Cape student clinches Congressional Art Competition

JoJo Zeitlin of Cape Elizabeth has won the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s 1st District. Her black-and-white photograph, entitled “Brian,” will be on display at the U.S. Capitol for a year. Zeitlin, 16, is a junior at Cape Elizabeth High School.

“Jo Jo’s photograph shows great composition and technique. As an islander, I love that the image is so distinctly rural, coastal ‘Maine,’” U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said. “I think it will really stand out and I’m proud that it will represent Maine’s First District when it is hung at the Capitol this June. My congratulations to JoJo and all the top finishers of this year’s competition—everyone’s work was truly exceptional.”

The judges also recognized the work of five other 1st District students, including 1st Runner Up Anna Callahan of Brunswick High School and Honorable Mention Gabriel Rosen of Portland High School. All the images can be viewed and downloaded at http://bit.ly/1TH9pd4.

Held each year, the Congressional Art Competition takes place in participating Congressional Districts across the country. One winning work from each District hangs in a special exhibit at the U.S. Capitol for a year. This year, a jury put together by the Maine Arts Commission and Maine College of Art selected Maine winners from the top finishers in the regional Scholastic Arts Competition.

First-place winners will travel to Washington to participate in an opening ceremony in June. Winners and runners-up will be honored at a Blaine House reception in May and are also offered scholarships from the Maine College of Art and the University of Maine at Orono.

SoPo musicians make magic at Disney

South Portland High School students entertained Walt Disney World Resort guests with their performance at Disney Springs’ Waterside Stage on Feb. 18.

The South Portland High School Symphonic Band, directed by Craig Skeffington, performed music from “Jurassic Park” and “How to Train Your Dragon.”

During their four-day stay, the 60 musicians also rehearsed and recorded special Disney music selections in “You’re Instrumental,” a Disney Performing Arts workshop.

This was the school’s fifth visit to Walt Disney World Resort with Disney Performing Arts.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from all around the world apply to perform each year as part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

SPHS hosting Maine State High School Instrumental Jazz Festival

The Maine State Instrumental Jazz Festival will be held this year at South Portland High School on March 11 and 12. The annual jazz festival draws roughly 60-80 high school jazz groups from approximately 30 schools throughout the state. High school musicians will be performing in jazz combos, bands and ensembles over two days. Individual Outstanding Musicianship Awards, placement trophies, and gold plaques for superior ratings will be awarded to various students and ensembles. The Evening Finals, where the best of the best will be vying for top honors in the state, will be held Saturday night.

South Portland High School is located at 637 Highland Ave. Admission to the competition is $3 for students/senior citizens, $5 for adults, and $15 for a family.

The event is organized by the Maine Music Educators Association, a nonprofit organization that works for the welfare of music educators, advances music education, and improves instructional opportunities.

Scarborough Scouts serve at State House

Girl Scouts Madeline Shields and Michaela Mallozzi of Scarborough served as an Honorary Pages in the Maine Senate Feb. 16. During the legislative session they helped deliver messages to senators and assisted the chamber staff with their daily duties.

A black-and-white photograph entitled “Brian,” by Cape Elizabeth High School junior JoJo Zeitlin, will be on display at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for a year after winning the 2016 Congressional Art Competition for Maine’s 1st District.