Alex Mooney: “Each spring, a nationwide high school visual arts competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute and Members of…”

“Each spring, a nationwide high school visual arts competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Since the art competition was created in 1982, over 650,000 entries have been submitted. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of our Nation's bright and talented youth. The winner of this prestigious award in each congressional district will have his or her artwork hung on display for 1 year in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. I rise today to recognize the artistic ability of a young woman from the Second Congressional District in West Virginia--Kayla Barbazette from Capital High School in Charleston. Ms. Barbazette is the winner of the 2016 Second Congressional District of West Virginia's Congressional Art Competition. Congratulations, Kayla. Her entry, ``Human Water Basin,'' was chosen from dozens of outstanding entries this year. {time} 1045 The competition was open to all high school students in the Second Congressional District of West Virginia. Kayla is pictured here receiving her first place prize with West Virginia Cabinet Secretary Kay Goodwin of the Department of Education and the Arts. I thank all of the impressive artists for allowing us to celebrate their talents. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. ____________________”