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Payne Announces Congressional Art Competition Winner for New Jersey’s 10th District

May 7, 2015

Newark, N.J. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) today announced Alexandra Pozo of Newark’s Arts High School as the 2015 Congressional Art Competition winner from New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District:

“Congratulations to Alexandra Pozo of Arts High School in Newark, the winner of the Congressional Art Competition from New Jersey’s 10th District,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “This year’s competition showed the enormous amount of artistic talent in our community, and I thank all of the students who participated. I look forward to viewing Alexandra’s artwork every time I walk to the Capitol.”

Alexandra’s submission, “Too High,” will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol for Members of Congress, staff, and visitors to see. In June, Alexandra will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national ceremony with other winners from around the country.

The competition was judged by Aljira Art Gallery board members Michelle Richardson, Carolyn Weiss, and Michael James; William Simpson, Operations Director from My Brother’s Keeper-Newark; and Ashley Powell, a kindergarten teacher at the Spence School. Jacqueline Qiu, from Montclair High School, was selected as the second-place winner for her submission, “Art Teacher,” and Shannon Thomas, from Arts High School, was selected as the third-place winner for her submission, “Silent Yell.” An awards reception was held May 4 from 3-5 PM at the Newark Museum.

Every spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition for Members of Congress to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of their constituents. Since the Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated.

Winning entry, “Too High,” byAlexandra Pozo of Arts High School in Newark

Issues:Local Issues