WHS Students Sweep Top Honors From Renacci in Congressional Art Competition

Three Westlake High School students, all instructed by WHS teacher Jerry Everhard were honored by Congressman Jim Renacci (OH-16) April 9. The three, Madeline Lee, Paige Dawson and Ricky Kolar took the top three spots for the 2013 Congressional Art Competition for Renacci’s 16th U.S. Congressional district which stretches from Cuyahoga to Wayne counties.

“Their work is just phenomenal,” Everhard said. “They take it a step beyond.”

The presentation was all the more impressive since not only did the three earn all the top spots for the competition, but are all instructed by Everhard, despite the school boasting four art teachers.

Madeline earned Best in Show for her piece Rainbow Street.”  Her painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The Washington exhibit will also include other contest winners nationwide. Madeline is a sophomore at Westlake High School and is the daughter of Amy Lee.

Madeline said her she was inspired after a vacation to Charleston, SC. She has earned numerous awards for her artwork including a Scholastic award.

Also earning honors from Westlake High School were:

1st Runner Up- Paige Dawson (Westlake, Ohio) - Took 2nd honors for her piece “Westside Market.” Her piece will be displayed for one year in the 16th District Congressional Office in Wadsworth. Paige is a sophomore at Westlake High School and is the daughter of Brandi and Todd Dawson. She said her preferred medium is acrylic paint.

2nd Runner Up- Ricky Kolar (Westlake, Ohio) - Took 3rd honors for his piece “East 14th Street.” His piece will be displayed for one year in the 16th District Congressional Office in Wadsworth. Ricky is a senior at Westlake High School and is the son of Pam and Rick Kolar. Ricky said he intends to make a career of art and plans on studying game design at the Cleveland Institute of Art where he will attend on scholarship.