Ocean County Leader

The winners of the 2024 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition were announced by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) at a weekend award ceremony held at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Medical Center in Toms River.

“Congratulations to all the student artists who showed tremendous talent in this year’s contest—especially Monica Kirschenbaum from Wall High School for her winning piece entitled ‘Independence Day,’ which will be displayed at the US Capitol over the next year,” said Smith, who sponsors the annual contest aimed at recognizing and fostering the artistic talent of high school students in the local community.

“Although only one artwork selected by our judges can hang in the US Capitol along with winning submissions from other participating congressional districts in America, each of you are to be greatly commended for your time, talent, and the efforts you made to create these pieces of art,” Smith told the students at the Friday award ceremony.

“A heartfelt thanks to the art teachers for encouraging and honing the skills of the amazing student artists,” Smith continued. “We celebrate this year’s 100+ extraordinary young artists and the remarkable works of art they have produced—and we acknowledge the years of nurturing, devotion, and discipline it took to perfect that talent by parents, teachers, and friends.”

All artwork submitted to the competition had been on display at RWJ-Barnabas Community Medical Center since March, culminating in the May 3rd award ceremony. The complete list of winners selected by the panel of judges—comprised of local artists Debbie Jencsik, Jim Inzero, and Rich Thompson—includes:

- Best in Show: “Independence Day” in acrylic on Masonite by Monica Kirschenbaum from Wall High School;

- First Place Runner-up: “Saltwater Breeze” in colored pencil by Abigail Buechler from Wall High School;

- Second Place Runner-up: “Inch by Inch” in scratchboard by Johanna Bryan from Wall High School;

- Third Place Runner-up: “Self Portrait of 3-Year-Old Self” in acrylic painted on wood by Mackenzie Brennan from Manasquan High School;

- Fourth Place Runner-up: “What Lies Beneath” in acrylic and oil paint with resin on wood by Marisa Amitie’ from Wall High School;

- Honorable Mention: “Rick’s Last Project” in colored pencil by Madison English from Lacey Township High School;

- Honorable Mention: “Duke and Duchess” in oil paint by Jordan Bohrer from Jackson Liberty High School;

- Honorable Mention: “Evening Snack” in oil on Masonite by Abigail Lee from Wall High School;

- Honorable Mention: “Cup of Sea” in photography by Jackson Conlan from Lacey Township High School; and

- Honorable Mention: “Slow Day at the Comic Shop” in pen and ink by Isabella Stivale from Point Pleasant Borough High School.

Smith thanked RWJ-Barnabas Community Medical Center CEO Patrick Ahearn—who joined him to present the winners with ribbons and congressional certificates—for hosting the art show.

“The Community Medical Center team was delighted to host this year’s 4th District Congressional Art Exhibition and Competition,” said Ahern. “Our patients, visitors, and staff all appreciated seeing local talent and creativity showcased within our hospital. Collaborating with a partner who aligns with our mission of promoting a healthier New Jersey is a rewarding experience. We thank Representative Chris Smith for this unique opportunity.”

Since the art competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students from across the country have participated in the annual contest held at the discretion of each Member of Congress. Students submit entries to the office of their Member of Congress, and judges from the congressional district select the top winners. For more information on next year’s contest, please call Congressman Smith’s Toms River office at 732-504-0567.