(News)

A freshman from South Allegheny High School in Liberty Borough will have her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year after winning a regional competition.

At a ceremony this month at the William Pitt student union of the University of Pittsburgh, Stephanie Taylor was awarded first prize for the 14th Congressional District by U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, Penn Hills Democrat.

Her painting, entitled "Leaves," will be displayed as part of an exhibit of student art from across the nation entered into the 2010 Congressional High School Arts Competition.

Taylor's work was selected by a panel of Allegheny County area artists out of 60 entries received from 12 schools in Doyle's district.

"I can't imagine how the judges were able to pick a winner," Doyle said. "The hard work and dedication that these students put into their work is clear, and their artistic talents are quite evident in the artwork they submitted. They all should be proud of their creativity and talent."

Runners-up from the Mon-Yough area included Victoria Donahoe of West Mifflin High School, who received a third prize for her acrylic on paper composition, "Bananas with Plastic."

Artwork by runners-up will be displayed for one year in Doyle's district and Washington, D.C., offices, said Matt Dinkel, Doyle spokesman.

The competition, sponsored by the Congressional Arts Caucus and hosted locally by Doyle, is open to all public and private high school students.

"Every year, I am amazed at the talent and creativity of the young people in our communities," Doyle said.

Twelve students received honorable mentions for their work, including Alexis Carr of South Allegheny High School for her acrylic composition "A Mother's Love," Nikki Croft of East Allegheny High School for her acrylic on canvas composition "Discovery of Colors," and Elijah Johnson of Woodland Hills for his dry-point print "Season Three."

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PennDOT Suspends Road Work for Holiday: Most state road construction has been suspended through Monday for the Memorial Day holiday, but lane restrictions remain in effect, says Jim Struzzi, district spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

Motorists will still need to slow down in work zones and use extra caution in several areas, including on the Parkway East between Churchill and Monroeville. The outbound or eastbound lanes of the highway are restricted to two lanes.

Anticipating a heavy travel weekend for the unofficial "start of summer," Struzzi says PennDOT is asking drivers to slow down and allow extra time in areas where construction work has been ongoing. To get a list of local construction zones, visit the PennDOT website.

In addition, motorists are asked to report problems with state-maintained roads by calling toll-free 1-800 FIX-ROAD.