Press Releases

Babin Office Hosts 2016 Congressional Art Competition Awards Ceremony

Students from Crosby, Warren and Lumberton High Schools Receive Top Honors

Houston, May 4, 2016

Houston, TX – On Saturday, April 30th, the Office of U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) hosted an awards ceremony at the University of Houston – Clear Lake to announce the winners and honor those who participated in the 36th Congressional District’s 2016 Congressional Art Competition. This year's competition, which included 78 total entries from high school students across the district, followed the theme of “The Great Outdoors of TX-36.”

First place was awarded to Skylar Thomas of Crosby High School for her artwork, “Into the Woods,” which will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year. Skylar will also receive two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C., compliments of Southwest Airlines, to attend the national Congressional Art Competition ceremony in June.

Second place was presented to Savannah Smith of Warren High School for her artwork “Serenity of Home” while third place went to Autumn Welch of Lumberton High School for her artwork “The Dock.”  Both will be displayed in Congressman Babin’s office in Washington, D.C.

“My staff and I were truly impressed by the incredible artwork displayed by our young folks across the 36th District of Texas,” said Congressman Babin. “With over 75 submissions perfectly fitting this year’s theme of ‘The Great Outdoors of TX- 36,’ we couldn’t have asked for a more exciting and outstanding group of artwork. I offer my congratulations to this year’s first place winner, Skylar Thomas, and all those who took time to participate. We will be represented proudly in the U.S. Capitol and in our Washington, D.C. office.”

Honorable Mentions:

Krista Wheeler | Orangefield High School | “Texan Portrait”
Justin Livingston | Woodville High School | “Let’s Play Golf”
Maura Fentress | Woodville High School | “My Way Home”
Amanda Sanchez | Crosby High School | “A Quiet Afternoon”
Faith Garland | Lumberton High School | “Setting Sun”
Floyd Mendoza | Pasadena Memorial High School | “Close Call”
Madison Gore | Woodville High School | “Sunset on Steinhagen”
Samantha Carden | Crosby High School | “Changing Season”
Samantha Santana | Crosby High School | “Friendship”       

To view more pictures from the event, please click here.