Five budding artists received recognition last Saturday morning from Del. Kristin J. Amundson (D-44) prior to a joint legislative town meeting with state Sen. Linda T. "Toddy" Puller at the South County Government Center on Richmond Highway.
Each of the fourth and sixth grade student winners had submitted entries to Amundson's annual contest, which she initiated in 2000, to promote and recognize art in elementary schools. This year's theme was "What I like best about living in the 44th District."
Elementary school students living in the district are encouraged by their art teachers to create individual works depicting the theme. Winning entries are framed and displayed in and immediately outside Amundson's General Assembly Office in Richmond throughout the legislative session.
Several local artists judge the entries. Each first place winner receives a trip to Richmond to be recognized and a $100 saving bond.
The works of the first place winners and those of all 85 second place winners will be on display at the Sherwood Regional Library, Sherwood Hall Lane, during March. A special reception for them will be held there March 22 at 2 p.m., according to Suzanne Parrish, a local artist/teacher who oversees the project.
"Announcing these winners is really one of the fun things we get to do every year. Their work is amazing and a prime example of the excellence of our Fairfax County school system," Amundson said.
This year's winners came from five schools throughout southeastern Fairfax County. They were:
* Tyler Choi, fourth grade, Fort Hunt Elementary School, for his painting of the dock at Mt. Vernon Estate.
* Jennifer Tieu, fourth grade, Hybla Valley Elementary School, for her painting of the view from the Piazza, or porch, of Mt. Vernon Mansion.
* Aaron Moorer, fourth grade, Riverside Elementary School, for his painting of his own home.
* Connor Sadler, fourth grade, Waynewood Elementary School, for his painting of "George," the eagle that nested near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge during construction.
* Katie Panagopoulos, sixth grade, Stratford Landing Elementary School, for her painting of the Mount Vernon Mansion which detailed every pane of glass in all the windows facing the Bowling Green.