Art students from Lawrence High School claimed three of the top four places in this year’s Second District Congressional Art Competition, led by first-place winner Amaiya Reeder, a senior.

Reeder’s work, titled “Touching My Identity,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year, along with winners in each of the other congressional districts. She will also receive a free flight to Washington so she can see her work on display.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, left, presented awards in the 2014 Congressional Art Competition to three Lawrence High School students: senior Amaiya Reeder, first place; senior Ashley Hocking, third place; and sophomore Sophia Gilbert, fourth place.

“Eastern Kansas is filled with talented artists,” said Rep. Lynn Jenkins, who represents the 2nd Congressional District. “This year, I received more entries than any prior year, and I am always very impressed by the quality of the artwork submitted.”

Topeka West High School’s Jared Scrinospskie won second place with his work “The Room,” followed by LHS senior Ashley Hocking with her work “Looking to the Past,” and LHS sophomore Sophia Gilbert Smith with her piece titled “Recollection.”

Each year since 1982, members of the U.S. House have sponsored the Congressional Art Competition to recognize young artists around the country.

Touching

The

Looking

Recollection, by Sophia Gilbert Smith.