The annual Congressional Art Contest was held at the Islip Arts Council in Bay Shore on Sunday, April 14.

Two students from Connetquot, Sidney Shurgin and Sofia Policano, won first place and honorable mention in the competition held by congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2nd District).

Connetquot superintendent Dr. Joseph Centamore attended the event and said, “It was such an honor to attend this prestigious ceremony, where the amazing artistic talents of both Sidney Shurgin and Sofia Policano were displayed and recognized by congressman Garbarino and the Islip Arts Council. We are so proud of how, through their wonderful creative abilities, they have so beautifully represented Connetquot High School and the school district. It is also a testament to our incredible fine arts program and its dedicated instructors.”

Garbarino said, “It is such a pleasure hosting the Congressional Art Competition for New York’s Second District each year and seeing the talent and passion that our young people in the arts have. This year’s winning piece by Sidney Shurgin depicts the feeling that her generation is the future and holds the future of this world in their hands. Her art will be displayed in the Capitol for one year, where members of Congress, staff, and visitors from all over the world will be able to view her work. I thank all of this year’s participants for their submissions and the Islip Arts Council for lending their expertise to the selection process.”

As part of a larger nationwide competition, The Artistic Discovery Contest, high school students in grades 9 through 12 from the entire Second Congressional District were eligible to submit their work.

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district.

Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries.

While there is no set theme required for submissions, students’ artwork should reflect the interests of the artist or a topic about which they are passionate.

The winning artwork of the Second District’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol building, and the student will be invited to the luncheon in Washington, D.C., in June.

The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country.

Aside from a trip to Washington, D.C., winning artwork from students will be displayed in U.S. Capitol.