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Today Congressman David Scott (GA-13) announced that he awarded $37,000 in scholarships to the top winners of the 13th District’s Fifth Annual Congressional High School Art Competition. Congressman Scott honored these outstanding young people and their families during a special reception on Saturday at the Arts Clayton Gallery in Jonesboro.

“This year’s competition was just extraordinary. The art and talent that was on display was extraordinary and having families here with each student speaks volumes and makes my heart swell,” said Congressman Scott. “Our art competition presents a wonderful opportunity for our community to celebrate the talents of gifted young artists who endeavor to succeed with focus and self-discipline. I am so proud to honor our top winners for their exceptional artistic achievements with scholarships, and I encourage all of this year’s participating student artists of the competition to continue to set high goals for themselves.”

The Savannah College of Art and Design awarded a $20,000 scholarship ($5,000/year) to the first place winner. The Art Institute of Atlanta also presented the first place winner with a $10,000 scholarship; second place, a $5,000 scholarship; and third place, a $2,000 scholarship.

This year’s top winners include:

1^st – “Melting Pot” by Allison Jarek, Alexander High School

2^nd – “Untitled” by Nuri Durr, Mt. Zion High School

3^rd – “Protested” by Jasmine Simmons, Lovejoy High School

Honorable Mention – “Broken Wings” by Daisy Johnson, Mt. Zion High School

The Congressional Art Competition was created in 1982 as a way to showcase the artistic talents of young people throughout the country. To date hundreds of thousands of high school students from around the nation have been able to participate at the local level.

This year’s first-place winner Allison Jarek will be invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, June 28, 2007 where her winning piece “Melting Pot” will be on display in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol along with other winning entries from around the country.

Students interested in participating in next year’s competition should contact Audra Braswell at 770-210-5073.