RHS junior Sarah Hall recently placed third in the United States Congressional District 11 Art Competition, becoming only the second RHS student in history to place in the highly competitive contest. District 11 is comprised of portions of Essex, Morris and Passaic Counties and is centered in Morris County.

“It was a pleasant surprise, but it was kind of like an actual validation of artistic talent outside the Morris County community at the state level,” Hall said of her win. “It was almost like I was actually making progress as an artist in a professional setting.”

Hall is only the second RHS student in history to place in this competition. Last year, current senior Sofie Hagadorn placed second in the contest, which led to her piece being displayed for a year in a congressional office setting in Washington, D.C.

“To be selected is a tremendous honor and quite difficult because the works in the show are the absolute best from every school in District 11,” art teacher Steven Coleman explained.

Hall’s winning piece, titled “Sister,” uses detailed linework and dramatic coloring to convey a moving image of two sisters, who appear to be leaning on one another. Because of her top-three placement, Hall also achieved the honor of having her artwork displayed in the office of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill in Livingston.

The congressional art competition is an annual event held to showcase the artistic talent of high school students across the country. The event is sponsored by the Congressional Institute in partnership with the U.S. House of Representatives.

Hall was recently recognized for her talents at the RHS underclassman art show, where she received a certificate and words of acknowledgment to commemorate her success.

“She’s a great artist,” sophomore Zoe Noonan said. “Getting third in a statewide competition is hard; her pieces are meaningful and inspirational.”