Student’s CEPAD Photo Wins Congressional Prize

Madeline Lynn, a recent graduate of Ursuline Academy in Dallas, won the grand prize for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition for Representative Pete Session’s district. Her gorgeous image is a composite of photos she took in CEPAD partner community Cañas Blancas last summer during her delegation trip with the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church youth group.

Madeline’s work will hang in the U.S. Capitol building, and she will attend a reception for winners from around the country this month. Juan, the man in the photo, hosted Madeline in his home when she visited Cañas Blancas. She said she felt inspired by the way he related to his land and animals, which provide his lifeline.

“The people in Nicaragua strive for as many opportunities as they can. For example, in my home stay with my family in Cañas Blancas, the father, Alex would work all day and then go to night classes for English and stay up late doing his homework,” Madeline said. “CEPAD sees the needs in Nicaragua and does their best to try and meet these needs, and should continue to be supported. Without CEPAD, Alex might not be able to learn English and find a occupation where he could better support his family.”

We are thankful and honored to have inspired Madeline to create such beautiful art! Congratulations to her on this exciting award. We wish her the best as she heads off to Clemson University in the fall.