Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4) today announced the winners of the Fourth Congressional District’s annual art competition.

    The top prize – best in show – went to Jennifer Skidmore, a senior at Freehold Township High School.  Her entry, which depicts classic American automobiles, is entitled “American Curves.” Skidmore’s work will hang for one year in the hallways of the House Office Building complex in Washington, D.C.

    Skidmore’s winning entry qualifies her for a $4,000 scholarship to Georgian Court College or a $3,000 scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design should she attend either college.

    “Each year, I am extremely impressed with the scores of accomplished entries submitted as part of the competition.  The student artists have proven over the years that the Fourth District has a wealth of talented young artists.  Our competition highlights their talents and gives the students a great opportunity to showcase their works,” Smith said.

    Ninety-one high school students from schools throughout the Fourth District competed in this year’s competition.  The entries were judge by three local artists.

    First place honors went to Elise Pennington, a Wall Township High School Senior, who took top honors last year with her graphite portrait “Easter Sunday.”  Pennington proved her versatility this year by winning honors for her water color entitled “Hello in There.”  She also qualifies for a scholarship to Georgian Court.

    Melissa Carroll, a junior who is also from Wall Township High School, won second place for her locally-inspired acrylic called “The Building in Asbury Park.”  Third place went to Cheryl Bohlin, a senior at Howell High School, for her acrylic entitled “Home.”

    Jessee Maline, a junior at Jackson Memorial High School, took honorable mention accolades with her chalk and colored pencils piece entitled “Multi Colored Ribbons.

    “I hope that in the years to come, more students continue to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to participate in a competitive art competition,” Smith said.

    Reporters and photographers are welcome to attend the award ceremony scheduled to be held this Friday, May 9; from 3-4 p.m. in the art gallery at Georgian Court College.