DeGette Announces Winner Of First District Congressional Art Competition

DENVER – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) announced that Rachel Napierkowski, a senior at Bishop Machebeuf High School, has won Colorado’s First Congressional District Art Competition with her pen and ink piece entitled, “The King Crane”.

The Congressional Arts Competition is a congressional program that is held throughout the country by members of Congress to raise awareness of the importance of art education and to recognize outstanding art students from their districts. The winning piece will be displayed with others from across the nation in the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

The competition was open to all high school students in the First Congressional District. A panel of volunteers from the local arts community assisted the Congresswoman in judging the annual competition.

“Congratulations to Rachel, as well as all of the students who participated in the competition. Congratulations also to Machebeuf High School for fostering their students’ artistic abilities,” said Rep. DeGette. “As a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I am committed to advancing and strengthening art programs in schools so all students can reach their potential.”

Shawn Michaelis from Colorado’s Finest High School won First Runner up with his work, “Dizzy Getting Bizzy”. Anna Le Pham, who also attends Machebeuf High School, won Second Runner up with “Still Life.”

Two plane tickets have been provided to Rachel by Southwest Airlines so that she may attend a ribbon cutting ceremony in June in Washington D.C. with Rep. DeGette. There will also be a reception held by Congress for all the winners from across the country.

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