Skip To Main Content

News Stories

Comanche Springs Elementary student standing in front of school entry doors that say Every SPUR Every Day.
EMS ISD Shines in PTA Reflections

Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD students earned top honors at the Texas PTA Reflections state level, highlighting a strong year of creativity and artistic expression across the district. In total, EMS ISD students earned 17 state-level awards, recognizing their work across multiple artistic categories. Among the honorees, Comanche Springs Elementary student Erik Alexander Sprinkle-Salas, who is often called Alex by teachers and classmates, received an Overall Award of Excellence and will advance to the national level of competition.

The PTA Reflections program invites students to explore their creativity through a variety of artistic categories, including dance choreography, visual arts, photography, literature, music composition and film production. This year’s theme, “I Belong,” resonated across campuses and is reflected in the powerful, personal expressions created by students throughout the district.

More than 870 student entries advanced to state-level judging across Texas this year, with only Overall Award of Excellence winners eligible to move on to the national level.

“I feel like Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s fine arts programs are top notch,” said Meg Farley, EMS Council of PTAs Reflections chair. “Each campus has people who support the program, and students are encouraged to share their creativity in ways that are meaningful to them.”

Farley noted that the variety of categories allows students to explore different forms of expression and find the best way to communicate their ideas.

Comanche Springs Elementary student and principal standing in front of school marquee

“There are so many different ways for students to participate,” she said. “They can choose the path that fits them and share their passions.”

Erik’s award-winning dance choreography stood out for both its creativity and connection to the theme. He created his routine at home, building it around movement he enjoys most.

“I like doing flips and cartwheels, and I made up my dance as I went,” Erik said. “I was excited.”

After learning he would advance beyond the state level, Erik celebrated in his own way.

“I did flipping and cartwheels and more flips,” he said.

His principal, Dr. Lorene Johnson, said Erik’s achievement reflects both his creativity and his character.

“He is such a good friend and always super positive,” Johnson said. “He works really hard and is very creative. We are excited to see him represent Comanche Springs Elementary at the national level.”

Farley said Erik’s advancement is especially meaningful.

“We’ve never had a student move on to nationals during my time coordinating,” she said. “His work was recognized at the state level by judges outside of our district, which speaks to how well he communicated the theme.”

The Texas PTA Reflections state-level ceremony will be held in Austin on May 16.

The following Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD students earned state-level recognition in the Texas PTA Reflections program:

EMS ISD State Reflections Honorees

Overall Award of Excellence

  • Erik Alexander Sprinkle-Salas, Comanche Springs Elementary, Accessible Arts Dance Choreography (Advancing to Nationals)

Award of Excellence

  • Ileana Lozano, Dozier Elementary, Primary Dance Choreography
  • Lennox Mueller, Eagle Mountain Elementary, Intermediate Visual Arts

Award of Merit

  • Jacob Stigger, Copper Creek Elementary, Primary Literature
  • Rachel Reyes, Lake Pointe Elementary, Intermediate Film Production
  • Emery Metz, Lake Pointe Elementary, Intermediate Dance Choreography

Honorable Mention

  • Jacob Grams, Dozier Elementary, Intermediate Music Composition
  • Adelyn Stevens, Dozier Elementary, Primary Music Composition
  • Amelia Blinn, Greenfield Elementary, Intermediate Literature
  • Everleigh Pearson, Hatley Elementary, Primary Film Production
  • Niko’lai Quiroz, Hatley Elementary, Primary Photography
  • Ella Vierkant, Lake Country Elementary, Intermediate Photography

Participation

  • Charlotte Paine, Chisholm Ridge Elementary, Primary Visual Arts

With 17 state-level honors and one student advancing to nationals, this year’s Reflections program highlights the strength of fine arts and student voice across Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD.