Washington, D.C. -  Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) announced the winners of this year's 32nd Congressional District Artistic Discovery Competition at the Rosemead Community Center in front of more than 400 students, parents and teachers.

This year's winners are:

1st Place - Nika Banzuela, Nogales High School: "Unbound"

2nd Place - Stephanie Do, Sierra Vista High School: "The World in Our Children's Hands"

3rd Place - Nhi Thoi, Arroyo High School: "Yamapi"

Congressional Mentions:

Andrew Cortez, Sierra Vista High School: "Self-Portrait"

Gerardo Arellano, Arroyo High School: "Strength"

Committee Honorable Mentions:

Kevin Lopez, Arroyo High School: "Faithless"

Krystal Bravo, Sierra Vista High School: Untitled

Judges Choice:

Victor Farias, Duarte High School: "Sabor a Mi"

"This year's art competition broke an all time record with more than 250 entries from 18 high schools from across East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley," said Congresswoman Solis. "As a Member of Congress, I support the artistic talents of our local youth and I thank them for sharing their gifts with everyone."

First prize winner Nika Balenzuela will be flown to Washington, D.C. along with two guardians for a national reception and to view her artwork displayed in the nation's Capitol. The artwork is displayed in the Capitol for a full year, each year 3-5 million people visit. The second and third place winners will receive prizes from local merchants and will have their art displayed in Congresswoman Solis' Washington, D.C. and El Monte offices.

The annual Congressional arts contest was established by Members of Congress in 1982, and since then Members have conducted local art competitions in their districts.

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