When Longview second grader Megan Kirk entered the dance category in the Parent-Teacher Association’s Reflections contest this year, she did it simply because she likes to dance.

That love and talent propelled her to win the state title on May 2 at the state Reflections ceremony. 

“I guess I’m good at it,” Megan said about receiving her first dance award. “I’m excited since I don’t have a lot of trophies.”

At the ceremony, the state winners were presented wooden plaques and rosette ribbons. The students’ work will be displayed at the Leonardo’s exhibit, “SPARK!” through this summer. 

The Utah PTA Reflections awards has celebrated more than 40 years of student achievement in the arts, including dance, film, literature, music, photography, three-dimensional art and visual art. 

Megan made up moves and choreographed those with some she learned in her ballet class to the song, “Hello Sunshine.”

“I did my arms in a circle for the sun and put my hands around my face when the song said, ‘It’s been a beautiful place,’” she said.

While Megan wore a ballet costume and ballet shoes, her feet, however, were more restricted as she danced in a wheelchair since she has spinal muscular atrophy.

“She doesn’t let her physical weakness stop her from participating in things,” her mother, Nancy, said. “She is spunky and funny. And the dance she choreographed in her wheelchair was darling.”

This is the first year that the Reflections program has held a special artist category, which Megan won in dance. In addition, she competed in the literature and visual art categories with other students outside of the special artist category.

“I decided to do ballet because I’m not as good in tap. I just like to dance to the music and (in) the lights,” Megan said.

Megan is also involved in theater and has participated in after-school Up With Kids performances of “Neverland” and “Frozen.” She enjoys reading the Rainbow Magic Fairies series and wants to grow up to be either a veterinarian or sports medicine doctor.

Megan’s older sister, Adrianna, also was honored at the state Reflections ceremony with an award of merit in dance for the intermediate level. 

Other students who were honored with an award of merit at state include Murray High’s Rebekah Schaus in dance, McMillan’s Ender Rasmussen in film, and Horizon’s Alexia Jarvis and Grant’s Sadie Milne in photography.