Bellefonte Area High School student places second in PA-05 Congressional District Art Competition

A Bellefonte Area High School student placed second this year in the annual Congressional Art Contest. Nolan Burgess submitted work he named “Up Close” in the district competition through Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Howard Township). Desarie Booth, Bella Corman, Samantha Hackenberg and Sophia Heltman, also BAHS students, were named honorable mentions.

According to a report from Thompson’s office, the Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to “provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents.”

Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the national competition.

Burgess’ piece will hang in Thompson’s office in Washington D.C. The artwork of other Bellefonte Area honorable mentions will hang in Thompson’s Bellefonte office.

Last year, of 39 entries, two Bellefonte Area High School students also placed in the annual PA-05 Congressional Art Competition. Class of 2018 graduate Megan Smith placed first for her watercolor piece titled, “Spoons.” Corman, now a sophomore, placed second for her watercolor submission titled, “Silverware.” Smith’s piece was showcased at an art exhibit at the U.S. Capitol Building.