(ROUND ROCK, TX) – Congressman John Carter (R-TX31) congratulates the winner of the 2014 Congressional Art contest, Laura Vitolina from Summit Christian Academy, on her drawing “Giraffe.” Congressman Carter thanks all the participants for their involvement and hard work. The winners were announced Saturday, May 3, at the Texas State University Round Rock Campus.

Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts the nationwide event that allows high school students from every Congressional District in the United States to showcase their best artistic ability. Entries are judged by a panel of distinguished artists in each district. The winning artwork from each of the 435 Congressional Districts will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Office Building tunnel that leads into the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the winner will be awarded two roundtrip airline tickets provided by Southwest Airlines and accommodations for two nights in Washington D.C. provided for by Will Peckham of Round Rock Travel and Cruises.

“The young men and women in District 31 demonstrated their incredible artistic abilities in this year’s Congressional Art Contest. I am looking forward to hosting Ms. Vitolina in Washington, D.C. and seeing her artwork displayed as I walk to and from the Capitol each day. I congratulate all of the artists and thank each of them for their hard work,” said Congressman John Carter.

The 2014 Texas District 31 Congressional Art Competition Finalists are:

Best in Show

“Giraffe” by Laura Vitolina from Summit Christian Academy

Photography

1^st- “Salmon” by Rebecca Seiler from Georgetown High School

2^nd-“Gas Station” by Abby Broekhuizen from Vista Ridge High School

3^rd-“Turkish Before Prayer” by Kevan Pirayandeh from Vista Ridge High School

Mixed Media

1^st-“Boot” by Jacquelyn Petocz from Summit Christian Academy

2^nd-“Nature Defined” by Taylor Barboza from Westwood High School

3^rd -“Roses” by Kristen Ganski from Georgetown High School

Painting

1^st-“Vindication of the Rights of Women” by Katrina Pisetti from Georgetown High School

2^nd-“Cat, Caitie, Cat” by Emily Thompson from Georgetown High School

3^rd-“White Tiger” by Rosy Aleman from Summit Christian Academy

Print

1^st-“Black Bass” by Cody Crabb from Thrall High School

2^nd-“Snoop” by Jillian Riggs from Georgetown High School

Drawing

1^st -“Giraffe” by Laura Vitolina from Summit Christian Academy

2^nd-“Allen with Glasses” by Xing Yu Cui from Vista Ridge High School

3^rd-“Tristonia” by Tristan Snyder from Georgetown High School

All participants artwork were on display at the awards ceremony, including category winners. Congressman Carter was also joined by renowned artists Gilbert Sauceda, Rebecca Schmude and Kris Whitfield, Round Rock Mayor Pro-Tem and Round Rock Arts Council Founder and President.

Congressman Carter with the Congressional Art Winners

Laura Vitolina from Summit Christian Academy wins "Best in Show"  with her drawing "Giraffe"

To view more photos please click here.