Benjamin Plum, a sophomore at Parkville High School, is the winner of Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin's Third Congressional 2003 Arts Competition. Ben's artwork was a mixed media titled "49." It will be hung in the U.S. Capitol walkway at a special ceremony on Tuesday, June 24, where it will be on display for one year.

The Third Congressional Arts Competition was held on May 13 at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, and included entries from 11 schools in the Third Congressional District. The contest was judged by Linnell Bowen, executive director of the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.

Runners up include: Alisa Brem, a junior at Beth Tfiloh School; Amanda Ferris, a junior at Lansdowne High School; and Ben Dunning, a senior at Gilman School. They will have their artwork displayed in Rep. Cardin's Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis Offices. Alisa Brem's oil painting will hang in the Congressman's Washington Office; Amanda Ferris' photograph will hang in the District Office in Annapolis; and Ben Dunning's charcoal will hang in the District Office in Baltimore.

"I am extremely pleased by the amount of talent and creativity that I see on the part of these high school students," said the Congressman, who announced the winner at the Monday night ceremony. "The Congressional Arts Competition gives young artists from across the country the chance to have their artwork judged by professionals and displayed so others can enjoy and appreciate it."