National Congressional Art Competition

My favorite class in high school was, you guessed it, art class. The remarkable Mr.s Debra Dekeuster was my art teacher and one of my biggest cheer leaders. In fact, she entered my art into the National Congressional Art Competition in my sophomore year (2013). To my surprise, she later presented me with a letter stating that I not only was accepted into the show, but was also placed in the top two. I went to the ceremony where I met Paul Ryan, who was presenting the awards. Long story short, I won first place!

They flew me out to Washington D.C. for a ceremony with all the other first place winners from across the nation to see our work hung up in the nation's capitol. My artwork was displayed for a year, just in time for the next year's art admission. Junior year came and I entered a second piece into the competition and to my surprise, I won first place a second time! I flew out to Washington again, this time accompanied by Mrs. Dekeuster.

What a memorable experience I will never forget, all thanks to my art teacher who believed in me. Without her entering me into the competition, I would have never known about it! So I'd like to give a special thanks to you, Mrs. Dekeuster - the cutest and classiest art teacher I've ever had!