Stevenson student wins national art contest

Amanda Marsh, a 17-year-old junior from Buffalo Grove, earned the top prize in the 10th District as part of the 22nd annual competition, called "An Artistic Discovery."

Marsh's piece, an untitled photographic self-portrait, was selected as the grand-prize winner from a pool of 14 original compositions created by local students.

A panel of professional artists from the North Shore Art League evaluated the submissions based on content, technical skill, design, originality and other criteria.

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk represents the district and praised the students' efforts.

"I am very proud of the high schools throughout the district and the strong art departments available to our young artists," Kirk said in a prepared release. "This is one of the best parts of my job: highlighting talent and initiative in our youth. These works-of-art reflect our tradition of excellence in education and artistic outreach."

Marsh's creation will be displayed in the Capitol complex's Cannon Tunnel for one year.

"I'm very proud to have it there," Marsh said. "I'm excited so many people are going to be able to see it and say, 'That's Amanda's work.'"

Three other local students also were recognized as part of the contest. Stevenson sophomore Ellenor Kruger won second place, while Stevenson senior Daniel Embree and Buffalo Grove High senior Kristine Cabalfin tied for third place.

Their pieces will hang in Kirk's congressional offices in Washington D.C.

All of the students who participated in the competition received an honorary congressional Certificate of Appreciation, as did the art teachers from their high schools.

Since it was launched in 1982, more than 700,000 students have participated in the congressional contest.