May 14, 2004
For Immediate Release

Rep. Kirk Awards Top Art Honor to Stevenson High School Student
Winning Art Work
To Hang in U.S. Capitol
Two Stevenson students and Buffalo Grove High School student are Runners-Up in Congressional Art Contest

Deerfield, IL – During a reception held today in his Deerfield District office, U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Highland Park) awarded the top prize in the 22nd Annual Congressional High School Art Competition ‘An Artistic Discovery’ to Amanda Marsh, a junior at Stevenson High School. Marsh’s piece was selected as the grand prize winner from among 14 original works-of-art and photography entered by high school students from throughout the Tenth District.

“The outstanding artwork and photography on display here today speaks to the creativity of our young people and the excellent art education they are receiving,” said Congressman Kirk. “I am very proud of the high schools throughout the district and the strong art departments available to our young artists.”

Marsh’s piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol with other grand prize winners from across the country. In addition, Southwest Airlines awarded two, round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C. for Marsh and a relative.

A panel of professional artists from the North Shore Art League evaluated 14 works-of-art based on criteria including; content, technical skill, design and originality. Along with Marsh, two students from Stevenson High School and one student from Buffalo Grove High School were awarded runners-up in the competition. Second place belongs to Ellenore Kruger, a sophomore at Stevenson. Daniel Embree, a senior at Stevenson and Kristine Cabalfin, a senior at Buffalo Grove High School, both tied for third place. Their pieces will hang in Congressman Kirk’s congressional offices.

All students who participated in the competition received an honorary Congressional ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ as well as the art teachers from participating high schools.

“I am honored to recognize and encourage the rich artistic talents of young Americans,” said Kirk. “This is one of the best parts of my job- highlighting talent and initiative in our youth. These works-of-art reflect our tradition of excellence in education and artistic outreach.”

Launched in 1982, ‘An Artistic Discovery’ has attracted over 5,000 local competitions involving more than 700,000 students nationwide. It is coordinated and sponsored by Members of Congress.

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