Congresswoman Susan Davis presented awards for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition for local high school students on Monday. La Mesa resident and Helix Charter High student Aysha Alani took the top prize for her piece Balboa Park Tower, which will hang in the Capitol complex in Washington, DC for the year. Second and third place winners were also awarded, as well as two honorable mentions.
Congresswoman Susan Davis presented awards for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition for local high school students on Monday. La Mesa resident and Helix Charter High student Aysha Alani took the top prize for her piece Balboa Park Tower, which will hang in the Capitol complex in Washington, DC for the year. Second and third place winners were also awarded, as well as two honorable mentions.
“Congratulations to Aysha, the other winners and all the students who inspired us with their creativity in this year’s Art Competition,” said Davis, a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. “Young people often are the most thoughtful and creative members of the community and the artwork in this year’s contest proved that once again.”
Alani won two round-trip tickets to Washington DC to attend an unveiling ceremony of all the winning artwork in 2015 Congressional Art Competition. She will also receive scholarship opportunities. All the winners received wonderful prizes donated from community partners.
Two Olympian High School students, Farrah Karram and Sylka Ibarra, placed 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Honorable mentions included Delilah Strukel and Belinda Mata.
The award ceremony took place at the Lemon Grove Branch Library Community Center among the family and friends of the contestants. There were 25 entries submitted for the art contest for the 53rd Congressional District. Bridget Naso of NBC San Diego acted as MC of the ceremony. A panel of members of San Diego’s artistic community was convened to judge the art.
Since 1982, members of Congress have held a contest each year to select a work of art by a high school student in their congressional district. The winning piece will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This impressive art exhibit brightens the Cannon Tunnel and showcases the talent of the nation’s young people.
