Rep. Becerra with first place winner Joshua Frausto.
LOS ANGELES — Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, joined parents and teachers in celebrating local student artists at the 31st Congressional District’s 2009 Art Competition Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 16.
Rep. Becerra’s annual student art competition drew 124 contestants from high schools throughout the district, whose artwork reflected the theme “E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One.”
“The exceptional talent on display today and the sheer volume of entries is a testament to what is possible if we simply give our young artists the resources and encouragement to develop their skills and build their confidence,” Rep. Becerra said.
The first place winner of this year’s competition, Joshua Frausto, a senior at Eagle Rock High School, will receive a trip for three courtesy of Southwest Airlines to attend the National Congressional Student Art Competition ribbon-cutting ceremony in Washington, D.C., in June. His drawing, “We The People,” will hang in the United States Capitol for one year.
First place winner "We The People," by Joshua Frausto.
Other winners of Rep. Becerra’s 2009 art competition include:
Second place: Walter Cortez, a senior at Eagle Rock High School, for “An Ethical Renegade.”
Third place: Marilee Franquez, a senior at Franklin High School, for her untitled piece.
Honorable mention: Joshua Bermudez, a senior at Franklin High School, for “Emily, Put Back Together.”
Honorable mention: Jorge Gutierrez, a junior at Jefferson High School, for “Liberty.”
Honorable Mention: Jeongho Lee, a senior at Belmont High School, for “Reaching Higher.”
All participants received a congressional certificate of recognition and tickets to attend a Dodger game this summer, where the top three winners will be featured on Dodger Vision before the game.
Rep. Becerra (center) with sponsors, co-chairs and the winners of the
2009 congressional student art competition.
Each year, thousands of young artists nationwide participate in the national congressional art competition, “An Artistic Discovery,” in which members of Congress across the country have the privilege of finding many of tomorrow’s great artists. Since 1982, over 650,000 high school students have entered their works of art for consideration.
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