Press Release

Buchanan Announces Congressional Arts Competition Winners

Washington, DC -- Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL 13) has announced the winners of the 2007 High School Congressional Arts Competition, with the top prize going to a Bradenton high school junior.

The exhibition is a display of artwork from high school students from throughout the 13th Congressional District of Florida. Buchanan and Ringling Museum executive director, Dr. John Wetenhall announced the winners at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Children’s Room in the Visitors’ Pavilion. 

“I am very impressed by the exceptional talent of every student who submitted artwork as part of the competition,” said Buchanan.  “I look forward to seeing the winner’s art placed on display in the U.S Capitol.”

Ringling Museum curator of collections, Dr. Stephen Borys judged the 15 entries.  Gemma Hynds of Holmes Beach won top honors for her photograph entitled “The Inner Me”.  The Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School student submitted a black and white picture of a young ballerina. 

The top finishers in the competition and those students receiving honorable mention all received certificates of special congressional recognition from Congressman Buchanan.  

WINNING ENTRY:

First Place………………………… Gemma Hynds, 11th grade, Holmes Beach         
                                                         Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School (Bradenton)

OTHER WINNERS:
Second Place………………………Khaila Lacasse
                                                        Venice High School

Third Place……………………… .Caitlin Garland
                                                        Bayshore High School

Fourth Place………………………Marla Sweitzer
                                                       Sarasota High School