Representative Kathleen Rice (NY-04) announced the winner of the 2020 NY-04 High School Congressional Art Competition during a virtual ceremony with participants from this year’s contest. East Rockaway High School junior Lauren Cronin earned first place for her graphite pencil drawing entitled “Cleansing.” Her drawing will be placed on display in the United States Capitol for one year.
Rice has held this art competition for high school students in New York’s 4th Congressional District annually since taking office in 2015. This year’s competition featured 34 entries from high school artists across the district.
“I am always so impressed by the incredible artwork entered into the NY-04 High School Congressional Art Competition,” said Rice. “And this year, the ability to creatively express yourself in difficult times is more important than ever. I congratulate Lauren Cronin for winning the 2020 competition with her heartfelt and impressive piece, and I thank all the participants and wish them the best as they continue to explore their artistic talents.”
Cronin was selected as the first place winner by a panel of judges from Adelphi University. In second place, there was a tie between Maya Alschuler-Pierce from Valley Stream South High School and Matthew Pollackov from East Rockaway High School. In third place, there was a three-way tie between Gianna Campanaro, Abigail Davila, and Emily Ramos all from East Rockaway High School. And the “People’s Choice Award” winner (the artist whose piece received the most “LIKES” on Facebook) was Alex Hassine from George W. Hewlett High School.
About the Competition:
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries.
