WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Warren Davidson (R-Troy) announced Sydney Spata, a sophomore at Lakota West High School, as grand prize winner of the 8th District Congressional Art Competition for her oil pastel painting, “Behind the Lense.” Her painting along with grand prize winners from other districts will hang in the U.S. Capitol Building for the coming year. 

“Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s art competition. We are lucky to have so many talented artists in our district,” said Davidson.

The panel of competition judges selected Sydney’s painting from among 208 entries by 136 students from 15 district high schools. 

Samantha Baird, a senior from Ross High School, received first prize in the photography category for her submission, “Shift.” Her piece will hang in the personal office of Rep. Davidson. 

Other winners include: 

2nd Place – Other Media: Shelby Lambright, a senior at Lakota West High School, for her oil painting, “Drowning.”
 
2nd Place – Photography: Megan Lee, a junior at Lakota West High School, for her photograph, “Distorted View.”
 
3rd Place – Other Media: Tyson Jung, a sophomore at Lakota West High School, for his Sharpie Marker, “Omelette.” 
 
3rd Place – Photography: Savannah Brown, a senior at Butler Tech School of the Arts, for her photograph, “Forgotten Love.” 
 
Honorable Mention: Maddison Wagner, Troy High School; Taylor Sheehan, Ross High School; Alyson Power, Lakota West High School; Lily Parsons, Miami Valley CTC; Aleah Oxley, Lakota West High School; Kyra Mounts, Tecumseh High School; Alyssa Maul, Miami Valley CTC; Victoria Livesay, Tippecanoe High School; Carly Landers, Lakota East High School; Meghan Glass, Lakota West High School; Samantha Freeland, Lakota West High School; Katelyn Ernst, Miami Valley CTC; Lilyana Bryan, Lakota East High School; Erin Arslan, Lakota West High School; Audrey Albert, Lakota West High School.

More information on the Congressional Art Competition can be found at davidson.house.gov.