For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
April 18, 2003

Napolitano Honors Congressional Art Competition Winners

On Thursday afternoon, April 17, Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA38) honored the 38^th Congressional District’s winners and participants in the 2003 Congressional Art Competition at a reception and viewing at the Pico Rivera Centre for the Arts.  “Too often we hear about our young people involved in negative activities, such as gang violence, crime and drugs.  It is so heartening to see our talented young people participating in something constructive, and it is so important that we encourage and honor their developing talent and hard work,” stated Napolitano.

Every year, for the past 21 years, the U.S. Congress has sponsored this art competition, in which students across the country submit various art works.  First prize winners from each district have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for one year.  This year’s first place winner, Sarah Ballantyne from Nogales High School in La Puente, entitled her piece “Flower Girl”.  Surprised by winning first place, Sarah commented that she was thrilled at the prospect of going to Washington, D.C., for a special ceremony with all of the competition winners nationwide.  In addition to the trip, Sarah received $100 for her first place finish.  Second place received $50 and third place received $25.

Second Place went to Jason Knutson, Diamond Ranch High School; Third Place went to Sarah Martinez, Schurr High School, Montebello; Judges’ Choice awards went to:  Manuel Romero, Nogales High School, La Puente; Brandon Ng, Schurr High School, Montebello; and Marlene Chacon, El Rancho High School, Pico Rivera; Honorable Mentions went to: Veth Mam, El Rancho High School, Pico Rivera; Rocio Agudo, Garey High School, Pomona; Adrianna Arambula, Garey High School, Pomona; Jose Sanchez, Garey High School, Pomona; Alicia Burns, Montebello High School, Montebello; and Ana Hernandez, Pomona High School, Pomona.

All of the students and teachers involved in this year’s Congressional Art Competition agreed that the event was a success, and that the yearly program is very important to young aspiring artists.  Jason Knutson, from Pomona, noted, “It's a great opportunity for me and a lot of people that are trying to become artists.”  David Fackler, Instructor of Visual Communications Graphic Arts at Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, said, "It's a win-win situation — a chance for students to shine and get their work exposed." Mark Gilstrap, Art/Art History Instructor at Pomona High School, agreed, and remarked, "I think it is good to get kids out of their community, and make their work reach a broader audience."  Jan Hale, Visual and Performing Arts Director for Montebello Unified School District, summed up the entire event when she said, "When I take a look at the event, it is beautiful."

In concluding her message to all those involved in the competition, Congresswoman Napolitano said, “I am enormously proud of each of you, and I encourage you to continue to work hard in school and let your artistic talents shine.”

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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