RTHS student’s work will adorn the US Capitol

Posted 9/21/21

Leslie Rodriguez-Nambo of RTHS is this year's Congressional Art Competition winner for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

RTHS student’s work will adorn the US Capitol

Posted

OTTAWA – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) announced the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for the 16th District of Illinois. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many schools operating on a hybrid model of both in-person and virtual learning, students were able to submit their art entries digitally as well as in person at the Congressman’s Ottawa District Office.

This year, the Office of Congressman Kinzinger received more than 20 entries for the art competition.

After personally calling to share the news with the winning student, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement to announce the names of IL-16’s winner and honorable mentions:

“I’m pleased to announce this year’s Congressional Art Competition winner for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District: Leslie Rodriguez-Nambo of Rochelle Township High School. Her artwork titled ‘Sassy’ was created with colored pencils, and showcases Leslie’s exemplary skills and attention to detail.”

As the winning piece, “Sassy” will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one full year. Additionally, our three honorable mentions winners will have their artwork displayed in my district offices in Ottawa, Rockford and Watseka. 

One of those honorable mentions is RTHS senior Marlen Hueramo. You may remember that Marlen won the Congressional Art Award last year with her piece El Loro, which was on display in Washington D.C. during 2020.  As an honorable mention this time, her work, Hacienda Tamales, will be on display in Congressman Kinzinger’s Rockford office.

“On behalf of the 16th District, I’m proud to congratulate Leslie and our three honorable mentions — we are lucky to have their impressive artwork adorn our walls,” Kinzinger said. “A special thank you to all the teachers (and parents) who have adapted during these challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic, and continued to encourage their students to participate in this year’s competition. We have such talent in our communities, and I’m grateful to each student who shared their artistic gift with us.”