Students Receive Awards for Artwork

Several Wayne residents and students received awards from Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-08) for artwork they entered in the 14th annual Congressional Art Competition.

"This is a testament to the creativity that a number of our young people possess," Pascrell said. "Learning through the arts is fantastic...these kids have done a fantastic job."

The competition is held in approximately half of the 435 congressional districts. The winner from each district will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for a year.

Celina Pyune of Wayne Hills High School won first place in the Non-Traditional category of the contest for "Expressions," which will be displayed in Pascrell's office for the next year. Christie Encarnacion of Rose Parks High School in Paterson was the overall winner.

Diogenis Panagiotis from Wayne Valley High School and Abdul Latif from Passaic County Technical Institute received second- and third-place awards, respectively, in the Traditional category. 

The competition is sponsored by the Congressional Arts Caucus. More than 80 pieces of art from 15 high schools were submitted. 

The awards ceremony took place at Montclair State University.