[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E686]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   HONORING THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE 16TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT ARTS 
                              COMPETITION

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                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to honor the students, 
teachers and volunteers who participated in 16th Congressional District 
Arts Competition this past Saturday in Southgate, Michigan. All 
totaled, 73 students from twelve area high schools participated in this 
year's competition and I want to say thank you to everyone involved in 
putting this extraordinary event together.
  It gives me great pleasure to announce the winners this morning. I 
offer my congratulations to Jennifer Senko of Lincoln Park High School, 
who took top honors with her self-portrait entry; Rebecca Gruden of 
Dundee High School in Monroe County, who won the second place prize for 
``Alice's Cup of Tea''; Amber George, also of Lincoln Park High, who 
placed third for ``The Old House''; and finally Brian D. Goodwin of 
Grosse Ile High School, who received the fourth place award for his 
work ``Belle Isle.''
  Finally, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of a wonderful 
woman and educator from Lincoln Park High School, Mrs. Valerie Truax. 
Valerie has been involved with the Congressional Arts Competition for 
many years. Unfortunately, this will be her last year, because after 34 
years of instructing the students of Lincoln Park in the visual arts, 
Valerie is retiring. It is a beautiful tribute and a reflection of her 
dedication and enthusiasm that two of her students won honors at the 
competition, with Jennifer taking the top prize. Congratulations 
Valerie, thank you for your fine service to your community and to the 
arts. We will miss you.
  Jennifer Senko, the first place winner received a $100 U.S. Savings 
Bond and will be flown to Washington, D.C. to participate in an awards 
ceremony with other first-place winners from around the country. Her 
winning self-portrait will be shown at the Capitol Exhibit with the 
artwork of other first-place winners in the Cannon Tunnel--an 
underground, pedestrian walkway between the U.S. House of 
Representatives and the Capitol--through May 2002.
  The artwork of Rebecca Gruden, Amber George and Brian D. Goodwin will 
be proudly displayed in my Washington office through May 2002, where 
visitors from all over the world will have the opportunity to 
appreciate the talents of these fine young artists from Michigan's 16th 
Congressional District. I am looking forward to the arrival of these 
fine works of art.

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