(Banner Staff Photo by Don Treul) Kory Prince, a senior at Bullard High School, received honorable mention in a congressional district art contest. U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX-01) announced the winners of the annual district wide art contest, “An Artistic Discovery,” during a reception Dec. 6, at Tyler Junior College.

East Texas students of high schools from all over the 1st Congressional District were invited to submit their original work as part of a competition held across the nation. Professors from local colleges served as judges for the competition.

Kory Prince, a senior at Bullard High School, received honorable mention for Untitled Acrylic, Ink, and Color Pencil Piece. He received a special certificate from Gohmert in recognition of his winning artwork.

“I was happy I got it. I was very surprised,” Prince said. “I didn’t expect it.”

Prince said his project, which is mostly a hobby for the BHS senior, was an acrylic ab- stact painting.

“It is such a delight to see the marvelous talent of our students showcased through their unique, artistic creations. The display of creativity from our young artists is truly inspiring, and their works will continue to bless others as the pieces hang in the Capitol and in our offices in Washington, D.C. and East Texas,” Gohmert said. “We are so proud of everyone who participated and hope this event will encourage these artists to continue to develop their gifts.”

First place honors were awarded to Mara Hartsell of Marshall and a junior at Texas Early College High School, for her “Sleipner” Pencil Drawing. Her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she will be awarded an Artistic Honors Scholarship and have the op- portunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the national reception and view her artwork in the Capitol next summer.

Rachel Graham of Tyler and a junior at All Saints Episcopal School, placed second her for “Marie” Graphite Drawing. Blake Caldarera of Longview and a senior at Spring Hill High, placed third for “Desert Juxtaposition” Oil Paint and Colored Pencil Piece. Second and third place finalists are invited to display their art in the offices of Gohmert in Washington, D.C. and Tyler, respectively.