WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Pepco Edison Place Gallery will host a 5:30 p.m. reception today for the High Tea Society's Second Annual Civili-Tea Citywide Art Competition. District of Columbia public and charter school students, grades three through 12, have created artworks and will compete for honors including monetary prizes, certificates and a chance to showcase their artwork. 

The entries on display at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery through Friday will be judged on how they best reflect the theme, "Share instances of civility in your life and express concerns about the incivility you see and experience."

"I want to applaud the winners of this year's High Tea Society's Civili-Tea Expression Contest," said District of Columbia At-Large Councilmember David Grosso, who serves as Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia's Committee on Education. "I am a strong proponent of the arts, and it makes me proud to know that our youth are engaging in activities that promote civility. I also want to thank Judge Mary Terrell for providing great educational and enriching activities for our young people. With opportunities such as these, our youth are given every possible chance to succeed."

The event is in partnership with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the Council of Churches of Greater Washington and Pepco.

"We so appreciate the support we have received," said former D.C. Superior Court Judge Mary Terrell, founder of The High Tea Society and one of the event organizers. "The idea of introducing our students to the concept of 'civility,' which allows all of us to express ourselves in a polite and courteous manner, is a wonderful way for them to learn positive and creative ways to interact with one another and within the greater society."

The Pepco Edison Place Gallery is open with free admission noon to 4 p.m. each Tuesday through Friday and is located at 702 Eighth St., NW, Washington, DC.