U.S. Rep. Kelly Announces Winners of 2019 Congressional High School Art Competition
Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced the winners of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition for high school students during a reception at the Christopher Art Gallery at Prairie State College.
"We had a record 63 students representing 11 schools submit their remarkable artwork to the contest," Congresswoman Kelly said. "Our judges had a difficult job deciding between all of these amazing works of art. I want to express my gratitude to each artist for taking part in the contest, as well as to their teachers and parents, who encourage and develop their talent."
Alacia Haller, 15, of Park Forest, won first place for her portrait, "Girl Refracted." Haller's artwork will be on display for one year in the U.S. Capitol. She was also awarded two round-trip tickets to Washington D.C. to attend a reception honoring winning artists from all 50 states. Haller is a sophomore at Southland College Preparatory Charter High School in Richton Park.
The second-place winner was Kaly Humbles of Southland College Preparatory Charter High School for her work titled "Jormungander." Third-place winner was Gilberto Angulo of Thornwood High School for his drawing, "Smooth Criminal."
Congresswoman Kelly also presented an informal "People's Choice Award," selected by the attendees of the reception. The winner was Neida Aguilar, of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, for her photograph, "Forest."
Each of the runners-up and the People's Choice recipient received gift certificates. The artwork of the 2nd and 3rd place winners will be displayed in Congresswoman Kelly's district offices in Matteson and Chicago. Assisting at the reception were members of the S.W.A.G.G Team (Students With A Goal Toward Greatness) from Hazel Crest.
Schools that participated in the competition were: Bishop McNamara Catholic School, Hillcrest High School, Thornton Fractional North High School, Thornwood High School, Bloom Trail High School, Kankakee High School, Southland College Preparatory Charter High School, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Bloom High School, Illinois Lutheran High School, Thornridge High School, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
The Congressional Art Competition was established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 to acknowledge and support the artistic talent of America's young adults.
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