[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 78 (Friday, May 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ARTISTIC DISCOVERY COMPETITION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Ms. SOLIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the winner of 
this year's California's 32nd Congressional District Congressional 
``Artistic Discovery'' competition and the contribution of all the 
people that made this event possible. As a Member of Congress, I am 
proud to support the artistic talent of our local youth by being part 
of ``An Artistic Discovery.''
  This year students from 16 high schools in California's 32nd 
Congressional District submitted 186 pieces of work for Artistic 
Discovery. The winner of the competition was Jose Curiel from Arroyo 
High School, a resident of El Monte, California, for his piece titled 
``All Alone.'' Jose will be invited to Washington, DC, for the ribbon-
cutting ceremony, and will have his artwork displayed in the Cannon 
Tunnel for 1 year. I am proud of Jose, all the runners up and honorable 
mentions, and all the youth who participated for sharing their talent 
with the community.
  I would also like to thank the 2007 Artistic Discovery Committee for 
their support for the arts, for their dedication to California's 32nd 
Congressional District and their young talent, and for a successful 
``Artistic Discovery'' competition. This event could not have been 
possible without the time and support of the 2007 Artistic Discovery 
Committee. This year's committee has truly set a standard with their 
hard work. I would like to recognize and thank this year's committee:
  Denise Tornatore from the Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education 
School, who served as the Chair of the Committee; Carol Facciponti from 
Carousel Reality; Pascual Garrido from SCE Federal Credit Union; Irene 
Portillo from Project Amiga; Billy Rugh from Creative Planet School of 
the Arts; Michael Carney from AT&T Elizabeth Bagwell from City of 
Hope; Kristen Pugh from City of Hope; Marianna Lake from the Valley 
County Water District; Dr. Ramon Zavala from Baldwin Park Unified; 
Marissa Castro from Southern California Edison; Helen Romero Shaw from 
the Gas Company; Nadia Andrade from UPS; Shirley Batman from Bank of 
America; Michelle Bart from Helping Heroes Productions; Kevin McDonald 
from Foothill Transit; and, Debbie Guerra from AT&T Pioneers.
  Just as important as the committee's dedication to California's 32nd 
District's ``An Artistic Discovery'' competition is the dedication of 
all the teachers of the participating schools. All our teachers deserve 
a big thank you for recognizing and supporting the talented students 
that participated in this event and encouraging them to submit their 
artwork. I thank all of our teachers for the work and generosity they 
give each and every day in the classroom. These submitted pieces of 
artwork are a testament to the energy, enthusiasm, encouragement and 
support that our teachers are providing.
  The artwork that was submitted to California's 32nd District's 
artistic competition was awe-inspiring. I commend all the students who 
participated for using their talents in such a positive way and sharing 
those talents with others. I look forward to next year's ``An Artistic 
Discovery'' art competition and encourage all the supporters to 
continue with their good work.

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