WASHINGTON, D.C.—On Monday, May 15, 2006, U.S. Representative Rahm Emanuel presented a certificate to Christina Casey of River Grove’s Guerin Prep at an awards ceremony for the 5th District’s winner of the Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition was created in 1977 by the House of Representatives to support the artistic talents of high school students from across the country. The winners of the competition will have their artwork displayed in An Artistic Discovery, opening in Washington, D.C. on June 28. Afterwards, their artwork will hang in the Capitol for one year.  

“The Congressional Art Competition is a great tradition,” said Emanuel. “I’m honored to present Christina with this award.  This competition, and her hard work reminds us all of the importance of art education in our schools.”

As the winner in the 5th Congressional District, Christina will travel with her parents to Washington D.C., courtesy of Southwest Airlines and the Country Inn and Suites, BWI Airport, and will receive a $200 savings bond provided by JPMorgan Chase.

The second place winner’s oil pastel will hang in Emanuel’s DC office; the third and fourth place entries will be displayed in his Chicago office. All three received a $100 savings bond from JPMorgan Chase.

            Below are the winners of the competition:

·        Christina Casey (pictured), Guerin Prep, "For the Love of Music" (photograph)

·        Emily Berkman, Mather HS, "Smile" (oil pastel)

·        Christina Sykes, Gordon Tech HS, "Timeless"  (acrylic paint)

·        David Pinto, Guerin HS, "Environment Not Applicable" (charcoal)}