BIRMINGHAM – Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) will host a reception this evening for area high school students who participated in the annual Congressional Arts Competition.
The reception for students and their families, teachers, and supporters of the arts competition will be held beginning at 6:00 p.m. tonight (Monday, April 7) at the Hoover Senior Center, 400 Municipal Drive, Hoover.
"The artistic talent displayed by these students is very impressive. A lot of imagination and hard work went into each of the entries. This is a positive example of the good things that our high school students are achieving. They deserve recognition and congratulations for taking part in this nationwide competition," Bachus said.
High school students from more than 200 congressional districts participate in the annual contest. Students submit their artwork through their high schools. An independent board of judges from each congressional district evaluates the local entries. The winning piece of artwork from each district is displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year.
Ashley Kelly, a 12th grade student at Hoover High School, received the first place award for the 6th District for her photography submission. Miss Kelly and her family have been invited to travel to Washington for the opening of the 2008 Congressional Arts Competition exhibit at the U.S. Capitol on June 25.
The reception will recognize the work done by all students who entered the competition, including the following students whose entries received special recognition from a judging panel chaired by Dirk Walker, a Birmingham artist.
Brock Barber, Hoover High School
Claire Cooper, John Carroll Catholic High School
Katherine Corrigan, Hoover High School
Hannah Foushee, St. Clair County High School
Ashley Kelly, Hoover High School
Mary Parish, The Altamont School
Caitlin Peterson, Hoover High School
Ashley Tipton, Vestavia Hills High School
Cody Whitney, Mortimer Jordan High School
"The arts are an important part of a high school education. The arts inspire creativity, and good artwork requires thought and discipline. We can be proud of the talented students that we have in the schools of the 6th District," Bachus concluded.