The 2016 Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional Award.

By Joe Wilson

There are two great opportunities for students in the Second Congressional District to earn recognition for their talents: the 2016 Congressional Art Competition and the Congressional Award.

This year, I am honored to serve as the Republican Co-Chair for the national Congressional Art Competition, and grateful to announce that the office is currently accepting submissions from high school students in the Second Congressional District. The winning artwork will be displayed for a year in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, and the artist will be invited to attend the Congressional Art Competition Ceremony in Washington this June, and will receive scholarship opportunities.

The theme for this year’s competition is “America.” You can get more information about entering the Congressional Art Competition online here. Please submit your entries by 5:00pm on April 22, 2016 to:

Midlands Office
c/o Mariah Miller
1700 Sunset Blvd (US 378)
West Columbia, SC 29169

Aiken/Barnwell Office
c/o Martha Ruthven
1930 University Parkway
Aiken, SC 29801

I look forward to seeing the incredible talent of our young artists in South Carolina. View last year’s winner here.

A second opportunity for students to receive recognition for their hard work and community involvement is by earning the Congressional Award. Students aged 14 to 23 can set goals in each of the program areas and learn first-hand the value of service to your community. The award recognizes students for achievements in volunteering and public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition and exploration. Students can register online and track their progress here.

Please contact Annie Richardson in the Washington Office if you have any questions about The Congressional Award. I was grateful to present the award to a constituent last year —read more about it here.