WCAAD Student Angie Li Won 2021-22 PTA California State 1st Place

​Congratulations to Angie Li, 11 years old, for winning the California State 1st Place award at the 2021-22 National PTA Reflections art contest.

The contest is themed “I Will Change the World by…” and Angie’s winning artwork is titled “Believing.”

​In the description Angie wrote, “the key to change something starts with an idea that was outside of the box, an idea that is thought of as crazy.  I believe I can change the world by believing in the idea, and then applying the concept and knowledge that I learn from school to make it possible.  My schooling has introduced me to topics such as science, arts, ELA, and technology, which have all piqued my interest.  I know that in the future I will be able to utilize my knowledge and skills in these fields to change the world for the better.  What I want to say is, as long as you believe and dream that you can change the world, then one day it will happen.  I aim to make the world a more welcoming place for all people, regardless of background or social status.”

​Parent-teacher association (PTA) is a formal organization composed of parents, teachers and staff that is intended to facilitate parental participation in a school. PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. There are six arts categories – dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.  Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts. Entries are reviewed at local, regional, state and national levels. 

​Angie has been very active participating in various contests and has won many prizes. Among the most notable was the 2020 Doodle for Google contest, which she was the sole winner of the top state prize in California in her age group.    

Participation in a contest requires serious dedication and perseverance.  While many students attempt but fail to complete the task to even enter a competition, she always comes through with her commitments and that by itself is a remarkable feat that should definitely not be taken for granted. 

​Angie has delightful, respectful, and gentle personality, and has full of passion as well as creativity for art.   “I have been having a privilege of teaching Angie Li since 2016 when she was almost 7 years old.” Ms. Noriko, Angie’s art instructor at WCAAD, said, “It is truly a pleasure to watch her grow both as an artist and as a human being. I love the way her face shines when she comes up with ideas for drawings.” 

​Angie has gained an impressive ability to depict her creative visions come alive in her drawings, which makes it possible for her to communicate with audience through her artworks. 

Angie is eager to be inspired more and get involved proactively in many programs. “She has made steady and remarkable progress over the years and has become one of the most talented young artists in my classes. I have no doubt that the kind of dedication and perseverance mentioned above will make it possible for her to be successful in any field of study she chooses to pursue.” Ms. Noriko said.
 

​Other awards include: California State 2nd Place for 2020-21 PTA Reflections; 1st Place for both 2018 and 2019 Paint the Future Drawing Contest; Mayor’s Award for 2019 Health Fair Drawing Contest; 1st Place for 2019 CLEO Art Contest; 2nd Place for 2019 PHE International Art Contest; 3rd Place for 2018 Canada World Cup Drawing Competition.

​Angie’s mom expressed her gratitude to WCAAD. “We are lucky to choose WCAAD because the Academy employs an inspirational method of teaching by arranging the curriculum according to the phases of children’s psychological development and the approach intensifies students’ interest in the arts, by strengthening their skills in artistic expression.” She said.
 

​A carefully calibrated mix of rigorous courses are designed by WCAAD instructors to help students of all skills levels get the most of their art education; not only improving their abilities, creativity, but also their intellectual performance in other subjects.
 

​Students ultimately build up stepping-stones to reach their full potential, and WCAAD promotes a cross culture dialogue through an awareness of historical and cultural context, artistic perceptions and aesthetic valuing. Whether students simply have an interest in art, or would like to learn more about art careers, WCAAD’s unique art curriculum provides a breadth of knowledge necessary for facing a shifting future and setting them up for a continuous growth.