Hoyer Encourages High School Students to

Participate in Congressional Arts Competition

An Artistic Discovery

WASHINGTON, DC -  Congressman Steny Hoyer invites high school art students who reside in the 5th Congressional District, which includes Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties, and parts of Prince George's and Anne Arundel Counties,  to participate in the 2004 Annual Congressional Arts Competition.

"This competition offers our young people a unique opportunity to put on display their talented artwork for the thousands of visitors to our Nation's Capitol each year," said Congressman Hoyer.  "I strongly encourage high school students in the 5th District to submit entries into this rewarding competition and take advantage of the opportunity it offers."

        The 23^rd Annual Congressional Arts Competition provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to showcase the artistic talent of high school students within their districts, thereby acknowledging our nation's gifted young artists.

Congressman Hoyer sent letters to all of the high schools in the 5^th District announcing the Congressional Arts Competition earlier this month.  All artwork must be delivered to one of Congressman Hoyer's district offices located in Waldorf or Greenbelt by May 7, 2004.   Students interested in participating can call Congressman Hoyer's Waldorf District office at 301-843-1577.

After entries have been submitted by the required date, representatives from the local education and business community will review the artwork and determine which work of art and student will represent the 5th Congressional District on display in the Nation's Capitol. All other entries will be displayed in Congressman Hoyer's Waldorf District Office for one year.  The judging is scheduled to take place during the week of May 10th.

Since the first competition in 1982, Members of Congress have conducted nearly 5,000 local contests involving more than 650,000 high school students.  The winning entries from each participating Member's district-wide contests last year are currently on display in the Cannon Tunnel connecting the Cannon House Office Building to the U.S. Capitol.