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Southfield PTA marks Founders' Day, spotlights Reflections arts program and honors board president
Summary
At a virtual Founders' Day and talent showcase, Southfield Parent Teacher Council leaders celebrated the PTA's history, highlighted the National PTA Reflections arts program, and presented the Nancy Whitman Award to Board of Education President Ashanti Bland.
Celestine Sanders, president of the Southfield Parent Teacher Council, opened the district's virtual Founders' Day and Talent Showcase and invited families and community members to view the program on the district YouTube channel. "Sit back, relax, and enjoy," Sanders said, thanking volunteers, staff and supporters for joining from across time zones.
The program included a brief history of Founders' Day and the National PTA. An event presenter traced the PTA's origins to the 1897 convention that eventually became the National Congress of Parents and Teachers and noted the organization's long-standing volunteer tradition. "Our founders represented women of imagination and courage," the presenter said, describing the PTA's role in improving children’s lives.
Kanisha Moon Smith described the National PTA Reflections program, which she said has inspired millions of students since its founding by arts educator Mary Lou Anderson. "The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, which boosts student confidence and success," Smith said, adding that more than 300,000 pre-K–12 students participate in Reflections each year and that Southfield selected top students from each school this year under the theme "I belong."
As part of the ceremony, organizers presented the Nancy Whitman Award, established in 1982 to honor extraordinary service on behalf of children and youth. Event organizers named Ashanti Bland, president of the Southfield Board of Education, as this year's recipient. Bland accepted recognition and served as the evening's mistress of ceremonies.
Dr. Jennifer Green, superintendent of Southfield Public Schools, offered closing remarks thanking district leaders, principals, teachers and families for supporting scholars. "As your superintendent, I, Dr. Jennifer Green, am extremely proud of each and every one of you," she said, praising the district's efforts to position students for success.
The showcase proceeded with student performances and additional recognitions; the district encourages viewers to watch the recorded program on its YouTube channel for full performances and award presentations.
