Rep. Panetta Announces Local Student Winners of 2023 Congressional Art Competition

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced local student winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition, including special recognitions for technical skill and specific artistic mediums.  Janica Hannah Soro from Pacific Grove High School was named first place winner for her digital artwork titled, “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”  Janica’s artwork will be placed on display in the United States Capitol alongside winners throughout the country.

Students from across California’s 19th Congressional District, which includes San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara Counties, submitted original pieces of artwork to the Congressional Art Competition.  Of the submissions, Representative Panetta recognized nine outstanding pieces by local students during a reception that took place in Capitola on May 7, 2023.

“Through the arts we gain a better understanding of ourselves, each other, and our community, which is why promoting youth arts is critical to a well-rounded education,” said Rep. Panetta.  “The Congressional Art Competition provides an outlet for young artists in California’s 19th Congressional District and I’m proud to recognize the hard work, creativity, and passion of these immensely talented students.  I’m looking forward to admiring Janica’s piece in the United States Capitol as a marker of our community, who we are, and what we stand for in California’s 19th Congressional District.” 

The Congressional Art Competition is an annual tradition that began in 1982.  Over 650,000 high school students have been involved in the nationwide competition with each congressional district submitting their winner’s piece to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.  First-place winners and a family member are also invited to attend a special ceremony with other young artists from around the country in Washington, D.C. in June.  The competition was open to all local high school students in California’s 19th Congressional District.

The full list of winners and honorees for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition are below:

• First Place: Janica Hannah Soro, Pacific Grove High School, “Welcome to the Neighborhood”
• Second Place: Dening Sun, Notre Dame High School, “Struggle for a Home Long Lost”
• Third Place: Diep Van Pham Nguyen, Independence High School, “Visions of Iridescent Flames”
• Best in Show for Digital Artwork: An Vu, Independence High School, “A Mother’s Touch”
• Best in Show for Pencil Drawing: Emily Chang, Valley Christian High School, “Grimes”
• Best in Show for Painting: Caitlin Bayaca, Aptos High School, “Clockwork”
• Best in Show for Photographer: Mary Henderson, Soquel High School, “Yaren”
• Honorable Mention for Composition: Vivian Ming, Pacific Grove High School, “Friendly Faces”
• Honorable Mention for Technical Skill: Selina Ge, Leland High School, “Intergenerational Trauma”

###