Hoyer Hosts Reception to Honor Participants of the 2014 Fifth District Congressional Art and App Competitions

BOWIE, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) hosted a reception this evening to honor the participants of the 2014 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition and Congressional App Challenge.

"Tonight's reception recognized the very talented Fifth District students who have engaged in two unique opportunities – the Congressional Art Competition, and for the very first time, the Congressional App Challenge," stated Congressman Hoyer. "I am so impressed by the creativity, innovation, and hard work of this year's participants, and am incredibly proud that their extraordinary work will be on display in the Capitol and in my Congressional offices over the next year. I thank them for taking part in this year's competitions, and I congratulate them on their outstanding submissions."

The Congressional Art Competition – An Artistic Discovery – has been held each year for the past 33 years to showcase artwork from each Congressional district around the country. Representatives of the Fifth District arts community review submissions for the Fifth District Congressional Art Competition and selected Jekko Syquia from Waldorf, Maryland as this year's winner. His artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and other artwork submitted by Fifth District students will be displayed in Congressman Hoyer's offices throughout the year.

This year marks the first annual Fifth District Congressional AppChallenge.  Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition is a nationwide event that invites students from all participating Congressional districts to compete by creating and presenting an original software application, or "app," for a mobile, tablet, or computer platform of their choice. The inaugural winners of the competition are Paris Ferguson, Kamesha Hicks, Rainbow Lewis, Señora Louis, Jameia Lynn, Elizabeth Pratt, and Kayla Young, a group of students from Great Mills High School that developed an anti-bullying app called "Stand Up!" The students participate in a mentoring organization at Great Mills High School called Sisters In Success.  A video presentation of their app will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for the following year.