First held in 1982 by the House of Representatives, the Congressional Art Competition is a unique opportunity which encourages art education in our schools and provides recognition on a national level. The City of Pomona is a part of the 35th Congressional District and our elected official is Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod. Congresswoman Negrete McLeod honored three Pomona Unified School District art students, rewarding them with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the 2013 Congressional Art Competition!
Pomona High School senior Gabi Reynoso placed first with her charcoal on newspaper entititled "Pepe."Her artwork will be framed and displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. Additionally, she and an adult family member will be flown to Washington DC for the National Award Ceremony in late June!
Pomona High School junior Melinda Thao placed second with a portrait in charcoal entitled, "Ania." Her artwork will by displayed in the Congresswoman's Capitol Office for one year.
Village Academy Senior Israel Millan placed third with a watercolor entitled, "Crazy Creation." His artwork will by displayed in the Congresswoman's Montclair District Office.
All three Pomona District winners were present, along with their art teachers Mark Gilstrap, PHS, and Sadie Phillips, VAHS, at the award ceremony held at the Congresswoman's District Office. Art teachers Keith Crockett, DRHS, and Scott Webber, PHS, also submitted student artwork for the competition. The following students were recognized for their submissions: Amy Colin, Maria Diaz, Isaac Loaiz, Diana Lucas, Juan Antonio Palomares, Carlos Salmeron, Andrea Anglo, Eli Cordova, Jessica Jimenez, Marissa Navarrette, Vanessa Nguyen, Leslie Peraza, Brenda Ponce, Anahy Reza-Merino, Ulysses Rodriguez, and Jacob Simms.