Diaz-Balart Recognizes Winner of Congressional Art Competition

Washington, D.C.– Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) recognized Carmen J. Rico for her winning piece in the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. Her piece titled “Hydro-nymph (Florida Mermaid)” was chosen out of 83 entries submitted from 13 participating schools. Rep. Diaz-Balart visited Rico at her school, Southwest Miami Senior High School, to congratulate her for the winning piece. Rico was also presented with a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of her winning this year’s competition.

Carmen Rico, holding the flag, is pictured with Rep. Diaz-Balart, her mother Ms. Amarilis Pernas, her sister Ada B. Rico, and Southwest Miami Senior High School principal Carlos A. Diaz.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 as a way to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of the country’s youth. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have participated nationwide. Each spring a winner is selected from each Congressional District in the U.S.