Royse City High School Student Wins Congressional Art Competition

Congressman John Ratcliffe announced the winners for the high school art competition his office held in conjunction with the U.S. House of Representatives.  The 2015 Grand Prize Winner is Aaron Tamez of Royse City High School followed by Piper Fisk, Rylie Power and Colton Johnson.

“I am extremely impressed with the quality of artwork my office received this year. Aaron Tamez’s artwork was sensational and will represent our district and Royse City well in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.” said U.S. Rep. Ratcliffe. “Ms. Power, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Fisk should be extremely proud of their work as well, along with the rest of the young artists that participated in this year’s contest. I appreciate how these students’ teachers and parents supported their efforts. All of these students are very talented and have bright futures.” Ratcliffe added.

The Congressional Art Competition, themed “An Artistic Discovery,” is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the best artistic talent throughout each congressional district. The competition is open to all high school students. The overall winning artwork of each participating district will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

The 4th Congressional District of Texas winners were selected by nine judges from across the District, including college art department heads, art league members and accomplished artists.

The winners:

Grand Prize Winner – Aaron Tamez “1950’2 Rustic Beauty”; Artwork will hang in the Capitol.

1st Runner-Up – Piper Fisk “Forward”; Artwork will hang in Mr. Ratcliffe’s D.C. Office. Rockwall Heath High School

2nd Place – Rylie Power “It Is Not the Same Anymore”; Artwork will hang in Mr. Ratcliffe’s D.C. Office. Texas High School

3rd Place- Colton Johnson “Happy With You”; Artwork will hang in Mr. Ratcliffe’s D.C. Office. Texas High School

Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)

Emily McLeod  –“Colorful Sighting” Hooks High School

Cole Wallace -  “Rustic Ichthus” Royse City High School

Jera Davis -  “Cooled Off” Texas High School

Marie Ramirez - “Lighting Away” Chapel Hill High School

Ashalee Wagstaff - “Persistence of Memory” Hooks High School

Maricela Hernandez “The Dance” Chapel Hill High School

Each student who entered, with the exception of the Grand Prize Winner will be eligible for the “People’s Choice Award,” an online competition where constituents can vote by liking a student’s artwork at https://on.fb.me/1JFIhDl (U.S. Rep. Ratcliffe’s Facebook Page). The People’s Choice Award winner will also be featured in U.S. Representative Ratcliffe’s D.C. office. Mr. Tamez will also receive two round-trip airline tickets to attend the winners’ reception in Washington, D.C. with Congressman Ratcliffe.

Contest finalist artwork is currently featured here: https://ratcliffe.house.gov/media-center/photo-galleries/2015-congressional-art-competition