Hoffman Estates student a winner in Congressional Art Competition

Karim Mohammadali, a junior at Hoffman Estates High School, took first place in the 8th District of Illinois’ portion of the 2011 Congressional Art Competition, Rep. Joe Walsh announced this week.

The victory earns Mohammadali a free trip to Washington, D.C., to see his entry, a photograph entitled “Light of Day,” displayed as part of a yearlong exhibit in the Cannon Tunnel that leads into the U.S. Capitol.

Since many of the 4 million people that visit the Capitol each year pass through the Cannon Tunnel, having artwork displayed there is a prestigious honor.

Mohammadali also will have a chance to meet members of Congress and fellow student artists from across the country.

“Congratulations to all the students who contributed to the 2011 Congressional Art Competition,” stated Walsh.

“I am amazed by the artistic abilities of the young people across the district, and I look forward to meeting Karim Mohammadali, the young man who so beautifully captured the Illinois sky at dawn.”

Devin Becker, a student at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, earned second place.

The Ingleside resident’s work, entitled “A Salute,” will be displayed in the Walsh’s Washington office.

The third place piece, “Diversity in America,” by Hoffman Estates High School student Hannah Hwang, will be on display at Walsh’s district office in Fox Lake.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.