logo
Lyndon sophomore is VT's 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner

Lyndon sophomore is VT's 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner

Yahoo14-05-2025
RANDOLPH, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – For 44 years, United States representatives have chosen one young artist from each of their districts to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol. This year, that honor will fall to a high school student from Caledonia County.
Vermont's at-large representative Becca Balint announced Friday that this year's winner is Xinyi Cassy Pan, a sophomore at Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, Vermont. Xinyi's teacher at the Institute is Elly Barksdale.
Representative Balint said, 'As a former teacher, as a mom, as a writer, I know how important it is to foster creativity, a love of the arts in our students, and to make it a continued priority in schools.
'I want to congratulate Xinyi for receiving the Grand Prize for her piece 'Awakening Through New Eyes' in this year's Congressional Art Competition. I'm so impressed by her work, and I look forward to seeing a piece of Vermont every day in the US Capitol.'
Artist creates local Vermont mural as part of a 50 state community project
Some representatives chose a special theme for the competition within their district, representing a vision or a focus for the following year. In Vermont, this year's special theme was 'Moments of Joy'. Additional awards were given to students from each of the 12 counties of Vermont, as well as several special prizes. Over 100 high school students from across the state submitted artwork to the competition.
The Congressional Art Competition was first held in 1982, and its leadership committee was co-chaired by Jim Jeffords, the representative and later senator for Vermont, from its inception until 1995. Artwork is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel connecting the Capitol to the Cannon House Office Building.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MasterChef 2025 introduces surprising twist ahead of grand finale
MasterChef 2025 introduces surprising twist ahead of grand finale

Yahoo

time12-08-2025

  • Yahoo

MasterChef 2025 introduces surprising twist ahead of grand finale

After starting with a cast of 20 former contestants, this year's season of MasterChef Australia has whittled its way down to just three people. Jamie Fleming, Laura Sharrad, and Callum Hann have all advanced to the final week of the competition, with one set to walk away with the coveted title and $250,000 grand prize. It must be a familiar feeling for Laura, who has famously finished as runner-up in her two previous seasons, in 2014 and 2020. Meanwhile, Callum also placed second back in 2010, won MasterChef All Stars two years later, and made it to the top four in 2020. This makes Jamie the only remaining contestant who has never competed in a MasterChef grand finale, as he came fourth in his original season in 2014. RELATED: MasterChef's Depinder Chhibber claps back at audience criticism: 'Big variety' MasterChef's Ben Macdonald points out wild detail about this year's season MasterChef's Snezana Calic reveals unique struggle this season: 'Nervous' When is the MasterChef 2025 finale? MasterChef Australia will crown its 2025 champion on Tuesday, 12 August, with a special two-hour episode kicking off at 7:30pm. Finale week will officially begin at 7pm on Sunday, 10 August, with the semi-finalists going head-to-head with judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, and Jean-Christophe Novelli in a surprising twist. One person will then be eliminated in Monday night's episode, with the top two contestants advancing to the grand finale. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) Andy Allen confirms wild finale secret MasterChef judge Andy Allen recently confirmed that the series films alternate endings each season to prevent the results from leaking, and only a few people behind the scenes know who the actual winner is before the episode airs on TV. However, one of this year's contestants tells Yahoo Lifestyle that it was 'obvious' which of the two finalists won the competition. 'They definitely filmed multiple endings, but because we witnessed both, for me anyway, it was fairly obvious who it was,' they share. 'There were certain signs with one particular contestant that they definitely seemed like they won.' MasterChef cast reveal who they want to win In the lead-up to the much-anticipated finale, several contestants have told Yahoo Lifestyle who they hope will win this year's season of MasterChef. Alana Lowes shared that she thinks Callum has what it takes to go all the way, adding: 'His way of creating Michelin-quality desserts is incredible. Then I'd also love to see my Queensland mate Jamie take out the crown. I'm torn, I want them all to win!' Rue Mupedzi revealed that out of the remaining finalists, she's rooting for Laura, but 'at the end of the day, everyone is a winner being asked to come back to MasterChef Australia'. SHOP: 🍅 Aussie mates' business idea to take on big supermarkets: 'Cheaper than Coles' 🏉 Rugby fan's huge airport surprise after landing in Sydney: 'Surreal' 🥬 Alternative to Coles, Woolworths saving shoppers up at $720 a year Savindri 'Sav' Perera, who was recently announced as a judge on MasterChef Sri Lanka, also said she would love to see Callum or Laura win because it's their third time competing on the show. 'When we were at the beginning of the season, just looking at the level of experience that they have, you knew they were going to go far,' she remarked. 'All I can say is it's literally anyone's game, and it literally could be anyone out of those guys.'

Two charities in Cotswolds receive whopping £25,000 donation
Two charities in Cotswolds receive whopping £25,000 donation

Yahoo

time07-07-2025

  • Yahoo

Two charities in Cotswolds receive whopping £25,000 donation

Two Cotswolds charities have received a £25,000 donation following a recent house draw in the area. The beneficiaries are Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP), which supports vulnerable 16-to-25-year-olds facing homelessness, and Cotswold Friends, a longstanding charity providing essential services for older and vulnerable members of the community. Omaze was introduced to both charities by Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Member of Parliament for the North Cotswolds. The donation follows Omaze's recent house draw in the Cotswolds, which saw 25-year-old Clarkson's Farm fan, Anthony Martin, win a five-bedroom property worth £5 million along with £250,000 in cash. READ MORE: Locals close to Clarkson's Farm have one issue with Jeremy Clarkson Anthony Martin at his Omaze £5m Cotswolds home. (Image: MARK FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY) This draw also raised £4.2 million for Guide Dogs. Omaze has a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where its Grand Prize houses are located, in addition to the main donation for its House Draw charity partners, and is 'delighted' to be supporting these two very worthy local causes. CHYP has been operating for nearly 40 years and provides round-the-clock support along with an individual plan for each young resident to make sure their needs are met, and that they are moving towards living independently. Most of CHYP's vulnerable young residents are homeless as a result of family break-up, abuse or leaving care. Many have additional problems such as special educational needs or mental health issues. READ MORE: Inside Cotswolds Distillery where former Prime Minister visited Maggie Edney, Andy Johnson, Sherry Newton, Rebecca Cotton, Millie Curtis, Kim Lear, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Luanne Bond and Jane Gunner. Sherry Newton from Omaze presents members from Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) with a cheque. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS) In recent years, CHYP has seen a significant rise in the number of young people presenting with complex mental health challenges, now affecting 80 to 90 per cent of its residents. In response, the charity has reviewed its accommodation and services and is developing a new unit. The current house will be dedicated to the youngest and most vulnerable residents, while the new space, supported in part by the £12,500 Omaze donation, will provide a home for more independent 20–25-year-olds who require less intensive support. Planning discussions with senior council officials are already underway. READ MORE: Who is Emma Watson's new 'love interest' at Oxford University? Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get: Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Cotswold Friends has been working to alleviate loneliness and isolation, improve health and wellbeing and support independent living for more than 45 years. Over 2,300 people benefit from the services, delivered by over 340 volunteers and a staff team. The charity will use the £12,500 donation to support its Community Activities Programme (CAP). It costs Cotswold Friends around £300 per person to support lonely, isolated older people, meaning the much-needed new funds will support more than 40 people attending Community Activities for a year. CAP offers many activities including Friendship Cafés, Lunch Clubs, Day Clubs, Knit and Natter sessions, Community Singing, Walking Football, a Community Garden, and Men in Sheds – all designed to bring people together and support well-being across the Cotswolds. READ MORE: Hammond reveals what got him Top Gear job with Clarkson and May John Lucas, Sherry Newton, Sharon Perrins, Diane Bell, Jo Hammond, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP and Ed Meed. Sherry Newton from Omaze presents members from Cotswolds Friends with a cheque. (Image: Tom Wren / SWNS) Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for North Cotswolds, said: 'Across the Cotswolds, charities and volunteers contribute so much to our community, providing support and services to those who need it most. 'It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with Omaze and introduce them to these two amazing organisations. 'The combined £25,000 donation they're receiving will have a huge impact - keeping important services running and delivering new activities for both young and old people across the region.' Millie Curtis, CHYP General Manager, said "We are incredibly thankful to Omaze for this generous donation and Sir Geoffrey for putting us forward. "This £12,500 will help us make improvements so that we are able to support even more young, vulnerable homeless people in the future." READ MORE: Emma Raducanu watches Carlos Alcaraz win as 'romance blossoms' Our Summer Sale is LIVE! Get 6 months of trusted local news for just £6! 🌞🗞️ Full details here 👇 — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) July 2, 2025 Joanna Hammond, CEO, Cotswold Friends, said: 'Cotswold Friends are very grateful for this fantastic donation from Omaze. "The £12,500 will help fund our Community Activities Programme this year, supporting the continued delivery of local activities that help older and vulnerable people stay connected to the community.' Sherry Newton, Omaze, said: 'Everyone at Omaze is absolutely delighted we have been able to make a contribution to these two influential charities. 'I was honoured to meet representatives from both charities and hear about the incredible people they are supporting - and the teams who provide these vital community services. "Omaze will continue to help more local causes in the areas where we host our house draws, wherever possible."

Waco's Ultimate Fan Weekend Returns
Waco's Ultimate Fan Weekend Returns

Yahoo

time13-06-2025

  • Yahoo

Waco's Ultimate Fan Weekend Returns

Waco, TX (FOX 44) – The ATG Expo is back for its fourth year on June 14 and 15 at the Waco Convention Center, offering a weekend packed with gaming, celebrity guests, cosplay, and pop culture excitement! Attendees can compete in esports tournaments like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Street Fighter 6, or try their luck at the new 254 Baggerz Bowl Cornhole Tournament with cash prizes! Other highlights include cosplay contests, tabletop games, vendors, and a HOT Pro Wrestling showcase. This year, the Expo is introducing some exciting new additions to its lineup of events. 'More content than ever before,' Co-Founder Hal Hawkins said. 'We haven't had wrestling before, [or] Cornhole or Legos. We're trying to bring it all.' ATG Expo 2025 will also showcase popular voice actors and offer Q&A panels where attendees can engage directly with the guests. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store