Jimmy Panetta

05/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/14/2024 10:10

Rep. Panetta Announces Student Winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition

Monterey, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced the winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition held for local high school students. Selina Ge from Leland High School in South San Jose was named first place winner for her piece titled, "Say Cheese." Selina's artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol alongside winners from throughout the country.

This year, 39 students from across California's 19th Congressional District submitted original pieces of artwork to the Congressional Art Competition. Pieces covered an array of artistic mediums, styles, and subject matter. Of the submissions, Representative Panetta recognized eight outstanding pieces by local students during a reception in Santa Cruz.

"The arts provide students an outlet to tell stories about who they are, where they come from, and what they believe in," said Rep. Panetta. "Each year, I'm amazed by what these young artists create, and I'm thrilled to be able to share Selina's talents with visitors from around the country at the United States Capitol. Through their original artwork, these students reflected the beauty, bounty, and diversity of our home in California's 19th Congressional District and should be immensely proud of their artistic accomplishments."

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual tradition that began in 1982. Over 650,000 high school students have been involved in the nationwide competition with each congressional district submitting their winner's piece to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. First-place winners and a family member are invited to attend a special ceremony with other young artists from around the country in Washington, D.C. in June. This year's first-place winner will also receive a $250 scholarship. The annual competition is open to all local high school students in California's 19th Congressional District.

The full list of winners and honorees for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition are below:

  • First Place: Selina Ge, Leland High School, "Say Cheese"
  • Second Place: Ky Dahle, Carmel High School, "Nostalgia"
  • Third Place: Christiana Kvitek, Carmel High School, "Human Matrix"
  • Honorable Mention for Technical Skill: Zhuolin (Lynn) Fu, Stevenson School, "The Silent Wait"
  • Honorable Mention for Drawing: Ivanna Kirsebom Delsol, Monterey High School, "Sonder"
  • Honorable Mention for Landscape: Jasmine Choi, Santa Catalina School, "The Day in the Hacienda"
  • Honorable Mention for Composition: Lydia Vaz, Leland High School, "Content"
  • Honorable Mention for Concept: Sophia Kemmerly, Carmel High School "Paranormal Party"

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