WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced the winner of the annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students living in Eastern Washington.

First Place: “Appaloosa” by Anna Belanger

First place in this year’s competition was awarded to Anna Belanger, a senior from Charles Francis Adams (Clarkston) High School in Clarkston, Washington, for her watercolor piece “Appaloosa.” Anna said about her piece, “I choose to paint an Appaloosa because they are native to the Palouse. To me, they represent the area I was lucky enough to grow up in.” As the winner, Anna’s artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. for the next year. Anna will have the opportunity to fly out to Washington, D.C. to take part in a recognition ceremony and see her artwork displayed in the Capitol Building this summer. Anna is the daughter of Kim and Nick Belanger and her art teacher at Clarkston High School is James York.

“I am always so inspired by the talent and creativity of our young people in Eastern Washington,” said McMorris Rodgers. “A special congratulations to Anna Belanger, this year’s winner, and to our three runners-up, Jordyn Hutchens, Rebecca Christine Lawrence, and Kyla Gonzalez. I look forward to meeting Anna when she is in Washington, D.C. for the reception and to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol as I walk to the House floor every day.”

Runner-Up: “Washington Collage” by Jordyn Hutchens

One of the three finalists was Jordyn Hutchens, a freshman home-schooled student from Dayton, Washington, for her photography piece “Washington Collage.” Jordyn is the daughter of Matthew and Jennifer Hutchens. Her art teacher is her mother Jennifer. As runner-up, Jordyn’s piece will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Spokane office for the next year.

Runner-Up: “The Bookkeepers” by Rebecca Christine Lawrence

Another of the finalists was Rebecca Christine Lawrence, a senior at Kettle Falls High School in Kettle Falls, Washington, for her watercolor piece “The Bookkeepers.” Rebecca is the daughter of Kara Lawrence. Her art teacher at Kettle Falls High School is Kim Walker. As runner-up, Rebecca’s piece will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Colville office for the next year.

Runner-Up: “Mind Tree” by Kyla Gonzalez

The final finalist was Kyla Gonzalez, a Senior at Southeast Area Technical Skills Center in Walla Walla, Washington, for her photography piece “Mind Tree.” Kyla is the daughter of Karene Gonzalez and her art teacher at the Southweast Area Technical Skills Center is Jeffrey Townsend. As a runner-up, Kyla’s piece will be displayed in the Congresswoman’s Walla Walla office for the next year.

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual competition for high school students across the United States. Each Congressional office selects one winner to display in the tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol traveled daily by members of Congress, staff, and visitors to Washington, D.C.

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