Pallone Recognizes Outstanding High School Students at Spring Awards Reception

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced the winners of the 2014 Sixth Congressional District High School Art Competition, the recipients of the prestigious Congressional Award, and this year’s U.S. Service Academy nominees at a Congressional Awards Ceremony. Students representing several local high schools were honored at the reception, held at Rutgers University. In addition, distinguished guests discussed the importance of the fields recognized.

Jack McGreevey, Director of Military and Veterans Affairs at the Office of Senator Joseph Vitale, spoke about the value of military service and commitment to serving our great nation.

Jim Zullo, Executive Director at Elijah’s Promise, spoke about the value of community service and volunteerism and the benefits it has on the entire community.

Avis Anderson, Executive Director of the Monmouth Museum, spoke about the role of the arts in education and the benefits of encouraging young artists.

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

Congressional Art Competition Finalists:

First Place: Jessica Liu of J.P. Stevens High School in Edison

Second Place: Thomas Valenti of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen

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Third Place: Brianne Tomaro of Piscataway High School

Honorable Mentions:

• Ezdras Arroyo of Woodbridge High School
• Aliyah Bradley of Piscataway High School
• Ada Chan of J.P. Stevens High School in Edison
• Vincent Chen of J.P. Stevens High School in Edison
• Tatiana Florival of Piscataway High School
• Xin Y. Hu of John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Iselin
• Diamond Jones-Vaughn of Piscataway High School
• Kaylin Nguyen of Perth Amboy High School
• Simran Kripalani of J.P. Stevens High School in Edison
• Ivan Mondaca of Highland Park High School
• Christopher Ramirez of Perth Amboy High School
• Ilona Scarbonne of Sayreville War Memorial High School
• Selena Siri of Sayreville War Memorial High School
• Jose Tenecela of Woodbridge High School
• Alicja Wisniowska of Sayreville War Memorial 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.”

The New Jersey Congressman also honored the sixteen (16) candidates he nominated to the U.S. Service Academies. Pallone congratulated each for their dedication and wished them all luck in their future endeavors. The nominees are as follows:

U.S. Air Force Academy

Andrew Ahn of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

U.S. Naval Academy

Andrew Ahn of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

Craig Alviar of Edison High School

Zachary Doring of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen

Brandon D’Souza of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen

Mikael Khachatryan of Academy of Allied Health & Science in Neptune Township

Julian Martinez of Woodbridge High School

Matthew Pari of Colts Neck High School

Jacqueline Plumaker of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

Edgard Sanchez of Academy for Urban Leadership in Perth Amboy

Elliot Warren of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

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U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Michael Hoffman of Highland Park High School

Salonika Kakoulakis of Greystone at Shreiner University and J.P. Stevens High School in Edison

Mikael Khachatryan of Academy of Allied Health & Science in Neptune Township

Teighler Matty of Colonia High School

Matthew Pari of Colts Neck High School

Jacqueline Plumaker of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

Aaron Torres of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Patrick Conlon of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen
Brandon D’Souza of St. Joseph High School in Metuchen
Salonika Kakoulakis of Greystone at Shreiner University and J.P. Stevens High School in Edison
Michael Marcinczyk of Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools in East Brunswick
Jacqueline Plumaker of Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Sandy Hook

“The value of military service to our nation cannot be overstated and I am honored by the commitment that these nominees to America’s top service academies have shown to serving their nation,” said Congressman Pallone. “New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District is home to so many bright and qualified students, and I’m proud to announce the nominees today who showed through the application process 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 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.”

Pallone also honored the 2014 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 are listed below: