34 JULY 2023 By Melissa Hirschl Guided by her intuition and a desire to honor her 83-year-old grandfather, Aila Conner created “My Grandfather and Me,” a charcoal drawing that depicts their intertwined hands. A buoyant Veritas Prep graduate, Aila now has cause for extra celebration, as that charcoal piece earned her first place in the 2023 Non-Partisan Congressional Art Contest. This venerable program, called An Artistic Discovery, launched in 1982 and has seen over 650,000 participants since. The contest aims to promote and encourage high school artists nationwide. Every year, House members honor one high school student from their district by selecting a piece of artwork for inclusion in a year-long exhibit at the Capitol – where millions of people will view their work – along with winners from around the U.S. The contestants have District 1 Congressman David Schweikert to thank for sponsoring the contest each year. Second and third-place artists also receive significant recognition, with second-place art pieces gracing the congressman’s offices in D.C. and third-place displayed in his Phoenix office. After the winning announcement, Aila flew to Washington, D.C., to attend the awards ceremony in June. “This contest provides a platform for our students to express their unique ideas,” Schweikert said. “Aila has truly captivated us with her exceptional artistic abilities and compelling perspective through her piece.” After being displayed at the Scottsdale Art School for a week, a blind panel of independent judges viewed and ranked the District 1 artists, choosing Aila’s piece for first place. “I was surprised and thrilled when I won,” Aila said. “I heard third and second place called, and just as I wondered if I might win, I heard my name called. I’m very grateful for the experience. I wanted to win mostly because I want my art shared.” She received a certificate, and her art received further prominence when Schweikert’s office sent it to the Capitol for display in the Cannon Tunnel. A detailed piece with nuanced shading, the work speaks to the deep love between Aila and her grandfather. Aila said that wanted the picture to be personal, engaging and symbolic, and she accomplished all three goals: her drawing depicts a bracelet with a cross on it, and she chose to draw her grandfather’s left hand since it displays his wedding ring. “That represents his enduring love for my grandmother,” she said. “This drawing allowed me to express their love and my love for my grandfather.” “Aila is an amazing student all-around and one of the tops academically,” Veritas Art Instructor Jeff Dick said. “She’s shown tremendous growth and is very mature and poised.” Aila plans to attend the Arizona State School for Civil and Economic Thought Leadership program. She also wants to minor in interior decorating. congressionalinstitute.org An Artistic Discovery – right in Arcadia’s backyard Aila and Congressman David Schweikert with Aila’s winning artwork behind. PHOTO COURTESY OF AILA CONNER Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology • Service Learning Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8

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