Kelly honors winners of 2024 Congressional Art Competition

SHARON, PENNSYLVANIA -- On Friday, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) announced the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition during a ceremony at the Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (HOPE CAT) in Sharon.

This year, Rep. Kelly's office received a record 73 entries from 13 schools across the 16th Congressional District.

"The Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents and have their work displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol,"Rep. Kelly said."We truly have so many talented students here in Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District. Now, we get to showcase their talents in the nation's capital. I want to thank everyone who participated in and organized this wonderful event."

The winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District are outlined below:

1st Place: Braiden Douds, Mercer Area High School -- Mercer, PA

2nd Place: Jo Fernandez-Jenkins, Seneca Valley Senior High School -- Harmony, PA

3rd Place: Gavin Hartle, Sharpsville Senior High School -- Sharpsville, PA

BACKGROUND

During Friday's ceremony, Kelly announced this year's winners and unveiled the winning art. The artwork for the winning student from each Congressional district will be displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol complex for 11 months. Other finalists' artwork remained on display at HOPE CAT for the public to view over the weekend.

Each year, the Congressional Art Competition is open to high school students in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, and Butler counties, plus a portion of Venango County. You can find the map of the 16th Congressional District here.

In 2023, Abigail Gardner of Hickory High School in Hermitage, Pa. won the Congressional Art Competition.