Southfield PTA celebrates Founders' Day with Reflections talent showcase; Board President Ashanti Bland honored

Southfield Public School District held a virtual Founders' Day and Reflections Talent Showcase on Feb. 17, beginning with musical performances and opening remarks from Celestine Sanders, president of the Southfield Parent Teacher Council. "My name is Celestine Sanders and I have the honor and pleasure representing Southfield Parent Teacher Council as president," Sanders said as she welcomed families, staff and community supporters and noted the program represents K–12 participants across the district. Sanders added, "We are 138 years strong," referencing the long history of the PTA.

The program included a brief history of Founders' Day and an explanation of the Reflections arts program by Kinshasa Moon Smith, identified in the program as secretary of the Southfield PTA Council. Moon Smith described Reflections as a national arts initiative that invites students to respond to an annual theme with original works in dance, music and literary arts; she said district winners will have the opportunity to advance to district and national levels.

Will Parrish read the names of the Southfield PTA Council executive board and local PTA and PTSA presidents and acknowledged the Southfield Board of Education and district administration, including Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Martin Green and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lanisa Freeman. Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kamisha Gant introduced Ashanti Bland as mistress of ceremonies, noting Bland's background and current role as president of the Southfield Board of Education.

Program organizers presented the Nancy Whitman Award, which honors "tireless dedication to the cause and extraordinary service on behalf of children and youth," and announced Ashanti Bland as this year's recipient. Organizers also recognized distinguished community partners and a long list of staff award recipients and principals from across the district.

The showcase featured student performers and school honorees from multiple buildings, with winners and categories announced for dance, vocal and instrumental music, literary art and other categories. Presenters read the names of individual students and ensembles representing schools including Adler Elementary, Levy Middle School, McIntyre Elementary, Stevenson Elementary, Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology, Thompson K–8 International Academy, University K–12 Academy and others.

Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Martin Green closed the program by thanking board members, district leaders, teachers, parents and students for their work and leadership. She praised the scholars and community partners and encouraged continued support for arts and learning opportunities across the district.

The full program is available on the Southfield Public School District YouTube channel for on-demand viewing.