Washington, D.C.  -  Today, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) announced the winners for the 26th Annual Congressional High School Art Competition.  A Meadville Area High School senior has been named the winner for the 2008 contest.

Amanda Schreck, of  Meadville, was awarded top prize for her pencil drawing. As the winner, Schreck receives a $200 cash award from Edinboro University and will have her work displayed throughout the year in a corridor connecting the U.S. House Office Buildings to the U.S. Capitol. In addition, Schreck received three round trip plan tickets to Washington, D.C. for the national award ceremony at the Capitol form Southwest Airlines.  She is the daughter of Pam and Jim Schreck.

“Amanda is a gifted young woman with a keen eye and true appreciation for art,” said English, co-chair of the Congressional Humanities Caucus. “I am honored that Amanda and all of the other participants in this year’s competition chose to share their talent with our community.  The dedication and commitment displayed by these young local artists is something that we should all be very proud of.”

Students in grades nine through 12 from the 3rd Congressional District were eligible to submit their original artwork to be considered for the nationwide contest. Each school in the district could submit up to three pieces of art for the competition.

Local participation in the contest has increased in recent years.  This year 14 schools participated and 35 students entered their work in the contest. The Edinboro University Art Department adjudicated the student’s artwork, which has been on display at Edinboro University. The winners were honored today with a reception at the university, which also awarded the top three winners. 

The following students and their artwork also placed in the competition:

Second Place - $100 prize: Shelby Ball, Harborcreek High School. pastel drawing
 “Twiggy.”
             
Third Place - $50 prize: Erika Williams, McDowell Senior High School, Oil on canvas “My First Love.”                            -###-