Toms River Students Receive High Arts Honors

Toms River High School North students were recently honored by Congressman Jon Runyan for their achievement in art. 

The 2013 Congressional Art Competition Best in Show winner, Carli Grace of Toms River, will have her work entitled "A Walk in My Shoes" displayed in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capital Building in Washington D.C. for one year

"This year’s Art Competition entries were truly amazing," Runyan said in a statement. "I was very impressed with the talent from all of the students. I can only imagine how difficult the decision was for the judge. I am looking forward to hosting Carli in Washington D.C. and showing off her work to my colleagues and the millions of people who walk the halls of the Capitol Building."

First place winner Christopher Lesniak of Toms River will have his work, "Hungry Like a Wolf," displayed in Runyan's Toms River office.

The pair, joined by teachers Joyce Houlihan and Robin Coveleski, were recently had the opportunity to meet Runyan. Photos from their visit were posted to the Congressman's Flickr page. 

"The opportunity to view the work entered in this year’s Congressional Art Competition was enriching and encouraging," said juror Karen Chigounis, director of ARTS Education and the Associate Curator at Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown. 

Founded in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition provides an opportunity for members of congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents, according to a news release. Each spring over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.