NJ-04 produces annual art competition winners from among 650k students
HAMILTON, N.J. — Since 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the national Annual Congressional Art Competition, and this year’s winners from NJ 4th Congressional District were awarded at 
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Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), who sponsors the annual art show for high school students in NJ 4th Congressional District, announced the 2018 winners.
“The 2018 competition was one of the largest in 25 years,” Smith said. “We had many talented entries from across Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties. I congratulate ‘Best-In-Show’ winner, Jordan Heine. Her ‘American Graffiti’ was amazing. I congratulate all the winners and participants. The judges had a tough time picking the winners because of the amount of quality entries.”
The students’ artwork was displayed at RWJ-Hamilton art gallery since March 19. Judging took place on March 23, and the award ceremony took place April 12. 
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“Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital graciously hosted this competition at its wonderful Lakefront Tower Gallery,” said Smith. “Hospital visitors, as well as employees and patients have again responded positively to the show.”
The eight students who won this year are:
• Best in show – Jordan Heine, 11th grade, Wall High School; “American Graffiti” (acrylic on canvas)
• First place runner-up – Micayla Augustyn, 12th grade, Wall High School; “Dog Daze of Summer’’ (oil on canvas)
• Second place runner-up – Kylie Frew, 10th grade, Freehold Township High School; “City Hall” (colored pencil)
• Third place runner-up – Brynna Fisher, 10th grade, Princeton Day School; “The Point of Construction” (mixed media collage)
• Honorable mention – Sarah Fakult, 11th grade, Freehold Township Regional High School; “Empower the Bully Breed with Flowers” (oil on canvas)
• Honorable mention – Gazal Mathur, 9th grade, Robbinsville High School; “Sea’s Sick” (colored pencil)
• Honorable mention photography – Cece McCarthy, 12th grade, Red Bank Regional High School; “Sky Light (digital photography)
Three judges chose this year’s winners at RWJ March 23. The judges are Debbie Jencsik and Jim Inzero of Ocean County; and Rich Thompson of Mercer County.
“I am grateful to the judges for lending their time and expertise to this show,” said Smith. “I also thank RWJ-Hamilton President Richard Freeman and his staff, as well as the invaluable assistance of Lakefront Gallery curator Sheila Geisier and other members of the Princeton Photo Club which manages shows at the gallery. They all did an amazing job.”
The Congressional Institute sponsors this national high school art competition each year. It is an effort to recognize and foster artistic talent in each congressional district.
Students submit their entries to their Member of Congress office, and a panel of judges selects the winners. Participation in the contest is at the discretion of each member office.
The Best in Show winners are recognized at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and the artwork are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.
For more information about eh 2018 NJ-04 show or to view recent years’ winners, click here.
