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Congressman Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) hosted the 2017 Congressional Art Competition, entitled “An Artistic Discovery,” on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Vero Beach Museum of Art in Vero Beach. The theme of this year’s artwork focused on Space. Three finalists were chosen, and several entries were also selected for special recognition. This year’s winning piece, titled Returning to our Roots, painted by Marissa Barfus of Merritt Island High School, will be displayed in the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.

“I commend all of the students who competed this year and would like to thank everyone who participated in putting this great event together,” said Congressman Posey. “Creativity often spearheads innovation, paving the way for our nation’s future.”

2017 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION FINALISTS:

3rd PLACE: Andrew Hung, American Astronaut; School: West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, Brevard High School; Teacher: James Finch

2nd PLACE: Amanda Hadley, Over the Moon; School: Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School – Brevard County; Teacher: Carol Souve

1st PLACE: Marissa Barfus, Returning to our Roots; School: Merritt Island High School, Brevard County; Teacher: Stephanie Rensing

COUNTY MERIT AWARDS:

Brevard County: Michelle Canas, Space & Time, Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School; Teacher: Carol Souve

Indian River County: Alyssa Ruby, Reach for the Stars, School: Indian River Charter High School; Teacher: Lucie Burke

MERIT AWARDS—PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN BREVARD:

Gabriel Camba, The Age of Exploration; School: Palm Bay Magnet High School; Teacher: Gaye Oliver

Zoe Naoumoff, Mars, the New Frontier; School: Merritt Island High School; Teacher: Stephanie Rensing

Lily Inman, Man’s Best Friend; School: Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School; Teacher: Carol Souve

Maggie Dercole, Planet 08177; School: West Shore Jr./Sr. High School; Teacher: James Finch

Erin Stutts, Rocketman; School: Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School; Teacher: Marisa Flint

MERIT AWARDS—PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY:

Zach Foster, Infinity; School: Master’s Academy; Teacher: Gerry Geary

Adam Noonan, Abandoned; School: Indian River Charter High School; Teacher: Liming Tang

Carter Cooper, The Decision to go to the Moon; School: St. Edward’s School; Teacher: Lourdes Alvarez-Rogers