Renacci Announces 2017 Youth Art Initiative
Press Release
U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci (OH-16) announces his 2017 Youth Art initiative.
Arts and humanities are too often underserved and underrepresented. These subjects need to remain a critical component of child and teen education. More and more, our national economy insists on individuals of creativity and innovation. That being said, it is important to take part in any efforts that strive to bring awareness to the arts. Every year, the annual Congressional Art Competition does just that by providing an opportunity shine a light on the more creative element of education.
Study after study suggest that students exposed to the arts excel and outperform their counterparts in other subject matters. Students highly involved in the arts are less likely to drop out of school -- a 4% dropout rate versus a 22% dropout rate for those not involved. In general, students show greater degrees of success in higher education, finding employment, and in likeness to volunteer when they are involved in art programs. There are obvious socioeconomic implications to the arts and humanities, but more importantly, it is evident the direct affect art has on our students.
As always, I am proud to introduce the 37th Annual Congressional Art Competition. Students from each of the 435 congressional districts and 8 U.S. territories seek to have their art honored in the U.S. Capitol. As a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine how much more can be learned and appreciated with every brushstroke or photograph created by our nations' students.
This year, I'm making a special exhortation to all 50 of the high schools in Ohio's 16th District to see what I see in our students and the potential they harness as the future of our country. My staff is working with local businesses to collect art supply donations for the winning schools and to partner with local media to cover the competition and to profile the students and schools involved. I want the competition to bring together our community and celebrate the success art and creativity has on our students in Northeast Ohio.
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