Jim Costa: “Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has recognized the special power that the arts have had in our Nation's…”

“Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has recognized the special power that the arts have had in our Nation's classrooms. Today, I have the pleasure of recognizing my district's Art Competition winner, Sarah Fanucchi, who credits the arts for helping her overcome her learning challenges. From an early age, Sarah struggled with reading and math, but she excelled with a sketchbook and a pencil in hand. Once her teachers at Bakersfield's South High tapped into that talent, Sarah's life changed. She became excited about school, and her grades improved. Sarah's mother, Carrie, said, ``Art was and, I suspect, always will be her refuge. It was her place to begin to shine, her place in school to belong.'' Carrie and Sarah are more than mother and daughter; they are best friends. As I welcome her and her family to Washington this week, I applaud Sarah's artistic feat. More importantly, her perseverance through her challenges is what I find most impressive about this young lady. The art and life she has created is something any parent or teacher can and should be proud of as she continues to add value to our Nation's fabric. ____________________”