George Mason High School senior Viviana Cordova has been awarded first place in the painting category of the Arlington Public Schools Juried High School Exhibition 2002 Visual Arts Show. Cordova's painting was one of 1,200 total entries in the show, and top among the 157 works submitted in the painting category.

This is not the first time Cordova has received recognition for her outstanding talent. In fact, this is Cordova's second time receiving a first place award in the exhibition. Last year, Cordova won for a self-portrait in oils.

Entitled "Tinku," Cordova's work features the members of a Bolivian musical group by the same name. The painting can be viewed in the lobby of the school auditorium, and will be featured in an exhibit at the Ellipse Arts Center in Arlington. (See photo on front page.)