Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: November 25, 2019
During a special event held in downtown Westmont on Thursday, November 21, the Illinois Tollway announced the winners of their 2020 Illinois Tollway Map Cover Art Contest, which honors the service and sacrifice of the Illinois State Police.
The Illinois Tollway worked with Westmont property owner and real estate developer Bill Kalafut to hold the event at 22 N. Cass Avenue. Kalafut and his company Realty Concepts has hosted several art-related programs over the past year.
Dozens of people attended the presentation including representatives from the Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, Mayor Ron Gunter, and participating artists and their families. The top award winners are listed below:
Grand Prize Winner - Syrena Feustel, Bolingbrook High School
First runner-up – Courtney Kurtz, Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox
Second runner-up – Spencer Kick, The Chicago Academy for the Arts
Third runner-up – Colby O’Dell from Plainfield East High School
“Syrena’s winning artwork will serve as a reminder of the integrity, service and pride of the Illinois State Police troopers who are dedicated to ensuring safe travel on the Illinois Tollway,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “We are pleased to showcase the excellent artwork created at schools throughout Northern Illinois and recognize the talent and creativity of the students and their teachers.”
This year more than 70 student artists from more than 20 high schools throughout Northern Illinois submitted artwork in the contest. More than 17,000 votes by members of the general public were cast online and via Facebook and Instagram to determine that 10 semifinalists, and then identify the four finalists. The overall winner and runners-up were determined by a panel of judges including representatives from the Illinois Tollway, Illinois State Police, and MBRE.
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Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director/PIO
630-417-0280
communications@westmont.il.gov
