Seventh-grader Meha Shah, Evergreen Middle School, won the Award of Merit for her piece entitled Perseverance at this year’s state Reflections contest. The theme this year is “Within Reach.” Her illustration falls under the visual arts category. Meha wrote the following to help explain her artwork:

"This illustration shows growth and connection. A family cares for one another and provides stepping stones for each other. In a family everybody is joined together, forever, throughout generations. The blanket represents love connecting everybody in a family. Whenever anyone has a problem, their family is there to help and give warmth. If this family was the world, the blanket would forever surround it, giving it peace, love, and happiness. The solutions to all the problems in this world would be right there. This drawing shows that the world can changed – and this change is at our fingertips. Within reach."  

Reflections is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts program. It provides an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through original works. The six art areas are: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production.

Meha was honored at an award ceremony on April 28.