Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated two Lee County high school students today for winning two of three top prizes in the 23rd annual Congressional Art Contest this past weekend.

Auburn High School junior Shelley Laband won first place with her colored pencil drawing “Shabanu” and received $250 in prize money for her efforts. As top winner, Laband will have her artwork displayed in an entrance to the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., along with other first place winners from across the country.

Opelika High School senior Megan Jones won third place with her graphite “Day Dreams” and received $150 for her entry.

“I congratulate each and every student who participated this year for their extraordinary achievements and beautiful artwork,” Rogers said. “Each of them serves as shining examples of the promise of today’s Alabama youth, and I know their families and teachers are all as proud of them as I am.”

This year’s competition, “An Artistic Discovery,” took place on May 8 at the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum and Art Center in Sylacauga, Alabama, and was open to all high school-aged students across the Third District. Approximately 30 students from across the Third District submitted artwork, which was judged by a panel of three artists from the Sylacauga area.