MARYVILLE, Mo. – Artwork by northwest Missouri high school students recently adorned the walls of Northwest Missouri State University-St. Joseph as part of the sixth annual art competition sponsored by the University and Congressman Sam Graves, who represents the Sixth Congressional District of Missouri.

A panel of artists, in coordination with Northwest Professor of Art Phillip Laber, selected the following winners of this year’s contest:

· First place: Amanda Rader, Lathrop High School; “Union Station” (chalk)

· Second place: BreeAnna Saur, Lathrop High School; “Working Hands” (pencil)

· Third place: Abi Painter, Lathrop High School; “Silverware” (charcoal pencil)

· Honorable mentions:

o Simaran Singl, Fort Osage High School; “Underground” (print)

o Linsey Brewer, Winnetonka High School; “Classmate” (charcoal)

o Alexandra Eblen, Blue Springs South High School; “Discovery” (photography)

The contest winners were honored Feb. 1 at a reception at Northwest-St. Joseph where Graves presented the awards. As the first place winner, Rader receives two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C., to attend a ceremony with other winners from across the United States and see her artwork displayed in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capital. She also received a $500 scholarship to attend Northwest.

Additionally, Graves will display Saur’s work at his Kansas City office and Painter’s work at his St. Joseph office.