Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today announced the winners of his annual high school art competition.

     The winning entry came from Rachel David of Mt. Carmel High School. Her charcoal piece, “Affliction,” will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Her teacher is Karen Stansberry.

     Second place went to Jacob Beinborn of Rantoul High School for his drawing, “Raven,” which he can opt to have hung in Rep. Johnson’s office in the Longworth House Office Building. His teachers are Laura Billimack and Martha Wolf.

     Third place went to another Mt. Carmel High School student, Madi White, for her work, “Faucett.” Her teacher also is Karen Stansberry.

     “Golden Aces don’t just come in football uniforms,” Rep. Johnson said in reference to the Mt. Carmel sports teams. “Truly all these entries were impressive. I’m not an art aficionado but I do appreciate talent and it’s evident from these works that there’s a lot of talent throughout the district.”

      Judges this year were Lisa Costello, director of the Parkland Art Gallery, Melissa Merli, arts and entertainment writer at the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette; and Michael Schweggman, owner of Boneyard Pottery.

     Ten schools from around the district were chosen to participate. They were Rantoul, Mahomet-Seymour, Champaign Centennial, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, Mt. Carmel,  Robinson, Cissna Park, the High School of Saint Thomas More, Sullivan and Hutsonville high schools.

     The event was hosted by St. Thomas More and art teacher Deborrah Pagel.

     “I’d like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Pagel and to Jennifer White of my office for taking the time to organize this event,” Rep. Johnson said. 

###