Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) was pleased to announce the winners of the 26th Annual Lucille Roybal-Allard Student Art Competition during an awards ceremony at the Citadel Outlets on Friday evening.  “Every year since 1994, our art competition has given local students a chance to share their unique perspectives with our community,” said Rep. Roybal-Allard.  “These young artists have consistently amazed us with their creativity and their unique perspectives.  The participants in this year’s competition continue that tradition: they are talented, bright, and courageous, and have expressed themselves wonderfully in these remarkable artworks.  They are the future leaders of our community and our nation, and I feel honored to be a part of sharing their art and vision.  To the students, to the teachers and family members who supported them, and to all who made this competition and awards ceremony possible, my heartfelt thanks to you.”

This year’s First Place winner was Melissa Moreno, a senior at Downey High School, for her gel pen and gold leaf artwork titled Golden Pirouette.  Melissa’s instructor is Darrelle Nikaj.  Erika Rivas, a senior at St. Pius X – St. Matthias Academy, won Second Place for Modern Mary and Jesus, created with acrylic paint.  Erika’s instructor is Gabriela Arreola.
 
Fatima Luna, a senior at Nava College Preparatory Academy, won Third Place for her mixed media piece titled Nobody knows.  Fatima’s instructor is Luis Garcia.  Aylene Negrete, a Huntington Park High School senior, won an Honorable Mention for her color pencil and water color artwork titled Vivid Dreams.  Aylene’s instructor is Blanca Espinoza.  Karina Lozano, a Bellflower High School junior, also won an Honorable Mention for her photograph No one sees what I see.  Karina’s instructor is Haidé Gamboa.  
 
The People’s Choice Award winner was Ashley Beach, a Downey High School senior, for her acrylic paint piece titled The Voyage.  Ashley’s instructor is Darrelle Nikaj.
 
The 147 entries submitted for the art competition were judged on originality, technical skill, artistic presentation, and use of color and contrast.
 
For winning First Place, Melissa Moreno will receive a $1,000 scholarship, $200 for art supplies, a trip to Washington, DC, for herself and a parent to attend the national exhibit opening, and $500 for travel expenses.  Melissa will have her entry displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, while the remaining winning students will have their artwork displayed in Congresswoman Roybal-Allard’s District Office in Commerce.  In addition, 1,000 posters featuring Melissa’s artwork have been printed, and copies will be distributed to schools and community organizations throughout the 40th Congressional District to inspire other young artists to participate in next year’s competition.
 
Erika Rivas will receive a $750 scholarship and $175 for art supplies.  Fatima Luna will receive a $500 scholarship and $150 for art supplies.  Aylene Negrete, Karina Lozano, and Ashley Beach will each receive a $250 scholarship and $125 for art supplies.  Each winner’s school is eligible to receive a gift card to purchase supplies to advance their art program.  In addition, schools with five or more entries are eligible to receive $100 for art supplies.
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