Rep. Kelly Congratulates 3rd District’s 2016 National Art Competition Winners

Rep. Kelly with student competition winners and Kevin Withers (left) of Southwest Airlines

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement today congratulating the winners of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition from Pennsylvania’s Third District. The annual “Artistic Discovery” Art Competition is a nationwide event, sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, enabling high school students throughout the United States to showcase their artistic abilities and earn recognition for their efforts.

“I had a wonderful time at Slippery Rock University this past weekend once again celebrating the visual arts and honoring the abilities of each student who participated in this esteemed competition. I congratulate all of the young artists who deserve enormous credit for putting their talents on display. In particular, I congratulate Priya Melonio for winning the First Place prize and look forward to honoring her in our nation’s capital. As I view all the winning artwork in my office and on my way to vote, I’ll be happily reminded of the constituents I am so proud to serve.”

This year’s winners are as follows:

First Place: Priya Melonio of Sewickley Academy for "Autumn Serenity"

Second Place: Jess Cameron of Mercer Area High School for "City Block"

Third Place: Christopher Hauk of Fairview High School for "Lantern"

Honorable Mention: Natalie Stanton of Hickory High School for "Circle of Life"

Facebook Fan Favorite: Madison Hall from Hickory High School for "Chaos in My Heart"

NOTE: This year’s contest participants were honored during the annual awards ceremony on May 14, 2016, hosted by Slippery Rock University, which Rep. Kelly personally attended. The First Place winner was offered two round-trip plane tickets provided by Southwest Airlines to Washington, D.C., in order to attend the National Art Competition Ceremony, as well as the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Building where her artwork will be showcased for one full year. Kevin Withers, Customer Service Supervisor for Southwest Airlines, was in attendance to present the prize. The artwork of the second and third place awardees, as well as that of the honorable mention, will be displayed in Rep. Kelly’s Washington, D.C. office.

More photos from last weekend’s awards ceremony can be viewed hereandhere.

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