Congresswoman Scanlon Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Congresswoman Scanlon Announces Winner of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Chester, PA - Congresswoman Scanlon (PA-05) today announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition following a reception on Saturday, May 2 to honor PA-05 high school art students. This year's national theme was "Celebrating America 250" to honor our nation's upcoming semiquincentennial anniversary.

Photos from this event are available here for media use.

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual art competition open to students in grades 9 to 12 who reside in Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District. Participating students are offered the opportunity to showcase their talent by submitting original artwork for a district-wide competition. The winning artwork hangs in the U.S. Capitol complex for a full year.

"Every year, I look forward to the Congressional Art Competition to view our community through the eyes of our student constituents," said Rep. Scanlon. "As we prepare to celebrate our country's semiquincentennial, I was impressed with our student artists' personal, cultural, and social expression in relation to the theme. I look forward to seeing this year's winning piece by Erin Griffis displayed in the Cannon Tunnel later this summer."

A panel of volunteer judges scored submissions for originality, craftsmanship, use of elements of art, and use of principles of design in 4 categories: painting, drawing, photography, and mixed media.

This year's best in show was awarded to Erin Griffis from Sun Valley High School for her photograph, "Tears of the Flag."

In addition to her artistic prowess, Erin Griffis also serves her community as a volunteer firefighter in Aston. Upon graduation, Erin will be apprenticing with Steamfitters Local 420 in Philadelphia.

Additional category winners are as follows:

Painting:

• Paris Wing, Sun Valley High School

Drawing:

• Melanie Zhu, Radnor High School

Photography:

• Erin Griffis, Sun Valley High School

Mixed Media:

• Zakiyah Sanyeneh, Sun Valley High School

Special Prize: Staff Selection:

• Melissa Okine, Sun Valley High School

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