STUDENTS FROM BELLEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL AND WEST PORT HIGH SCHOOL ARE THE WINNERS

Washington, Apr 18, 2005 - Each year, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) sponsors an art competition for 6th District students under the Congressional Art Competition.  The judges have made their decisions and the 2005 awards were presented at the Appleton Museum in Ocala, which also hosted the competition.  The winning entry will be displayed in Washington in the Capitol.  "Through this competition, students express their creativity and share their vision with others," said Stearns.  "We can all be proud of the talent shown by the participants."

First Place went to Amber Raine, Belleview High School; Second Place went to Chris Berrios, Belleview High School; Christina Maier, West Port High School in Ocala, received Third Place; and Amanda White, West Port High School, received the Honorable Mention.

Among the prizes for First Place is a $12,000 scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design.  "I congratulate the winners and thank all of the participants who entered the art competition," said Stearns.  "I also thank the Savannah College of Art and Design for the generous scholarship, the Appleton Museum for its years of support, and area businesses for providing prizes for the competition's winners."  Other prizes were provided by these area businesses: Roger's Frame Shop, AmSouth Bank, Greiner's, Red Lobster Restaurant, SunTrust Bank, Central Florida Office Plus, Sonny's Restaurant, Wal-Mart, Brasington's Adventure Outfitters, and IHOP Restaurant.