Hampton graduate takes top honor in congressional art competition

A recent Hampton Township High School graduate took top honors in an art competition for residents of the 17th Congressional District.

Katelyn Januck’s pencil drawing titled “Class of…” won first place in the 2020 Congressional Art Competition for the district represented by U.S. Rep. Connor Lamb, D-Mt. Lebanon.

“Although the pandemic wasn’t a theme, it certainly shows through in the students’ artwork,” Lamb said in a news release announcing the contest winners. “And Katelyn’s drawing reflects what a lot of students must be feeling during this time.

“I look forward to this artwork being on display in the capitol to represent the constituents of PA-17,” Lamb wrote.

Januck, 18, is enrolled in the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga., for the fall.

In May, “Class of…” — a self, portrait of Januck wearing a graduation cap and gown along with a face covering to protect against the coronavirus — was selected for inclusion in Hampton High School’s permanent art collection, which has been adding pieces since the 1980s, according to art teacher Kate Powell.

This year, the high school’s faculty and staff voted for art pieces submitted by the senior class that would be added to the collection. In the past, the winning pieces were selected by art students.

Junuck said “Class of…” was inspired by a thought she had: “What if I don’t graduate? And if I do, what is it going to look like?”

Lamb received 22 art submissions for the contest including oil paintings, photographs and drawings from schools across the congressional district.

Pine-Richland High School student Kayla Karmanos won third place in the competition for a piece titled “False Reality.”

The second-place winner was Kaleigh Penrod, who attends Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School in Wilmerding. Her piece is titled “Rebirth.”

The fourth-place honors went to Alaina Peccon of Blackhawk High School in Chippewa, Beaver County, for a piece titled “Self Portrait.”

Art created by the second-, third- and fourth-place winners will be displayed for one year in Lamb’s district offices in Mt. Lebanon, Penn Hills and Monaca, Beaver County.