It might have started with a blank page, a simple music beat, or an empty canvas, but the 2025-26 Reflections Contest theme, “I Belong!” came alive through the creativity and artistry of nearly 30 Northwood students. Among them, junior Kailey Yeo and sophomore Julia Paver earned 1st place for photography and film production, respectively, in the IUSD competition overseen by the Irvine Unified Council PTA. 

Both advanced to the 4th District level, an organization representing 20 councils across Orange County and part of Los Angeles County. From there, winners will proceed to the state level, and state winners will advance to the national competition. Northwood celebrated school-level champions junior Maggie Luy and freshmen Hyejun Park and Shawn Castrapel, who earned 1st place in literature, visual arts and music composition, respectively.

“Reflections gives students a chance to express themselves,” Northwood PTSA Reflections chair Iris Yoon said. “This theme really hit home, especially since so many of us are immigrants or children of immigrants. It was incredibly moving to see how students expressed their experiences.”

Yoon encourages students of all backgrounds and experience levels to participate, emphasizing that Reflections is a safe space for honest creativity. 

“I really admire how poetry can express feelings in a quiet and personal way,” Luy said. “I wanted people to see that you can find belonging in anything.”

Launched in 1969, Reflections is a long-standing and well-respected national arts competition. Professional judges in each art field assessed submissions based on connection to the theme, technique, creativity and personal expression. For fairness, all judges remain anonymous. 

“I was in shock because I never got that far,” Castrapel said. “[My project] started with a sadder [chord] because I felt like I didn’t fit in—it was a new high school. But later, I changed it to happier tones because I [started] fitting into my classes.”

4th District winners will be announced in early February.