Valley Stream South Senior Wins Visual Arts Merit Award

VALLEY STREAM, NY — Valley Stream is home to an award-winning visual artist this week, as school district officials announced that Valley Stream South High School senior Michael Marshall had won a New York State PTA Reflections Merit Award in Visual Arts.

District officials said the PTA Reflections award program is a national arts initiative that has highlighted exceptional student artists for over 50 years. According to the district, this year’s theme was “I Belong!”

Marshall won his award from a field of over 500 applicants, a recognition district officials said was “well-deserved.”

"We are incredibly proud of Michael and this well-deserved recognition," Director of Fine & Performing Arts Monique Retzlaff said. "The arts provide students with a powerful way to express themselves, tell their stories, and connect with others.”

Awards in the PTA Reflections program are given out in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Submissions are then judged on three pieces of criteria: interpretation of the theme, creativity and technical skill.

District officials said Marshall had one key supporter as he advanced through the local, county, regional and state PTA Reflections process: his art teacher, Jenna Petikas.

Petikas’ “encouragement and support helped guide him in bringing his artistic vision to life,” district officials said.

For Retzlaff, the realization — and recognition — of that vision speaks to the kind of creativity that exists within the Valley Stream student body.

“Michael's achievement is a beautiful reflection of his creativity, dedication, and the meaningful support provided by the educators who help nurture and encourage our students each day,” Retzlaff said.