TOP FOUR STUDENT ARTISTS ATTEND ST. JOHNS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL IN ORANGE PARK

Washington, Apr 8, 2006 - Each year, Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) sponsors the 6th District Congressional Art Competition for high school students living in the district. The judges have made their decisions and the 2006 awards were presented at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, which hosted the competition. The winning entry will be displayed in Washington in the Capitol for one year. "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 Danielle Palombo, sophomore, St. Johns Country Day School in Orange Park, FL. Second place went to Kalin Allen, senior, St. Johns Country Day School. Third place went to Georgia Libert, sophomore, St. Johns Country Day School. The Honorable Mention went to Umar Saulat, junior, St. Johns Country Day School.

"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: Red Swan Paint and Art Shop, Roger's Frame Shop, Wal-Mart, Target Stores, Sonny's Restaurant, AmSouth, SunTrust, IHOP Restaurant, Central Florida Office Plus, and Greiner's.