Press Releases

Congressman Richard E. Neal visited Agawam High School today with Mayor William Sapelli, Superintendent of Schools Sheila Hoffman, Principal Jim Blain, Assistant Principal Chad Joyal, teachers, parents, and school administrators to congratulate Agawam High School senior Samantha Leary on being selected as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition.

Samantha’s piece entitled “Red Tree Garden, Raleigh, NC” will represent the First Congressional District of Massachusetts and hang in the United States Capitol for one year alongside winners from across the country.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Samantha on winning this very competitive contest,” said Congressman Neal. “Samantha’s piece was chosen by a trio of judges and highlights the immense talent we have here in the 87 cities and towns that comprise the First District of Massachusetts.”

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. This year’s contest in the First Congressional District included 46 submissions from across western and central Massachusetts.

Judges included Alex Duff-Thompson, a local teacher; Erica Barreto, an artist and employee for Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Inclusivity and Diversity Grants Program; and Alliey Pevay, an artist with an art management background.

Samantha plans to attend UCONN in the fall, majoring in veterinary medicine with a studio art minor.

More information on the Congressional Art Competition can be found HERE.

##