The Board of Education celebrated three Newtown Middle School students during its meeting on Tuesday, April 7, for earning awards in the state level of the PTA-sponsored Reflections Program.

“It’s extraordinary to have a local winner. It is extra extraordinary to have three,” said Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, before he introduced the three students, eighth graders Stephanie Cobb and Ashley Solomon and seventh grader Julie Hess.

This year the Reflections Program, an art competition, asked entrants to interpret the theme, “The World Would Be A Better Place If” in one of six categories: literature, visual art, video production, photography, dance choreography, and musical composition.

The students were named and congratulated by the school board, but Stephanie was not present for the meeting.

Each girl earned a place in the middle school division of the competition for their entry. Ashley earned first place for her photography entry, Julie earned second place for musical composition entry, and Stephanie earned third place for her literature entry.

According to the district, top entries from the state advance to the national level of the competition.

Following the board’s meeting, Julie, Ashley, and Stephanie reflected on their accomplishment.

“I was very stunned,” said Julie, about when she learned she had earned recognition in the state-level of the competition.

When she recorded her musical entry, Julie said she had a sore throat, and now she is, “very proud of myself.”

Ashley said she was excited when she learned about her award.

“I was very surprised,” Stephanie said, “and happy that my work paid off.”