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Community Corner

Smith Announces Congressional Art Competition Winners; Wall Twp., Red Bank, Freehold Twp. & Boro Students Take Top Honors

The winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition were announced Monday by Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), who organizes the annual show.

 

 “The artistry of the work entered was amazing,” Smith said. “I am very proud we have this kind of talent in the Fourth Congressional District. The level of competition was very high. I congratulate all the winners and participants.”

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Held at Georgian Court University’s Sister M. Christine Geis Art Gallery, Smith’s office had 88 entries submitted this year, the highest in years.  There were 15 schools that participated – one Catholic High School, two Special Education Schools, and 12 public high schools.

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The judges thought that all of the works were excellent and the students should be commended,” Smith said. “I appreciate the judges volunteering their time and Georgian Court University’s gracious offer to host this competition each year.”

 

The winners were announced Thursday night, May 1.

 

Best in Show – “The Understanding” (pencil), by Artemis Tapliga, 12th grade, Wall High School

 

1st Place – “Bella” (duct tape), by Natalie Russell, 11th grade, Red Bank Regional High School

 

2nd Place – “ Barber Shop” (Oil Paint), by Kyle Wainwright, 11th grade, Red Bank Regional High School

 

3rd Place – “Mom’s Kitchen” (pastel), by Melissa Sandoval, 12th grade, Freehold Borough High School

 

Honorable Mention – “Confidence Shows” (photograph) Paige Clarke, 10th Grade, Freehold Twp.  High School

Every year the Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school visual art competition to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each Member office.

Students submit entries to their Member of Congress’s office, and a panel of district judges select the winners. The Best in Show winners are recognized at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and the winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

For more information about the 2014 NJ-04 show or to view the 2014 and recent year winners, click here.

News about the 2015 competition will be posted on the same site in February 2015.

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