West Long Branch, NJ --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced the winners of the 2004 Sixth Congressional District High School Arts Competition and this year ’s Military Service Academy nominees at a reception at Monmouth University’s Wilson Hall on Monday.
A total of 72 high school artists from various schools in Monmouth and Middlesex counties participated in this year ’s art competition, which is part of the nationwide program known as "An Artistic Discovery." Local judges awarded second place to Shauna Jacobs of Piscataway High School and her artwork is currently on display in Pallone's New Brunswick office. Seven students from Middlesex County were awarded honorable mentions.
Art Competition Honorable Mentions from Middlesex County:
Matthew Ball, Justine Bates, and Sandra Deiadyk of Piscataway High School
Beth Cohn, Emily Geminder, and Yangyang Li of Highland Park High School
Christina Park St. Peter the Apostle High School
"I have long believed that Congress should play a major role in encouraging the arts," Pallone said. "Here in Central New Jersey, we have a long-standing artistic tradition. This competition provides a forum to help the aspiring young artists of our area gain recognition and exposure. Young artists can gain confidence in themselves and their abilities by displaying their work and having it evaluated and critiqued by knowledgeable judges."
The New Jersey Congressman also honored the candidates he nominated for the Military Academies. Pallone congratulated each for their dedication and wished them all luck in being accepted to their chosen academies. The nominees are listed below:
Air Force Academy Nominees:
Ingrid Franco of Dunellen
Paul Hammes of Old Bridge
Merchant Marine Academy Nominees:
LaRay Hare of Piscataway
Daniel Lopez of Parlin
Naval Academy Nominees:
LaRay Hare of Piscataway
James Kim of Edison
Emily Paxson of Dunellen
Thomas Stringer of Middlesex
West Point Military Academy Nominees:
Jed Castillo of Edison
Christine Cataquet of Edison
Clinton Wang of Piscataway |