Canyon Lake third grader earns art award

After delays caused by COVID-19 ceremony cancelations, Canyon Lake’s Lauren Cascario was finally presented the Oma’s Choice Award for her PTA Reflections Visual Arts Entry. The prestigious art award was to be given in a March ceremony, but was canceled. The award was presented to her recently at her Canyon Lake home.

This art created by Lauren Cascario while in the 2nd Grade won several awards, including the Oma’s Choice Award. The theme of the competition was “Look Within.” Photos by Kelly Cascario

Lauren entered the Reflections Art competition themed “Look Within” during the first semester last fall as a second grader in the Visual Arts Division. She won the Award of Excellence at Tuscany Hills Elementary School and then the Award of Excellence at the Lake Elsinore PTSA Council level of the Annual PTA Reflections Art Competition.

On March 13, Lauren was to receive The Oma’s Choice Award at the 23rd PTSA District Awards Ceremony (honoring artists from schools throughout Riverside County), but due to COVID-19 restrictions the ceremony was cancelled.

Lauren Cascario holds her trophy presented to her at her home in a casual ceremony after the formal awards ceremony was canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The 23rd District Reflections Chair, Tigger Porter, named the special award after her mother when she passed away a year ago. Oma, as she was lovingly referred to by family and friends, was an Army Veteran and a supporter of the Reflections Art Program with which her daughter volunteered over the years. Oma chose her favorite art project each year. In honor of her mother, Tigger chose her favorite art project and has honored Lauren with the Oma’s Choice Award. The award will become an annual 23rd District prize.