United States Representative Jimmy Panetta announced on May 5 the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in California’s 19th District.
The annual competition gives students a chance to showcase their artistic skills and have their work displayed at the United States Capitol. According to Panetta, “The immense talent we saw on display showcases the unparalleled beauty of our district and unique talent of our students in California’s 19th Congressional District. This contest also illustrates the importance of arts education and programming for our youth as a means of self-expression and of opening students to new skills, ideas, and interests. I look forward to seeing Adelaide’s artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol, with a deep sense of pride for all the young people that I have the privilege of representing. Our community and our democracy are built upon the commitment of the next generation, whether it’s through service, art, or political engagement.”
Adelaide Strom from Pacific Grove High School won first place with her piece titled “Adelaide in Aubergine.” Her artwork will be displayed at the United States Capitol alongside other winning entries from across America. Second place went to Katherine Zhu from Leland High School for her piece “Passengers of Life,” while Emma Wang, also from Leland High School, took third place with “My Wish.” Additional honors were awarded for design (Stella Rae Thelen), composition (Finn Maxwell), technique (Jessamine Sloan), and storytelling (Clara Latham).
The Congressional Art Competition has been held nationwide since 1982; more than 650,000 high school students have participated over its history according to congressional offices’ records.
Jimmy Panetta is currently serving in Congress representing California’s 19th district after replacing Sam Farr in 2017 according to his official biography. He was born in Washington D.C., is currently age 53, lives in Carmel Valley according to his official biography, graduated from University of California Davis with a BA in 1991 and earned his JD from Santa Clara University in 1996 according to his official biography.
First-place winners are invited along with a family member to Washington D.C. for a ceremony honoring their achievement.
