[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 FOR MARY JO TRIMBELL AND SUSAN SMITH'S DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE

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                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, this week we recognized the winners of the 
annual Congressional High School Art Competition. I served as honorary 
chairman in the event in my congressional district, which took place 
April 20, 1997. This art competition, known as ``An Artistic 
Discovery,'' is a tribute to the boundless creativity of our many young 
people. This program was launched in 1982, and the nationwide art 
competition has already produced thousands of local competitions which 
involve over 500,000 high school students. The winners have their works 
displayed in the Capitol complex for the next year, so we can all enjoy 
the fruits of their talents. This contest depends on the efforts of 
many at the local level. I want to recognize both Mary Jo Trimbell, 
president of the Little Egypt Arts Association, and Susan Smith, 
Decatur Area Arts Council executive director, and the members of these 
organizations for co-chairing the 16th Annual Congressional High School 
Art Competition. Arranging an event of this caliber requires much time, 
energy, personal sacrifice, and many dedicated long hours.
  Mr. Speaker, Decatur and Marion, IL, may not be towns that come to 
mind when you think of art, but they are representative of many areas 
in my district and across the Nation that recognize the importance of 
art in our lives. The people in the 19th Congressional District 
recognize this need and this event is an appreciation of our gifted, 
young artists. It is always nice to see so many people volunteer and 
make this event fun, as Michael Bryant, Marie Samuel, and John Yack 
did--they took time out to judge the entries.
  The overall winner of the Congressional Art Competition in the 19th 
Congressional District was Amber Droste, a recent Robinson High School 
Graduate. The two winners of the People's Choice Awards were Toby Grubb 
of MacArthur High School in Decatur and James Moseman of Marion High 
School, who was a winner of two awards. Joining Grubb and Moseman as 
finalists were Ginnie Gessell of Benton, Kenna Funneman and Elizabeth 
Ordner from Teutopolis High School, Kevin Edwards of Stewardson-
Strasburg High School, Kranston Kincaid of Herrin High School, and Brad 
Maynor of Pope County High School.
  Mr. Speaker, this event helps to acknowledge the many talented 
youngsters who have dedicated countless hours to their art. It takes a 
fine mind to transfer the artists' interpretation of art onto paper, or 
express it through some other medium. Southern and central Illinois, 
according to world standards, may not be considered artistic meccas, 
but they certainly were on April 20, 1997. This competition provides an 
opportunity for our youth all to shine, and I am grateful for the help 
and encouragement provided by those who helped. I would like to 
congratulate all of the participants in the Congressional Art 
Competition this year, and all the people who helped make it possible. 
Mr. Speaker, what a wonderful ``Artistic Discovery.''

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