(Jersey City, N.J.) – County Prep High School students Jabyang Bista and Anne Dominique Laborce were selected as two of 31 finalists in the Youth Art Month competition, a statewide flag and poster design contest. Judged by Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ), a professional organization of art teachers, the competition awarded winners in six categories.

"Our art program is a learning environment where students explore the world of visual arts and cultivate their natural talents”, said County Prep Principal Barbara Mendolla. “Having two of our students as finalists in a statewide competition is exciting. I am very proud of Jabyang and Anne’s achievements.”

Each school was permitted two entries, creating an earlier contest at County Prep High School. Faculty members voted on the student posters that were submitted, according to art instructor Charlene Kahse.

“This is Jabyang’s first year in Studio Art and he demonstrates innate ability and talent, Ann is a natural”, said Kahse. “Both students are extremely talented.”

The winning flag and poster selections will be displayed at AENJ’s headquarters during Youth Art Month in March, which seeks to emphasize the value of K-12 art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs.