Nearly 2 Dozen District 58 Student Projects Head To State In PTA Reflections Contest

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Close to two dozen students from Downers Grove Grade School District 58 are advancing to the state level of the 2026 PTA Reflections Contest. This year, students submitted photography, films, literature and other media inspired by the theme, "I Belong."

The students who are heading to the state level of competition are:

Belle Aire Elementary School

Maggie Mayborne-Roose in music composition

Henry Puffer Elementary School

Natalie Belzer in literature

Lissette Arriaga Perez in visual arts

Herrick Middle School

Ashley Erickson, with two dance projects

Ashley Erickson in literature

George Onken in literature

Hillcrest Elementary School

Haabil Badrudin in photography

Abby Boyce in literature

Greta Hirthe in film production

Charlie Mucha in music composition

Morgan Schlange in film production

Lester Elementary School

Violet Harris in literature

Vivi Ibach in photography

Lydia Onken in music composition

Mitchell Onken in visual arts

O'Neill Middle School

Harper Lykins in dance

Emma Menet in visual arts

Minaal Sikandar in literature

Pierce Downer Elementary School

Violet Hawker in visual arts

Nina Guth in visual arts

Anand Krishnan in music composition

Mark Larsen in music composition

Evan Morrissey in photography

Julia Ray in dance

Hazel Shepherd in dance

Whittier Elementary School

Matilda Yodka in dance

Madison Fredrich in photography

For more than 50 years, the PTA Reflections program has invited annual submissions from students throughout the U.S. on themes chosen by fellow students. Students compete in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, photography, music composition and visual arts.

The PTA Reflections winners will be announced in early May.