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Cornerstone at Pedregal       🥇Award of Excellence Intermediate 3-5                  Flying Together       

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Cornerstone at Pedregal       🥇Award of Excellence Intermediate 3-5                  Flying Together       

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Madeline Kim

I can’t forget how beautiful it was to see butterflies flying in a swarm several years ago. Each butterfly looked unique, and flew in different directions but each made the whole flutter so massively amazing.

I see a lot of hatred and protests on TV and social media lately. We may look differently, act differently, and think differently, but each individual makes
an equally unique contribution to make our society beautiful and complete. Therefore I am a part of it, I do matter. (The white butterfly represents me.)

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Dapplegray                              🥉Honorable Mention                   Intermediate 3-5                        "I Matter" by Evelyn Cosmi  colored pencils on 9"x11" art paper            

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Dapplegray                              🥉Honorable Mention                   Intermediate 3-5                        "I Matter" by Evelyn Cosmi  colored pencils on 9"x11" art paper            

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There are lots of things that I do that represent me everyday. I matter because what I do and how I think matters.

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Cornerstone Elementary       Primary K-2                                  🥉Award of Merit                             I am an Inventor

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Cornerstone Elementary       Primary K-2                                  🥉Award of Merit                             I am an Inventor

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Leila Offenberg

I made a video and it's about how I invented a cool place in my video.

My favorite book is Rosie Revere Engineer and my favorite part of the book is where it says "the only true failure can come if you quit".  That's why I like being an inventor. My friend is an inventor too and that inspires me to invent things.

I really liked how I invented the cool city using a new way to make pictures using open the flaps.  I matter because I like inventing things like a skateboard dog, and a chair on a skateboard.

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Primary K-2                                  I Matter Because...

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Primary K-2                                  I Matter Because...

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Nathaniel Chang

I matter because I am who I am. I take pride in myself and love myself. My age doesn't matter. My color doesn't matter. I matter!

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Primary K-2                              🥈Award of Merit                       The Amazing Salt Crystal Ball

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Primary K-2                              🥈Award of Merit                       The Amazing Salt Crystal Ball

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Alexi Noworatzky

I matter because I am loved. All of my cousins, grandparents and family love me so much. I share, help with chores, and I am kind. I am very unique, special, and different.
I wanted to make something to represent my uniqueness. This salt crystal ball represents me and how special I am. I was inspired by a lesson in my 2nd grade class. I put a ping-pong ball in salty water to grow crystals. Then, I took a picture of my brother holding the salt crystal ball.

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Primary K-2                              Small Hands, Big Heart 

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Primary K-2                              Small Hands, Big Heart 

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Emmy Chen

Even though I am small with small hands, I matter because my hands can do extraordinary things and show my big heart. My hands can show love through touch and can show friendship with high fives, waves, and shaking. My hands can show the world my big heart.

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Dapplegray                      Primary K-2                              🥉Award of Merit                       "My Shadow" by James D’Elia        

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Dapplegray                      Primary K-2                              🥉Award of Merit                       "My Shadow" by James D’Elia        

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“I matter because because I am six years old and I take good pictures and I am a child of God.”

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Dapplegray                              🥈Award of Merit                            Primary K-2                                 "I Matter and You Matter, Too" by Devon Follmar   

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Dapplegray                              🥈Award of Merit                            Primary K-2                                 "I Matter and You Matter, Too" by Devon Follmar   

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Dapplegray                              🥇Award of Excellence                  Primary K-2                             "My Fight To Be Strong"  

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Dapplegray                              🥇Award of Excellence                  Primary K-2                             "My Fight To Be Strong"  

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This is a dance about being strong and fighting for what matters

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Dapplegray                              🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                    "I "Matter" by Devon Follmar            

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Dapplegray                              🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                    "I "Matter" by Devon Follmar            

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I wrote and sang a short song about why we matter

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Dapplegray                              🥇Award of Excellence                           Primary K-2                "Dandelion Wishes" by Sofina LeelaKiani | Collage on Canvas - 10in x 20in      

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Dapplegray                              🥇Award of Excellence                           Primary K-2                "Dandelion Wishes" by Sofina LeelaKiani | Collage on Canvas - 10in x 20in      

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Always be yourself because each person is unique and can make a difference.

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Lunada Bay                                  I Matter Because I Am Me

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Lunada Bay                                  I Matter Because I Am Me

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Nate Sugarman
Primary Literature
It is wonderful to do whatever I can by myself. I want to be the best!

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Lunada Bay                                  I Make the World a Better Place

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Lunada Bay                                  I Make the World a Better Place

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Emilie Yon
Primary Visual Arts
I love the world and I will make it a better place. I will take care of nature and animals.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Honorable Mention         Spread Love Not Virus by Allison Keum  

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Honorable Mention         Spread Love Not Virus by Allison Keum  

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Size: 22 x 18
Materials: Color Marker and Pastel

Artist Statement: Love and kindness are contagious. I am just a speck in this big world and I don't really go out now. I can show my love by being helpful and kind to my family at home and my friends on Zoom. They will then spread the kindness to the people they know. The world will be a better place if we spread love and kindness, not the coronavirus.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Award of Merit             Everyone is Unique by Elizabeth Hernandez        

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Award of Merit             Everyone is Unique by Elizabeth Hernandez        

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Artist Statement:  My poem is about being unique. I realized that everyone has something unique and that is what makes them special and makes them matter.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      Primary K-2                              My Sweet Old Dog by Finlen Niksefat 

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Mira Catalina Elementary      Primary K-2                              My Sweet Old Dog by Finlen Niksefat 

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Artist Statement: My dog Daisy is very sweet and old. I take very good care of her and love her a lot.

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Mira Catalina Elementary     Primary K-2                              🥈Award of Merit                         Mr Pac The Ghost Chase by Koa Eckardt

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Mira Catalina Elementary     Primary K-2                              🥈Award of Merit                         Mr Pac The Ghost Chase by Koa Eckardt

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Artist Statement: My work is LEGO STOP MOTION PROJECT. I matter because I can make LEGOS live!!

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Mira Catalina Elementary       🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                                 A Million by Maggie Pih        

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Mira Catalina Elementary       🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                                 A Million by Maggie Pih        

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Artist Statement: I matter because I don't give up. "A Million" is about trying your best. When you try your best, you become strong and powerful.

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                             Set It All Free Pt. 1 by Mattie Cartozian        

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                             Set It All Free Pt. 1 by Mattie Cartozian        

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I love movement and choreographing interpretive dance moves to my favorite songs. I've worked really hard on my acrobatics and have incorporated this into my routines such as my cartwheel.

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Montemalaga Elementary Primary K-2                          Little Surfer Girl by Trinity Chapman 

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Montemalaga Elementary Primary K-2                          Little Surfer Girl by Trinity Chapman 

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I am the long lost little sister of Moana.  The Ocean and I are one.  I am the queen of the Ocean.  My brother is Prince of the Waves.

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥉Award of Merit                Primary K-2                             The Wind Chimes by Jonathan Lai              

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥉Award of Merit                Primary K-2                             The Wind Chimes by Jonathan Lai              

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The Wind Chimes is a song about changing wind and changing feelings.   Sometimes the wind blows fast.  Sometimes the wind slows or even stops.  Sometimes I feel happy and energic and sometimes I feel sad.  I matter because my feelings, like the wind, change and make an impact on everything around me.

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Montemalaga Elementary  Primary K-2                                  🥉Honorable Mention                        Love by Sofia Shannakian  

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Montemalaga Elementary  Primary K-2                                  🥉Honorable Mention                        Love by Sofia Shannakian  

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I matter because I love to take pictures of the garden and when it rains. I love the winter season because I love to take pictures of presents and trees and lights.

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥈Award of Merit            Primary K-2                                  I matter because, I can be anything by Chris Paik          

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥈Award of Merit            Primary K-2                                  I matter because, I can be anything by Chris Paik          

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I love Minecraft, so I made me with cubes. I matter because I can be a doctor, Fire fighter, Ninja, Scientist, Police man, Artist etc. Especially I want to be a scientist and Ninja. I can make my future!

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Point Vicente Elementary    The Giver of Smile

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Point Vicente Elementary    The Giver of Smile

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VISUAL ARTS - PRIMARY
By: Diane Lee, 2nd Grade
I matter because I make people smile. I understand other people's feelings when they are gloomy and I try my best to make others feel better and to make them smile.

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Rancho Vista Elementary      🥈Award of Merit             Everyone Loves Me, by Mackenzie Knickerbocker       

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Rancho Vista Elementary      🥈Award of Merit             Everyone Loves Me, by Mackenzie Knickerbocker       

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"I'm sweet as a little cookie and my family loves me."
Dance Choreography - Primary

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Rancho Vista Elementary Welcome to Local Beach Playground We Built! by Bella Kovshilovsky

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Rancho Vista Elementary Welcome to Local Beach Playground We Built! by Bella Kovshilovsky

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Welcome to local beach playground we built!
You are inviting you to play, run your book club event, enjoy your breakfast, meet the sunset with family and friends. Together will can survive and build strong community with the distance resistance at Covid19.
Photography - Primary

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Welcome to Local Beach Playground We Built! (pre-K - 2nd grade)

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Rancho Vista Elementary    The Village of the City of the People, Wives and Babies, by Victoria Bueno

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Rancho Vista Elementary    The Village of the City of the People, Wives and Babies, by Victoria Bueno

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I matter because I love my story and that’s my movie and no one can take it away.
Film Production - Primary

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The Village of the City of the People, Wives and Babies  (pre-K - 2nd grade)

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Rancho Vista Elementary          I Matter Because... by Katherine Mellquist

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Rancho Vista Elementary          I Matter Because... by Katherine Mellquist

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I wrote about why other people, animals, and the world need me, and why they think I matter.
Literature - Primary

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Rancho Vista Elementary      My Dog Sakura, by Mitsuko Chavez-Kimura

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Rancho Vista Elementary      My Dog Sakura, by Mitsuko Chavez-Kimura

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I matter because I love my dog Sakura. I feed and give her water everyday. I rescued her from a shelter where she would not have lived. I give her so much love and really nice home. I also take her on walks and she sleeps in my bed.
Artwork: 15 x 10.5 construction paper with water color, paint, crayon, colored pencil, and glitter.
Visual Arts - Primary

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Silver Spur Elementary          🥉Honorable Mention      Dinosaur Attack                       by Leonardo Kaiser Randig         

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Silver Spur Elementary          🥉Honorable Mention      Dinosaur Attack                       by Leonardo Kaiser Randig         

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Dinosaur surprises happy friends in Leo's room

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Silver Spur Elementary               🥇Award of Excellence                   I Matter Because I Care          by Ishaan Medatia

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Silver Spur Elementary               🥇Award of Excellence                   I Matter Because I Care          by Ishaan Medatia

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I wrote a poem in English about I Matter Because I Care because I want people to be treated fairly.  My grandma helped me translate into Punjabi, a language I am learning. (My mom helped to type this for me)

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I Matter Because I Care (pre-K - 2nd grade).MOV

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Silver Spur Elementary           🥈Award of Merit                         45                                               by Aanav Pun Bhargava  

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Silver Spur Elementary           🥈Award of Merit                         45                                               by Aanav Pun Bhargava  

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I matter because there is only one me.
I matter because I want to be artistic, amazing, kind, adorable and active.

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Silver Spur Elementary         The Orla Factory                      by Orla Mullaney

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Silver Spur Elementary         The Orla Factory                      by Orla Mullaney

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My painting shows my family and me and I like it that way because it's special. I feel happy about my painting. I matter because of all the things in the world I help take care of - like my cats and our garden.

14'' x 17'' watercolor on paper

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The-Orla-Factory (pre-K - 2nd grade).jpg

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                          Ben's Snowflake          

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                          Ben's Snowflake          

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by Benjamin Yamada
8 in x 12 in black construction paper
"I matter because I am different. I like to build with LEGO's and other people like to paint. I like to play baseball and other people like to play tetherball. I want to be in the Army and other people want to be a scientist. We are all different."

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Soleado Elementary      Primary K-2                              🥇 Award of Excellence Passing On Hearts  

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Soleado Elementary      Primary K-2                              🥇 Award of Excellence Passing On Hearts  

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by Jeremy Fong
8"x10" unmatted (11"x14" if with mat), digital photo
"I matter because when I show kindness to others, it can get passed on."

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                         Poem            

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention        Primary K-2                         Poem            

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by Aerich Lee
8 x 10
"All of us can change the world if we believe that I matter. I matter because if I stand up to make this world a better place then all of us can join together to make it happen. We can work together to prevent fires and make a better tomorrow."

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Soleado Elementary                🥇Award of Excellence      Primary K-2                               All Of Us      

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Soleado Elementary                🥇Award of Excellence      Primary K-2                               All Of Us      

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by Aerich Lee
"I, you and all of us matters to make a change in this world."

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Award of Merit                Primary K-2                              Me Too Dance  

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Award of Merit                Primary K-2                              Me Too Dance  

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by Miley Jun
"My artwork is a freestyle dance to the song Me too by Meghan Trainor. It relates to the theme because the song is about self confidence and it shows how I’m special."

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Soleado Elementary                   Primary K-2                                  I Matter Because Mom and Dad Love Me                           🥉Honorable Mention 

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Soleado Elementary                   Primary K-2                                  I Matter Because Mom and Dad Love Me                           🥉Honorable Mention 

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by Alexander Smirnov
"I Matter Because My Mom and Dad Love Me. Because they gave birth to me. Because I love Mom and Dad, and my Friends."

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I Matter Because Mom and Dad Love Me.avi

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Vista Grande Elementary           🥇Award of Excellence                   I Matter                                               By Deano Mohamedy   

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Vista Grande Elementary           🥇Award of Excellence                   I Matter                                               By Deano Mohamedy   

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Primary - Film Production
Lego Stop Motion  (150 photos, shot using a cameraphone)

I matter because I love my family, basketball, camping, riding my bike and legos. And that makes me special.

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Vista Grande Elementary      🥉Award of Merit      Disappearing Endangered Animals                                                      By Nathaniel Kim            

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Vista Grande Elementary      🥉Award of Merit      Disappearing Endangered Animals                                                      By Nathaniel Kim            

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Primary - Visual Arts
Mixed media collage; Black and white animal illustrations drawn solely by child artist (22" x 28")

I Matter Because… “I am an artist who loves animals, and I want to save the endangered animals before they all disappear.”

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Cornerstone at Pedregal       Intermediate 3-5                      Be Yourself 

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Cornerstone at Pedregal       Intermediate 3-5                      Be Yourself 

# data[].attributes.body
Taylor Baek

I made a video about why I matter, but most of all, YOU matter because YOU are YOU! Whether you're black, white, green, blue, or yellow, be YOURSELF!

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Dapplegray                              🥉Honorable Mention           Intermediate 3-5                  "The I Matter Because... Show"  by Madeline Misetich         

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Dapplegray                              🥉Honorable Mention           Intermediate 3-5                  "The I Matter Because... Show"  by Madeline Misetich         

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The “I Matter Because...” Show is a stop motion film which has Allison, the host, interviewing other dolls talking about why they each matter. Nanea matters because she entertains the sick kids in the hospital. Grace matters because she talks to people about their problems and helps them. Julie matters because she fights for equal rights to be on the boys’ basketball team. Sophia matters because she picks up trash by the ocean to help the environment and makes art out of it. Madeline matters because WE matter. Enjoy my film!

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Lunada Bay                              🥈Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                     Big Hair, Big Ideas            

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Lunada Bay                              🥈Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                     Big Hair, Big Ideas            

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Micah Presser
Even if people tell me I don't matter, I always know that I really do matter.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      Intermediate 3-5         Commercial for Boomers Ice Cream by Luke Tsangaris

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Mira Catalina Elementary      Intermediate 3-5         Commercial for Boomers Ice Cream by Luke Tsangaris

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Artist Statement: I matter because during  Covid I started my own Ice Cream delivery service called Boomers Ice Cream. I started out making ice cream with my mom and  we  make deliveries to my friends and family.  My business became very busy and I started my own @boomersicecream Instagram account where I make commercials and advertisements for my company. I feel like I really matter because I am very proud of how I made my business so successful during a very hard time. My reflection submission is one of my favorite commercials I did.

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥉Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                    The Richest Bear in the World by Kristin Lai             

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥉Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                    The Richest Bear in the World by Kristin Lai             

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I matter because I am creative. I made my movie because I am creative and out of my creativity, I made it. I enjoy watching others watch my movie and it makes me feel good. My movie represents the theme because my movie is creative. I also matter because I love animals (especially polar bears) and that is why my movie is focused on animals and how a poor polar bear becomes the richest in the whole world. That is why I matter. Thanks for Reading this!!!

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Silver Spur Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention                     I Matter                                      by Wyatt and Dylan Peterson

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Silver Spur Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention                     I Matter                                      by Wyatt and Dylan Peterson

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A group of Lego mini figures illustrate change.

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Soleado Elementary               🥇Award of Excellence Intermediate 3-5                   Why Do We Matter?         

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Soleado Elementary               🥇Award of Excellence Intermediate 3-5                   Why Do We Matter?         

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by Tara Ezzati
"I would like to share my message of why all of us matter."

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Vista Grande Elementary Summer 2020                           By Lailah Enriquez

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Vista Grande Elementary Summer 2020                           By Lailah Enriquez

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Intermediate - Film Production

My artwork is my family all together during this hard time. I have some qualities that make me strange, but my family helps me embrace these qualities. And they helped me get through this.

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Miraleste Intermediate            🥇Award of Excellence                "A Hard Way Out" by Jonathan and Joshua Koretzky  

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Miraleste Intermediate            🥇Award of Excellence                "A Hard Way Out" by Jonathan and Joshua Koretzky  

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MP4 file with 223 pictures

A student overcomes a bully leading to a friendship and finding and how he matters.

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Ridgecrest                               🥈Award of Merit

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Ridgecrest                               🥈Award of Merit

# data[].attributes.body
(Middle School)
I Matter to Pebbles
by Chloe Ng
I matter because Pebbles is a rescue. Without us, the unthinkable might have happened to her. She is now a part of our family!

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Palos Verdes High School    🥇Award of Excellence

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Palos Verdes High School    🥇Award of Excellence

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Two Sides of the Same Coin
by Isabella Kim
"Two Sides of the Same Coin" is a narrative film about a dancer who copes with the extreme pressures of society. She realizes that in order to survive in front of the public eye she must hide behind a "mask" in order to protect herself. She puts on a persona that will make her seem as if she is cold-hearted and conceited. Towards the end of the film, the girl finally takes off her mask and accepts her true identity. The theme of "I matter because..." plays a big part in my film as the girl realizes that she doesn't need someone else's judgement to determine whether she is good enough or not. When she takes off the mask, it is almost as if she is saying "This is the real me and you cannot push me away", and I hope the audience can come to see that as they watch my film.

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Peninsula High School                      🥈Award of Merit                       The Labor Colony                     by Kyle Baric              

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Peninsula High School                      🥈Award of Merit                       The Labor Colony                     by Kyle Baric              

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(Film Production)
I took the theme of "Why I Matter" and applied it to Black Lives Matter, which was an especially important social justice movement in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. I did this by reimagining the story of African-Americans being enslaved, but set it in a near-future dystopian world, and hinted at the current pandemic crisis as part of my story. I wanted to create an image that put white people into the shoes of African-Americans to create conversation about the institutional racism that slavery caused in our country.

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Cornerstone at Pedregal                        Intermediate 3-5                    Dance Inspiration 

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Cornerstone at Pedregal                        Intermediate 3-5                    Dance Inspiration 

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Priscilla Chen

I matter because I was given this gift of dance. I can transcend joy through a movement of ballet. I do not need to win a national dance competition to make the world a happy place. Instead, through local places I can deliver happiness by performing and showing the art of dance. Every beat and step will serve as a purpose to turn a frown upside down. It is through dance that people can become who they want to be without the need to worry for that moment in time. I matter because I inspire and motivate others to dance.

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Dapplegray                              🥇Award of Excellence              Intermediate 3-5     "Unstoppable Girl" by Camila Long           

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Dapplegray                              🥇Award of Excellence              Intermediate 3-5     "Unstoppable Girl" by Camila Long           

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I am Latina, I am kind, I am powerful, I can do anything. I matter because I am the future!

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Lunada Bay                                  I Matter Because I Dance

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Lunada Bay                                  I Matter Because I Dance

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Micah Presser
Intermediate Dance
Dancing is music through your body. I matter because nobody can dance quite like I can.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                         I Rise Up by Kelsey Fox         

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                         I Rise Up by Kelsey Fox         

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Artist Statment: I chose this song and dance because it relates to the theme. It relates to the theme because it reminds me that when I feel alone, sad, or unimportant I know I need to rise up because I matter. This piece is not about me, everyone matters and everyone is important in life.

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥈Award of Merit                Intermediate 3-5     Expressions of Hope and Joy by Leela Dalal       

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Montemalaga Elementary     🥈Award of Merit                Intermediate 3-5     Expressions of Hope and Joy by Leela Dalal       

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I matter because I bring joy to the people who watch me dance. I love dance because I can express my emotions. Expressing my emotions helps me during this time of COVID because I can say what I am feeling right now. Dance has helped me stay connected with friends through my online classes. When I am with my friends my sadness turns to happiness and I am sharing that through this dance I created. This dance is a prayer that we all stay safe and happy. I hope you enjoy it!!!! (music copyright of the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam Los Angeles)

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Rancho Vista Elementary          🥉Honorable Mention                     I Matter because I Challenge Myself, by Astor Gonzalez Cortese

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Rancho Vista Elementary          🥉Honorable Mention                     I Matter because I Challenge Myself, by Astor Gonzalez Cortese

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This film shows that working hard makes me better at parkour. I used specific clips to show big challenges and goals that I overcame. You have to have a great mindset to keep trying and learn more about your skills and yourself. You can't fail unless you give up.
Dance Choreography - Intermediate

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I Matter because I Challenge Myself  (3rd - 5th grade)

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Soleado Elementary     Intermediate 3-5           Empathy        

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Soleado Elementary     Intermediate 3-5           Empathy        

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by Grace Ableser-Jaffe
"I matter because I am empathetic. Seeing people in pain or unhappy makes me very sad and I want to do all I can to change that. I want to be a lawyer that creates change in the world. I never want to be the person that gives up on someone or misses "getting to" someone. I want to be there for my friends, my dog, my family, and for me. I never want to miss the chance to help someone or love someone or be their friend. I have been alone at times and it is one of the worst feelings ever. I don't want anyone I care about to feel alone."

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Miraleste Intermediate          🥇Award of Excellence           "This Is Me" by Julia Fox     

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Miraleste Intermediate          🥇Award of Excellence           "This Is Me" by Julia Fox     

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I choose this piece of music and choreography because it makes me feel empowered. The piece was about expressing myself and showing that even though I am not perfect, I matter and I am who I am supposed to be. My choreography expresses and reflects the lyrics about not letting people break me down because there is a place for everyone. At the end, after my journey to find myself, I feel strong and confident. I know that I matter.

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PVIS                                                                      🥈Award of Merit                             I Still Need You                                              by Brooke Welsh  

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PVIS                                                                      🥈Award of Merit                             I Still Need You                                              by Brooke Welsh  

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(Dance)
A girl is very close to her best friend but there is another girl who is trying to take away her best friend. She feels that her best friend will always choose the other girl instead of her and never pays attention to her. She turns into a ghost and her best friend is devastated without her and when she comes back to life her best friend shows her how much she loves her and that the other girl means nothing compared to her. In the end she realizes all of this & how much she matters to her best friend.

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Ridgecrest                                   🥉Award of Merit

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Ridgecrest                                   🥉Award of Merit

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(Middle School)
I Matter
By Kaili Tseng
I matter to my sister and I matter because I rely on my sister and she relies on me.

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Palos Verdes High School     🥇Award of Excellence

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Palos Verdes High School     🥇Award of Excellence

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Jar of Hearts by Siena Snure
I matter because I have the privilege of being a dance teacher for young students and I pride myself on being a good role model and mentor.  I strive to encourage children to express be their own individual talents and to embrace their own individuality because every child is special and every child matters.

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Peninsula High School          🥈Award of Merit

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Peninsula High School          🥈Award of Merit

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The Beauty of Silence
by Juliette Belke
I matter because…
Sometimes silence can be uncomfortable.  However, in silence one can find inner peace, empowerment, and true beauty.  When I dance, I feel as if the noise and pain of the world is temporarily suspended.  My dance brings joy and light to my life which I then share with others.  Dance can improve a person’s emotional state and even reduce one’s stress or pain.  My voice may be silent when I dance, however, I express my personality through dance and can make someone smile.  I matter because I bring positive energy to myself and others through dance.

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Intermediate 3-5                         I Matter Because Poem 

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Intermediate 3-5                         I Matter Because Poem 

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Connor Chon

I wrote this poem called "I Matter Because". It shows how to help the environment because it's important we all do our part. Then the Earth will be clean for our future.

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Dapplegray                              🥇 Award of Excellence              Intermediate 3-5                       "If I Had Not been Born" by Brandon	Follmar               

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Dapplegray                              🥇 Award of Excellence              Intermediate 3-5                       "If I Had Not been Born" by Brandon	Follmar               

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Lunada Bay                             The Beautiful Garden 

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Lunada Bay                             The Beautiful Garden 

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Kaylee Yon
Intermediate Literature
My poem relates to the theme because the animals in the garden are telling the narrator how everyone matters for different reasons. they tell the narrator how everyone is special and how they shouldn't wish for what they aren't but to be happy for who they are.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Honorable Mention Intermediate 3-5                   One Unique Person by Reagan Aldrich         

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Honorable Mention Intermediate 3-5                   One Unique Person by Reagan Aldrich         

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Artist Statement: My poem, One Unique Person, relates to the theme Why I Matter because it shows that I am one more person to support, help, and be with my friends and family.  It also tells that I am a small person but that I can make a big change in many people’s lives and maybe even the world.  In conclusion, my poem relates to this years Reflections theme because I matter to other people.

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Montemalaga Elementary         Intermediate 3-5                         I Matter by Zara Loughran 

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Montemalaga Elementary         Intermediate 3-5                         I Matter by Zara Loughran 

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I matter because I belong in the world with other people like you, and together we can be strong, helpful and achieve peace through overcoming our differences.

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Point Vicente Elementary   Why I Really Matter

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Point Vicente Elementary   Why I Really Matter

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LITERATURE - INTERMEDIATE
By: Elisa Crespo-Mirat, 5th Grade
My poem titled, "Why I Really Matter" is related to the theme because it begins by explaining that when I get frustrated, writing helps me feel better about myself. The poem shows reasons why I think I matter.

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Why I Really Matter (3rd-5th grade).docx

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Silver Spur Elementary               🥉Award of Merit                             I Am Like Glitter                       by Jordyn Koch       

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Silver Spur Elementary               🥉Award of Merit                             I Am Like Glitter                       by Jordyn Koch       

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I matter because I am like glitter. Just as glitter pours out of a container and gets all over the place and sticks on you, it's hard to get off. I am like glitter. I shine bright around you. I am with you and my heart shines bright and makes people happy. I matter because I am like glitter.

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention Intermediate 3-5                  How It Really Happened by Mr B.B. Wolf     

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Soleado Elementary               🥉Honorable Mention Intermediate 3-5                  How It Really Happened by Mr B.B. Wolf     

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by Grace Ableser-Jaffe
"I love to make people laugh...like all the time. I make silly faces, tell silly jokes, stories and do random accents to cheer up my friends when they are sad. Humor is so important and the world needs it, especially now. I want to make people happy, feel safe, and laugh. I matter for many reasons but one of them is making people feeling better by telling them
silly stories and acting them out so they feel better. My mom says, “Laughter is the best medicine” so I hope this retelling of Little Red makes you laugh...and feel better...and realize you matter also!"

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Vista Grande Elementary      🥈Award of Merit              Because                                       By Zoya Syed       

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Vista Grande Elementary      🥈Award of Merit              Because                                       By Zoya Syed       

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Intermediate - Literature

I am not the only unique human being, but I am special and I improve the world in my own way. The largest subject in each line, for example the rosebush with buds, is meant to symbolize our world, while I am the vanilla that sweetens it, the rose bud that brightens it, the feather that enhances its vibrancy. Every person contributes to the world’s richness, and I am one of them.

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Miraleste Intermediate                                  🥉Award of Merit                     "Why Do I Matter?" by Hailey Ro   

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Miraleste Intermediate                                  🥉Award of Merit                     "Why Do I Matter?" by Hailey Ro   

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The literature short story (Why Do I Matter?) stars a young girl, Andrea Freeman, living in the poor city, Santo Domingo, in the 17th century. Forced into tyranny as a slave and taken from her family, Andrea sees the world from a new perspective. The artwork relates to the theme, because it presents the prejudice and harsh conditions slaves had to face long ago. It symbolizes how every life is equal, and that each life matters for a reason.

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PVIS                                            🥈Award of Merit                       The Falling of White Flowers by Elvira (Ella) Sherry  

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PVIS                                            🥈Award of Merit                       The Falling of White Flowers by Elvira (Ella) Sherry  

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(Literature)
A simple girl who tries to blend in and be "normal" learns from a mysterious man that being unique is what makes each person special, and they matter because they are different and have a distinct personality.

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Reflections Entry - The Falling of White Flowers

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Ridgecrest                               🥇 Award of Excellence    

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Ridgecrest                               🥇 Award of Excellence    

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(Middle School)
Life in the Crayon Box
by Anabelle Viljoen
My short story is in second person and it's about a crayon who feels like he doesn't matter in his crayon box. Through his emotional journey in the crayon box, and a meaningful conversation with a wise old crayon, he learns what it means to matter.

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Palos Verdes High School        🥈Award of Merit

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Palos Verdes High School        🥈Award of Merit

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Why Do I Matter?
by Rebecca Aycock
It’s a poem all about discovering how and why a person, any person matters.

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Peninsula High School           🥇Award of Excellence

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Peninsula High School           🥇Award of Excellence

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The Equivalence Point of My Identity by Anh Ngo
I am who I am. Because of my culture, my home, and the places, I went through - I stood out. I am not a weak solution, composed of only the attractions of hydrogen and oxygen, but crystalline solids formed within me, thanks to my passion - Chemistry. I matter, everyone matters, because of the reactants and properties that made us unique.

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Cornerstone at Pedregal       🥉Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                         I Am Made of Musical Notes              

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Cornerstone at Pedregal       🥉Award of Merit       Intermediate 3-5                         I Am Made of Musical Notes              

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Brennan Kato

I matter because I am made of different musical notes. When I made up the song I thought about how I feel during the day. The different notes and how I played them show how my feelings change at different times throughout the day. It starts off with me waking up in the morning feeling sleepy, and then getting more excited in the afternoon. Finally, it ends with me getting tired and falling asleep.

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Lunada Bay                                  I matter

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Lunada Bay                                  I matter

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Kaylee Yon
Intermediate Music
My music represents that I matter because it shows how my music is unique and in the many styles of music. It also shows how I matter, because it shows how everyone's style of everything is unique, and to me I don't think that matters at all.

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Honorable Mention Intermediate 3-5         Somebody                                 by Simran Ailawadhi           

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Mira Catalina Elementary      🥉Honorable Mention Intermediate 3-5         Somebody                                 by Simran Ailawadhi           

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Artist Statement: I am somebody important to a lot of people. I am a sister. I am a daughter. I am a granddaughter. I am a friend. A cousin. A niece. A student. This makes me important in the world and to a lot of people. I matter because I am here for lots of people. I am here for my family and my friends. Everybody has a part in the world. If I didn't matter in this world, I shouldn't even be here. But I am here. And I will make the world a better place.

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Rancho Vista Elementary    The Beautiful Butterfly, by Sofia Brashear   

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Rancho Vista Elementary    The Beautiful Butterfly, by Sofia Brashear   

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Watching a butterfly in my garden. We must protect the environment they live in.
Music Compostition - Intermediate

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The Beautiful Butterfly  (3rd - 5th grade)

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Silver Spur Elementary          🥈Award of Merit                       Protection                                 by Arjan Pun Bhargava         

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Silver Spur Elementary          🥈Award of Merit                       Protection                                 by Arjan Pun Bhargava         

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I matter because I think people should have equal rights, no matter the color of their skin and their gender.  I chose this topic because the world needs to be fair.  My piece sounds just like a protest.  I also matter because I can protect people with karate.  The art of karate is peaceful but sometimes force is needed when dealing with a bully.  Lastly, I want to work with NASA.  I will look for life, so Earth won't be so crowded.  I picked to make the space part of my piece sound unpredictable because space is unpredictable.

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Soleado Elementary Intermediate 3-5       Happiness     

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Soleado Elementary Intermediate 3-5       Happiness     

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by Grace Ableser-Jaffe
"I matter because I have a lot of empathy. I cannot stand when people are unhappy or in pain. I want to do everything I can to fix it. This music piece on piano has happy notes and sad notes and notes that conflict. It makes me feel like the world today, although the world doesn't have as much happiness as I would like it to have. I hope things get better. I just want to be happy, healthy, and be able to play with my friends and learn at school. I want things to be back to as normal as they can be."

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Vista Grande Elementary      🥇Award of Excellence      Moonlit Night                           By Inaaya Syed             

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Vista Grande Elementary      🥇Award of Excellence      Moonlit Night                           By Inaaya Syed             

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Intermediate - Music Composition

I matter because… I can change the world with my kindness! This song represents that with its uplifting tune. The interesting ups and downs in the melody can bring a mood change. Every time the music goes down, it always comes back up again. Just like every time your mood goes down, it can be brought back up! The song brings hope, like me.

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Miraleste Intermediate   "Music Matters" original composition (Pt 1 of 2)

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Miraleste Intermediate   "Music Matters" original composition (Pt 1 of 2)

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Music matters because it spurts the imagination and gives life to everything. Music can be healing, soothing, and give utmost happiness.

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Miraleste Intermediate          🥇Award of Excellence                    "Music Matters" original composition (Pt 2 of 2) by Aarna Veera       

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Miraleste Intermediate          🥇Award of Excellence                    "Music Matters" original composition (Pt 2 of 2) by Aarna Veera       

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Music matters because it spurts the imagination and gives life to everything. Music can be healing, soothing, and give utmost happiness.

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PVIS                                          🥉Award of Merit                       The Hurricane                           by Justin Baek    

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PVIS                                          🥉Award of Merit                       The Hurricane                           by Justin Baek    

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(Music Composition)
I matter because I have musical skill and creativity, and can create my music. This song is called the hurricane because it represents a violent hurricane. It gives a sense of an approaching storm, getting louder until it finally hits. The rapid broken chords represent the rain, and the staccato with the grace notes represents the lightning. The quieter scale section represents the softer wind getting gradually louder until the deadliest part of the storm hits, showing thunder and rain. Finally, the wind blows one more time to end the song. This song represents the bad mood I had on the day I composed this.

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Ridgecrest                               🥈Award of Merit 

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Ridgecrest                               🥈Award of Merit 

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(Middle School)
The Journey of Music
by Nathan Soeng
I matter because I like to make and play music that makes people happy.

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Palos Verdes High School       🥈Award of Merit

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Palos Verdes High School       🥈Award of Merit

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I Matter Too
by Nina Whitcomb
This song is reflective of my past struggles and recent empowerment. Over the past few months, I have learned how to love myself. I learned to get to know who I am and that I am more than what people think of me. I learned that I matter too.

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Peninsula High School          🥇Award of Excellence

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Peninsula High School          🥇Award of Excellence

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Colors of the Wind
by Saquib Rawda
What I have to offer, no one else does.  My music is designed for the purpose of others' recreation.  With various themes, this piece includes content that may seem unfamiliar.  My song, spreading like the wind, reaches a new musical audience filling their atmosphere with color.  I matter because I can light up their world with my imagination.

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Intermediate 3-5                     Dylan the Smiling Dog  

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Cornerstone at Pedregal Intermediate 3-5                     Dylan the Smiling Dog  

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Taylor Baek

Being happy is important. Smiling is important. I make my dog smile because I love him, and he loves me! That’s why I matter!

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Dapplegray              Intermediate 3-5                  "One Always Grows Beautiful" by Aairah Khowaja  

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Dapplegray              Intermediate 3-5                  "One Always Grows Beautiful" by Aairah Khowaja  

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Painting is always the best way for me to describe my self and my feelings. As of this picture, I made this painting 2 years back and it still hangs in my room. It makes me remember how different flowers are from each other yet very beautiful just like me. It always gives a joy to my mood.

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Lunada Bay                              🥉Award of Merit               Shadows   

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Lunada Bay                              🥉Award of Merit               Shadows   

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Kaylee Yon
Intermediate Photography
My picture represents my 3 shadows- my brother, sister and my own shadow. This photo represents that I matter because of my brother and sister - they are my 2 shadows and that they make me unique, special and most important, they are one of the many reasons that I matter. I am their role model.

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Mira Catalina Elementary       Intermediate 3-5                        🥉Honorable Mention                   A Bird in Need by Reagan Aldrich

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Mira Catalina Elementary       Intermediate 3-5                        🥉Honorable Mention                   A Bird in Need by Reagan Aldrich

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Artist Statement: My photograph “A Bird in Need” relates to this years reflections theme because it shows I matter to my bird. I play with her, I keep her company, I give her food and I give her water. Most importantly, I give my sweet Luna a home to live in and love.

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Montemalaga Elementary         Intermediate 3-5                         🥉Honorable Mention                     I Matter Through History by Zara Loughran 

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Montemalaga Elementary         Intermediate 3-5                         🥉Honorable Mention                     I Matter Through History by Zara Loughran 

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I matter through history and throughout my life I will matter. This means that for all time, as long as I live, I will matter because I have my role to play in the world.
My role is to be me -- who I am, what I want to do, and what I will do to make this world a better place.

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Rancho Vista Elementary    Intermediate 3-5                     🥈Award of Merit                       The Golden Peak, by Tiger Fleder 

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Rancho Vista Elementary    Intermediate 3-5                     🥈Award of Merit                       The Golden Peak, by Tiger Fleder 

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I didn't understand why when my parents told me I had to get up early to see sunrise at Convict Lake, Mammoth. But when I saw the first golden light hit the peak of the mountain and its reflection in the water, I finally understood why. It was breathtakingly beautiful! Nature has its own ways of showing people that the sun always comes out each day, which gives people hope. It matters. And, like the sun, I matter because I AM the sunlight in many people's lives. I matter because I AM the future and I give people hope...
Photography - Intermediate

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Soleado Elementary           Intermediate 3-5                         🥇Award of Excellence           Light in Unexpected Places

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Soleado Elementary           Intermediate 3-5                         🥇Award of Excellence           Light in Unexpected Places

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by Grace Ableser-Jaffe
Digital photo 8 x 10
"I took this picture to show the light in unexpected places. I like to look at life differently. I try to be kind, caring, and do my best no matter what. In this picture, I saw light coming through in a way that was different and unusual. I matter because I always try to look at life differently, in a different perspective, and always try to see the positive and happiness in people, animals and things."

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Vista Grande Elementary   Jack and Rose                         By Elizabeth Garber 

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Vista Grande Elementary   Jack and Rose                         By Elizabeth Garber 

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Intermediate - Photography
Digital

I matter because my family gave 2 puppies a home that didn't have a home. We make them happy and they make us happy and have completed our family!