Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Recognizes Young Talents in the Congressional Art Competition

CAGUAS, P.R. - Resident Commissioner Pablo José Hernández Rivera proudly announced today the results of the 2025 edition of the Congressional Art Competition, a national initiative sponsored by the United States Congress to highlight the artistic talent of high school students across all U.S. congressional districts.

"Puerto Rico is full of young people with extraordinary talent. The works we received this year not only demonstrate creativity and technical skill but also a profound reflection on the future of our Island. This competition is a window for Congress and the entire nation to recognize the creativity of our youth. We will continue to support initiatives like this that enrich the cultural soul of Puerto Rico and project our identity to the world," expressed the Resident Commissioner.

This year, the competition in Puerto Rico was titled "Digital Puerto Rico: Connected Island,"a visionary theme that challenged students to imagine how artificial intelligence could be positively integrated into daily life on the Island, from education and healthcare to environmental protection and sustainable tourism.

A total of 25 students from various municipalities participated in the competition, representing all high school grades from ninth through twelfth. The works were evaluated by a panel of distinguished professionals in art and culture in Puerto Rico, who considered criteria such as artistic skill, originality, and relevance to the theme.

First place was awarded to Mia Isabel Cruz Correa, a student at Wesleyan Academy in Guaynabo, for her work titled "El Jíbaro Enchufao."The painting will be exhibited for one year in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., as part of the national exhibition. Mia Isabel and one guest will be invited to participate in the official ceremony in the federal capital, with airfare courtesy of Southwest Airlines.

Additionally, Honorable Mentions by grade level were awarded to the following students:

Yadiel Bonilla Montalvofrom Colegio Paraíso Infantil, Isabela, 9th Grade;

Chenoa S. Nieves Ochoafrom Escuela Especializada Central de Artes Visuales, San Juan, 10th Grade;

Mya Lunna Orozco Cruzfrom Escuela Especializada Central de Artes Visuales, San Juan, 11th Grade; and

José Luis Nieves Rodríguezfrom Colegio Paraíso Infantil, Isabela, 12th Grade.

The works of these Honorable Mention recipients will be exhibited at the Resident Commissioner's District Office in Puerto Rico for one year.

The Resident Commissioner also extended his gratitude to the members of the jury for their collaboration and commitment to promoting art and education among Puerto Rican youth:

Walter Otero- Director, Walter Otero Contemporary Art;

Dr. Mercedes Trelles Hernández- University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus;

Dr. Irene Esteves Amador- Ana G. Méndez University, Gurabo Campus;

Marilú Purcell- Museum of Art and Design of Miramar;

Joshua Castro- Host of the Soy un Glitch podcast and AI expert.

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