April 12, 2005 > Fourth grader receives Award of Merit for photo entry

by Larry Raboy

Anna Hoehenrieder, a fourth grader in Julia Schepis' class at Warm Springs Elementary School in Fremont, has received an Award of Merit for her photography entry "Hawgs for Dogs in Paws" at the state level in Los Angeles.

Carla Ni–o, President of the California State PTA and Bev Patrick, State Reflections Coordinator, stated in a letter received during spring break that approximately 66,500 students from PTA/PTSA schools throughout California submitted entries for this year's program. They commended Anna for her "outstanding creative achievement." In order for an entry to be reviewed at the state level, it must be one of a possible four selected in each category at the school, Council, and then District competitions.

This year's theme was "A Different Kind of Hero" and Anna chose Harley Davidson riders who support Guide Dogs of America. Anna took pictures of the West Coast Chapter of Hawgs for Dogs at their 11th annual fundraiser ride held in the Fremont's Niles District last October. As stated on the back of her entry: "Motorcycles can be pretty scary to kids. They are loud and the riders sometimes have tattoos and look tough, but everyone was so nice to me. They were just out having a great time for a great cause!"

Nancy Hoehenrieder, Anna's mother, said "The recognitions are special, but what makes this program so valuable is what the children learn in the process. Anna learned more about herself and others. She also learned more about photography and creative expression by taking, cropping and mounting all her own photos. It has all been a very positive experience."

Anna's artwork will be displayed at the California State PTA Convention in Sacramento from April 28 to May 1.

Reflections is a national creative arts program promoted through the schools by the PTA. Kindergarten through12th grade students are encouraged to participate in one or all of the four categories of photography, visual arts, musical composition and literature. Winners and their entries are posted on the state and national PTA web sites.

Besides Anna, two other Warm Springs School students were selected by Fremont Council PTA to compete at the Peralta District level this year. They were Sharon Jeoung in musical composition and Emily Raboy in photography. Peralta District includes 160 schools in Alameda County and Anna's entry was 1 of 4 in the photography category to be chosen for state competition.

Specific details about next year's theme, "I Wonder Why" will be available through the schools in the fall. Parents may participate as judges in areas other than their child's entry.