South Stanly senior recognized in congressional art contest

ALBEMARLE — Qing Xi Li, a senior at South Stanly High, placed third in Rep. Richard Hudson’s 8th District Congressional Art competition with a pencil drawing titled “Sweet Embracement.” Hudson recognized the winners of his annual competition at a reception held at the Kannapolis Train Station. Jayden Harper, a student at Westover High School in Fayetteville, won first place for his lifelike pencil drawing titled “Elephant.”

“Every year, I am amazed by the incredible talent and creativity of young artists in our district,” said Hudson. “And one of the best parts is getting to speak with the students one-on-one about their artwork at the reception. I look forward to showing off our district’s artistic talents in my offices and admiring Jayden’s artwork while it hangs in the Capitol.”

This year, 27 high school students submitted their art work, which is reviewed by a panel of judges from the district. Harper’s first-place drawing will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Second place Hannah Tatman of Terry Sanford High in Fayetteville will have her graphite drawing titled “Daddy’s Home US Army (Retired) 1988-2016” displayed in Hudson’s Washington, D.C. office. Li’s drawing will be displayed in Hudson’s Concord district office.