FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        CONTACT: Roel Saldivar (562) 801-2134

 May 3, 2004

CONGRESSWOMAN NAPOLITANO RECOGNIZES

CONGRESSIONAL ART CONTEST WINNERS

Santa Fe Springs, CA – U.S. Representative Grace F. Napolitano announced winners of the 2004 Congressional Art Contest on Saturday, May 1, 2004, at the Norwalk Cultural Arts Center where student art work is on display until Saturday, May 8^th.

Congresswoman Napolitano recognized the students’ “fabulous work” and reiterated her sentiment that a project like this keeps the students involved in “worthwhile activities,” and in some cases “off the streets.”

Besides awarding monetary prizes to the first, second and third place winners, the Congresswoman will have the 2^nd and 3^rd place artwork displayed at her Santa Fe Springs and Washington, D.C. offices.  The first place winner, Andres Carlos, will be flown to D.C. for a special congressional ceremony and will have his artwork, titled “Army Guys,” on display in the U.S. Capitol for a year, along with the works of other first prize winners from around the country.  Maribeli Nava took 2^nd place with “Man and Woman,” and Emmanuel Gutierrez took 3^rd with “Hidden.”

The three top winners were all from Garey High School in Pomona.  Their art teacher, Christine Longstaffe, commented on the students being “in awe of the beautiful facilities and the art gallery where their art is exhibited,” and said that “the students always look forward to this competition.  In a time when school programs are being cut and the focus is not on promoting the arts, it is important to have this recognition by the Congresswoman.  It makes the students work harder, knowing that they will be recognized.”

All 38^th district winners also received “Certificates of Congressional Recognition” and pens with the House of Representatives’ seal.  Judges’ Choice awards went to: Stephanie Granados (Garey High School), Rudy Ledesma (Garey High School), and Wendy Llamas (Pomona High School).  In addition, honorable mention went to: Jonathan Arriaza (Diamond Ranch High School), Edgar Gamino (La Puente High School), Natalie Gonzalez (Garey High School), Lawrence Jaime (Garey High School), Daniela Mendoza (Garey High School), and Giselle Ruiz (St. Matthias High School).

Themed “An Artistic Discovery,” over 150 original paintings, drawings, mined media, photography and computer generated artwork by high school students residing in the 38^th Congressional District were submitted for this annual contest which fosters and acknowledges student creativity.

View 2003 Winners Here

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Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
1609 Longworth Building          Washington, DC 20515          Phone 202-225-5256          Fax 202-225-0027		11627 East Telegraph Road, #100       Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670       Phone 562-801-2134       Fax 562-949-9144
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