Bel Air High School Senior to have artwork displayed in the U.S Capitol for one year

It was back in February when ABC-7 featured Bel Air High School senior, Sarah Murillo, as a Community Champion.

At just 17-years- old, Murillo manages to remain at the top of her class while juggling multiple extracurricular activities. One of those activities being art.

“She’s one of those few kids that no matter what you put in front of them they’re going to do well at,” said Bel Air High School art teacher Ramiro Ordonez.

Now, Murillo’s art work is being recognized on a national level.

On Monday, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar made a surprise visit to Bel Air High School to announce the winner of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition.

The winning painting titled “Mi Abuelita” was painted by Murillo. Murillo will receive a round trip flight to Washington, D.C., where she will join hundreds of high school artists nationwide to see their artwork displayed in the U.S Capitol for one year.

“Congratulations to Sarah Murillo and all the young El Paso artists who submitted their artwork for this competition,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. “The talent and creativity of all their pieces is a reflection of what our wonderful city has to offer. I look forward to welcoming Sarah to our nation’s capitol building, where her artwork will be displayed for thousands of visitors to see.”

Students from 17 high schools within Texas’ 16th Congressional District submitted 110 pieces of art for this year’s competition.

“The Congressional Art Competition provides El Paso students a great opportunity on a local and a national level,” said Art Teacher Mr. Ramiro Ordoñez. “I would like to thank Congresswoman Escobar for continuing this tradition and for providing our young artists with this venue that allows them to showcase their talents.”

Below are the results of the 2019 Congressional Art Competition:

1st Place: Sarah Murillo, Mi Abuelita | Bel Air High School
2nd Place: Matthew Acosta, Miel Noir | Parkland High School
3rd Place: Anthony Williams, Boy in the Yellow | Parkland High School

Honorable Mentions:
Melinna Andrade, Torta de Beans | Valle Verde Early College High School
Tyler Anne Ramirez, Anaiz and Amy | Parkland High School
Paola Del Valle, Taste of Home | Hanks High School
Mireya Dominguez, Nana | Eastwood High School
Frank N. Coronado, El Paso | Bel Air High School
Romelo Rosario, As We Pass | Chapin High School
Danielle Waters, Emergence | Bel Air High School