Pallone Recognizes Outstanding High School Students at Spring Awards Ceremony

May 25, 2022

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced the recipients of the Congressional Award, this year's U.S. Service Academy nominees, and the winners of the 2022 Sixth Congressional District High School Arts Competition at an awards ceremony. Students representing several local high schools were honored at a reception at the West End Arts Center.

Pallone honored the 2022 recipients of the Congressional Award. Created by his predecessor, the late U.S. Rep. Jim Howard, the Congressional Award recognizes the initiative, achievement, and volunteer services of young people. The recipients include:

Bronze Congressional Award Recipients:

Anish Chaganti, Edison
Mirika Jambudi, Edison
Paige Vrankovic, Matawan

Silver Congressional Award Recipients:

Anish Chaganti, Edison
Mirika Jambudi, Edison
Annika Santhanam, Edison
Sibi Suriyanarayan Tiruchirapalli Venketaramani, Edison
Kavya Venkatesan, Laurence Harbor
Paige Vrankovic, Matawan

Gold Congressional Award Recipients:

Anish Chaganti, Edison
Mirika Jambudi, Edison
Varija Mehta, Edison
Annika Santhanam, Edison
Shivam Syal, Edison
Paige Vrankovic, Matawan

"The Congressional Award is given to individuals whose accomplishments and dedication to their communities exemplifies the best qualities of the future," Pallone said. "I'm proud to award this honor to this year's recipients, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."

The New Jersey Congressman also honored the candidates he nominated to the U.S. Service Academies. The nominees include:

U.S. Air Force Academy

Varad Donwad, St. Joseph High School
Ashvath Goteti, Northwestern Preparatory School
Andres Sullivan, Northwestern Preparatory School
Michael Weikum, St. Joseph High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Emily Cortes, South Plainfield High School
Varad Donwad, St. Joseph High School
Kellen Dooley, Homeschool
Mary Catherine Harvey, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
Aidan Pierce, St. Joseph High School
Bailey Shafer, Metuchen High School
Aditya Sinha, Colts Neck High School
John Smolenski, St. Joseph High School
Justin Tennant, Raritan High School

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Emily Cortes, South Plainfield High School
Aidan Pierce, St. Joseph High School
Emmanuel Ramos, JFK Memorial High School

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

April Ivan, Marine Academy of Science and Technology
John Smolenski, St. Joseph High School

"The value of military service to our nation cannot be overstated, and I am proud of the commitment that these nominees to America's service academies have shown to serving their country," said Pallone. "New Jersey's 6th Congressional District is home to so many bright and qualified students. These nominees showed outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements, leadership, and motivation in serving our country. I take these nominations very seriously because our nation's service academies are some of the highest caliber institutions and are committed to graduating leaders of character, honor, and integrity. I wish all of the nominees the very best of luck in the future and thank them for their willingness to serve."

Young artists from various schools in Middlesex and Monmouth counties participated in this year's art competition, which was part of the nationwide program known as "An Artistic Discovery." Local judges chose first, second and third place winners. They also awarded 15 honorable mentions. The first-place winner, Jenica Liang, will have her artwork displayed for the next year in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Congressional Art Competition Winners:

First Place: Sanika Godbole, JP Stevens High School

Second Place: Dev Doshi, JP Stevens High School

Third Place: Emily Hsu, JP Stevens High School

Honorable Mentions:

Sebastian Alarcon, Perth Amboy High School
Felicia Chao, Highland Park High School
Elliot Dong, Piscataway High School
Emily Koziej, Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School – East Brunswick
Vivian Lee, JP Stevens High School
Lauren Li, JP Stevens High School
Sarah Isabel Liu, JP Stevens High School
Shannon Jade Liu, JP Stevens High School
Anthony Luisi, Middlesex County Vocational & Technical School – East Brunswick
Gina Palladino, Edison High School
Neha Patel, Edison High School
Ydaliz Ramos, Perth Amboy High School
Takovah Townsend, Piscataway High School
Jessie Jra Xing Li, Highland Park High School
Jim Yu, St. Joseph High School

"I have long believed that Congress should play a major role in encouraging the arts," Pallone said. "This competition provides a forum to help the aspiring young artists of our area gain recognition and exposure. Young artists can gain confidence in themselves and their abilities by displaying their work and having it evaluated by knowledgeable judges."

In addition, the ceremony also featured remarks from distinguished guests about the importance of each field.

Gloria Aftanski, President & CEO of the United Way, spoke about the value of community service and volunteerism and the benefits it has on the entire community.

Captain Edward Callahan, Commanding Officer at Naval Weapons Station Earle, spoke about the value of military service and commitment to serving our great nation.

Dr. Maura Reilly, Director of the Zimmerli Museum, spoke about the role of the arts in education and the benefits of encouraging young artists.

Issues: Education New Jersey