Because...someday I plan on becoming a Paleontologist, so I could contribute to discovering new dinosaurs and discover new things about previously discovered ones."
Kaitlyn Crossley, 6th Grade
"I did this artwork because I think it's important for people to know they matter."
Rocco Fiore, 6th Grade
"The theme “I Matter Because…” is in this artwork because I’m an artist and I create. This matters because I’m able to illustrate the world and experiences in ways other people can’t. My artwork can show memories, moments in time, and express feelings. This is a unique ability for artists, such as myself. This is how my artwork illustrates the theme, “I Matter Because…”
Sarah Smith, 6th Grade
"For the "I Matter Because..." prompt, I drew my brother. I think he fits this category well because throughout this whole quarantine and pandemic he has been with me when it matters most. He is funny, kind, nice, and always makes me laugh. Even when all goes bad he will be there cheering you on when it counts. This artwork is a recreation of my brother because he matters to me."
Dereon Phoeson, 6th Grade
"In this artwork, it shows me, my two sisters, and parents. My artwork relates to the theme, "I Matter Because...." since I am an older sister and I have to help and guide them. Not only that, but I'm a daughter and I have to help my parents when they need it. I even matter to my dog Max since I take him outside and feed him everyday."
Zoe Barninger, 7th Grade
Kylie Sheehan, 7th Grade
"My piece of work is a picture of my best friend, Sophia Merkich. I put different colors of paint on her face and took close up pictures. This piece relates to the theme of "I Matter Because" by showing that even though it's in black and white, anything can be underneath. I thought that this photo related to the theme because it doesn't matter what's on the outside, but what's the inside. The paint is three different colors; blue, white, purple. I wanted to show that it doesn't matter what you look like in order to be treated the same."
Gabriella Quigley, 6th Grade
"Everybody matters because everyone's different! My photo represents how everyone's different. Every turtle's shell is unique and different, just like every person, which is what makes us special and what makes us matter!"
Film Production
Vincent Klima, 6th Grade
Gabriella Quigley, 6th Grde
Literature
Landyn Reminick, 6th Grade
Music Composition
Nora Tulenson, 8th Grade
Artist Statement: "I matter. That is what this piece of music is about. I matter because I know I am the only Nora that is completely like me. I matter because the good things I do in this world make a difference without me even noticing. I am kind, brave, confident, and strong. I am smart, loved, and helpful. My piece reminds me of how I am all these amazing things. I am so proud of writing this amazing piece."
Wishing these students all the best as their artwork is judged at the State level of the contest!
Results from State will be announced March 2021.
Winning entries at the State level will move on to the National level of the contest.
National results will be announced May, 2021.