Tonko Announces Student Winners of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

SCHENECTADY, NY - Congressman Paul D. Tonko held a reception last week at the Nott Memorial at Union College to announce the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York's 20^th Congressional District. The winning artworks were chosen from among 42 student submissions representing 21 high schools across the Capital Region.

"Each year I am inspired anew by the incredible talent and creativity displayed by the students entering our Congressional Art Competition, and this year was no different," Congressman Tonko said. "Last week, I had the honor of joining a group of remarkable local students to celebrate both their artistic skill and their dedication to the creative process. Art plays a vital role in our students' education, giving them a powerful outlet to share their ideas, their talents, and their unique perspectives on the world. I'm thrilled to recognize this year's gifted participants, and I'm incredibly grateful to the parents, teachers, and supporters who have helped guide and encourage them along the way."

This year's honorees are as follows:

· Winner: Sofia Kennedy, Shaker High School, "Composed"

· Runner-Up: Emma Schweitzer, Academy of the Holy Names, "1900s Breakfast"

· Runner-Up: Sienna Stewart, Albany High School, "The Pink Room"

· Runner-Up: May Nyein, The Doane Stuart School, "Eudora"

· Honorable Mention: Anastazia Valachovic, Averill Park High School, "And Still They Laugh"

· Honorable Mention: Avery Lobban, Bethlehem High School, "Bits and Pieces"

· Honorable Mention: Lachlan Flores, Niskayuna High School, "United States of Amnesia"

"Congratulations to Sofia on her incredible winning piece," Tonko continued, "and congratulations to all who participated in this year's competition. Thank you all for sharing your talents with us!"

This year's awardees were chosen by a distinguished panel of local artists. The winner will be honored at a reception in Washington D.C. this fall, and her artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol for the remainder of the year.

The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation's high school students. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated, with more than 10,000 student artworks displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

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