Burlington

BHS artist wins congressional district contest

Burlington High School senior Annie Kocha is honored by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan recently as winner of the 1st Congressional District Art Competition. Her piece, titled “Heart,” will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

Artwork created by Burlington High School senior Anne Kocha is headed to the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Kocha’s colored pencil and ink piece, titled “Heart,” was selected winner of this year’s First District Congressional Art Competition among submissions from young artists throughout the district.

Kocha and her art teacher, Carrie McCanna, were recognized at an event held April 29 at the Olde Towne Mall in Janesville.

“Every year, I am more and more impressed by the talents of high school artists in the First District,” Ryan said in a statement released by his office. “Anne’s artwork will be viewed by countless visitors while on display in the U.S. Capitol this year and it’s a tremendous achievement for a young artist.

“The judges had a tough task with so many great pieces and that’s a testament to the teachers, who have undoubtedly helped develop their students’ skills.”

Every year, Ryan invites all high schools in the First Congressional District to submit entries to the art contest, and a panel of local artists judges the entries.

This nationwide art competition, which is voluntarily sponsored by members of Congress, provides high school artists with an opportunity to showcase their work locally, as well as the chance to be recognized at the national level for their talent and creativity.

Since it began in 1982, over 650,000 students have taken part in the annual competition.

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