Mimi Shang of James Madison High School in Vienna receives her first place award in the Congressional Arts Competition from Congressman Gerry Connolly and judge Rachelle Etienne-Robinson of the Arts Council of Fairfax County. The winners were announced at a reception held at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Photos Courtesy of Moriah Nisbet
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly announced the winners of the sixth annual 11th District Congressional Arts Competition on May 3. This year, a record number of submissions were received.
Students from Fairfax County public schools received the top honors, including Mimi Shang of James Madison High School, Lizzie Wright of J.E.B. Staurt High School, Madison Phillips of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and Doi Kim of James Madison High School, and Rachel Kim of South County High School. According to Connolly, 184 students from Fairfax and Prince William County participated in the contest.
Rachel Kim, a student at South County in Lorton, received fifth place for her work entitled “Endangered Animals.”
“The record number of entries in this year’s competition reflects the high level of interest in the fine arts among Northern Virginia students and the dedication of our arts teachers and patrons to encouraging artistic skills in our high schools.” Connolly said. “I congratulate all of the students who participated in the competition. The quality of their work was impressive. I’m also grateful to the Workhouse Arts Center, its staff, and the judges for all of their efforts to make this annual event a success and help showcase the work of our students.”
The winner of the contest, Mimi Shang, will have her art displayed in the U.S. Capitol with winners from Congressional Arts competitions across the United States.