Del. Greg Habeeb announced and recognized the winners of his annual 8th District Art Contest on Thursday, Feb. 7, at the state Capitol in Richmond.

“This year’s winners had some truly exceptional artwork,” said Habeeb. “The six winners were chosen from close to a hundred entries from schools across the Roanoke and New River Valleys.”

Winners are:

• Georgia Brown, fourth grade at East Salem Elementary School, with “The Amazing Deer” done in markers. Parents are Katie and Peter Brown.
• Iliana Pack, fourth grade at South Salem Elementary School, with “Cardinal” done in colored pencil. Parents are Steve and Lela Brown.
• Callie Pokorski, freshman grade at Blacksburg High School, with “The Virginia Rail” done in soft pastel. Parents are James and Dale Pokorski.
• Harrison Early, sixth grade at Craig County Middle School, with “Virginia Owl” done in colored pencil. Parents are Daniel and Tracey Early.
• Andrew Newby, junior at Craig County High School, with “The Green Sea Turtle” done in pastels. Parent is Tina Newby.
• Olivia Allen, senior at Cave Spring High School, with “The Bay’s Beautiful Swimmer” done in acrylic paint. Parents are Brad and Melissa Allen.

On Feb. 7, Habeeb unveiled the students’ artwork at his office in the General Assembly Building, where it will hang for the next year. The art contest winners and their families were in attendance for the ceremony.

“I feel that it’s important to recognize students for their achievements,” said Del. Habeeb. “It’s my hope that by having the students here, they will not only feel accomplished for winning the contest, but also gain an interest in the important work we do here in Richmond at the General Assembly.”

Following the unveiling ceremony, Del. Habeeb introduced the group as they sat in the gallery of the House of Delegates chamber to the body as a whole. The delegates applauded as Habeeb recognized their achievements and thanked them for coming to Richmond.

The winners and their families also received a full tour of the Capitol grounds.

Please contact Erik Rison with any questions by calling 804-698-1008.

Submitted by Erik Rison.