Newark Student Artist Wins Congressional Competition

Newark, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10) held an awards reception last week at the Newark Museum to recognize the winners of the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District.

The winning submission - “Digital Arts” by Newark Arts High School’s Lawrence Armour - will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol, Payne Jr. stated in a news release.

In June, Armour will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in a national ceremony with other winners from around the country.

Shawna Reid, from Jersey City Arts High School, was selected as the second-place winner for her submission, “Paralysis,” and Jaleel Kerr, from East Orange Campus High School, was selected as the third-place winner for his submission, “Seven Deadly Sins.”

Over 60 pieces of art from 16 high schools were submitted in this year’s competition, the release stated.

“I am always impressed by the creative pieces our local students submit and look forwarding to sharing them with our community and the entire country. This year was no exception,” said Payne Jr. “Congratulations to all participants and our overall winner, Arts High School’s Lawrence Armour. I look forward to seeing Lawrence’s artwork every time I walk to the Capitol.”

According to Payne, every spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school art competition for Members of Congress to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of their constituents. Since the Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, over 650,000 high school students have participated.

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Photo courtesy of the office of Donald Payne Jr.