🎨 Introducing Our 2024-2025 BMMS PTSA Reflections Program Judges! 🎉
- Mae Martin
- Dec 7, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2024
We’re thrilled to announce the return of the PTSA Reflections Program to Black Mountain Middle School this year!
After a break, we’re excited to bring back this inspiring tradition that celebrates student creativity and self-expression through the arts. This year’s theme, “Accepting Imperfection”, has sparked incredible artistic submissions, and we can’t wait to showcase the talent of our BMMS community.
Meet the Judges
Our judges for this year’s program bring a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for fostering creativity in young minds. Let’s meet the panel who will evaluate the amazing submissions from our students:
Jeff Ranoa
Specialty: Digital Media & Education
A proud former BMMS Raider, Jeff Ranoa has been inspiring students as an educator since 2004, blending his expertise in digital media with his passion for teaching. A graduate of UCSB, Jeff is dedicated to empowering the next generation through creativity and innovation. His journey from BMMS student to educator makes him the perfect judge to guide and evaluate the creative expressions of today’s students.
Jaci Stern
Specialty: Realistic Oil Painting & Portraiture
Jaci Stern has been painting professionally and teaching since 2003. She earned her BA in Integral Liberal Arts from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, CA, and her BFA in Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
Jaci specializes in realistic oil painting and portraiture but enjoys working in all styles and mediums. In 2014, she co-founded Drawn2Art San Diego, where she inspires students of all ages to explore their artistic talents. Her depth of experience in fine arts makes her an exceptional judge for this year’s Reflections Program.
Diego Mills
Specialty: Music Composition & Multi-Instrumental Performance
Diego Mills is the director of Bach to Rock PQ and a lifelong musician and educator. His journey began with a scholarship to a distinguished jazz program, where he excelled as a multi-instrumentalist and performed at iconic venues like the Green Mill and Kingston Mines.
Diego has worked in Los Angeles’ vibrant music scene, performing at renowned venues like the Whiskey, Viper, and Lucky Strike, and has toured with well-known artists. Since the age of 21, he has been an educator, mentoring students through music competitions, performances, and collaborations with top schools. Diego is celebrated for his exceptional teaching skills and dedication to nurturing young musical talent.
Jenifer Simmons
Specialty: Literature & Historical Fiction
Jenifer Simmons is the library media tech at BMMS, where she has worked for the past two years. Previously, she served as the library media tech at Deer Canyon Elementary. She earned her BA in Political Science from Cal Poly Pomona and her MA in History from SDSU.
Jenifer’s favorite genre to read is historical fiction, particularly stories set during World War II. When she’s not assisting students in the library, she enjoys traveling with her family and a stuffed Totoro (from My Neighbor Totoro) as her photo stand-in when her family isn’t up for pictures. Jenifer and her husband have three sons: two in college and one in high school.
Her passion for literature and history makes her an invaluable addition to the judging panel.
What Our Judges Do
Each judge plays a vital role in evaluating submissions based on interpretation of the theme, artistic creativity, and technical skill. Their thoughtful evaluations will help identify the most outstanding pieces to advance to the state competition.
Thank You, Judges!
We’re incredibly grateful to our panel of judges for volunteering their time and expertise. Your commitment to fostering student creativity makes this program possible and impactful!
Learn More About Reflections
We’re so excited to bring the Reflections Program back to Black Mountain Middle School and to see our students’ talents shine. To learn more about this year’s program and future opportunities, visit CAPTA Reflections.
Stay tuned as we share updates on school-level honorees, highlights from this year’s submissions, and entries advancing to state and national levels. Let’s celebrate creativity together! 🎉✨