🎨 Introducing Our Judges for 2025–26 BMMS PTSA Reflections
- blackmountainptsa
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Every year, the Reflections Program celebrates the creativity and imagination of our students. This program would not be possible without the support of dedicated judges who generously volunteer their time and expertise to review submissions with care and encourage our talented students.
While the judging process is completely blind and student names are not shared during scoring, we want to introduce the amazing individuals behind the scenes. These professionals bring a wide range of experience in the arts, education, and creative industries. Most importantly, they all share a passion for encouraging student expression and creativity.
Let’s meet this year’s incredible panel of Reflections judges!
Returning Judges
Jeff Ranoa
Specialty: Digital Media and Education
A proud former BMMS Raider, Jeff Ranoa has been inspiring students as an educator since 2004. He blends his background in digital media with a deep passion for teaching. A graduate of UCSB, Jeff is committed to empowering the next generation through creativity and innovation. His journey from student to educator at BMMS brings a special perspective to this year’s judging panel.
Jaci Stern
Specialty: Realistic Oil Painting and Portraiture
Jaci Stern has been painting professionally and teaching since 2003. She holds a BA in Integral Liberal Arts from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and a BFA in Painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Jaci specializes in realistic oil painting and portraiture but enjoys working in a variety of styles and mediums. In 2014, she co-founded Drawn2Art San Diego, where she inspires students of all ages to explore their creativity. Her fine arts background makes her an excellent judge for this program.
Diego Mills
Specialty: Music Composition and Multi-Instrumental Performance
Diego Mills is the director of Bach to Rock PQ and a lifelong musician and educator. He began his musical journey with a scholarship to a jazz program, performing at iconic venues such as the Green Mill and Kingston Mines. Diego has also performed in Los Angeles at well-known venues like The Whiskey and Viper Room and toured with nationally recognized artists. He has been teaching since the age of 21 and continues to mentor students through competitions and school performances. His passion for music and student development shines through in all he does.
New To The Panel This Year
Jessie Wu
Jessie Wu is the founder of Jessie Art Studio, established in 2015. She teaches oil painting, watercolor, and sketching, and has over ten years of teaching experience. Jessie encourages students to use their imagination and push creative boundaries. Her students have won more than 100 art competitions across the country. She is excited to support BMMS students through the Reflections Program this year.
Jordan Cathcart
Mr. Jordan Cathcart is a multidisciplinary artist and current art teacher at Black Mountain Middle School. He earned his BA in Visual Arts from UC San Diego with a minor in Education Studies and received his teaching credential from San Diego State University in 2025. During the summer, he works as Assistant Director of Lower Camp at Outpost Summer Camps. Jordan creates realistic acrylic paintings and conceptual mixed-media pieces. Fun fact: he participated in Reflections himself when he was a student at Park Village Elementary.
Studio ArtHaus
Studio ArtHaus, located in Carmel Mountain, San Diego, offers classes in painting, drawing, digital art, pottery, and mixed media. Their team of passionate instructors helps students build confidence, develop artistic skills, and explore creativity in a supportive studio environment. The team is thrilled to be part of this year’s Reflections program and looks forward to celebrating student talent.
Thank You To Our Judges
We thank our incredible judges for supporting our Reflections Program. Their time, expertise, and encouragement make a meaningful impact on our students' journey into the art and creative world. We are grateful for their support and excited for another inspiring year of student creativity at BMMS.
– Your BMMS PTSA Reflections Team🎭💙
