A ninth grader at Hillcrest High School earned first place in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District.
Victoria Hardin’s artwork, “Bama Beams Ahead,” won over 44 entries submitted to U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell’s office, according to a news release. This year’s theme was ‘Picturing a Future for Our Historic District.”
Part of winning the contest means Victoria’s artwork will be matted, framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for one year. She and a guardian will also receive roundtrip airfare to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception.
Kaitlyn Sarao, a visual arts teacher at Hillcrest High, said Victoria researched Alabama symbols before creating her composition, which shows sunglasses on the face of America’s youth with a reflection of the past and a green future.
Victoria said she was honored to be chosen and excited to represent the 7th District within the nation’s capital.
“My piece reflects our past as a state, contrasting our prosperous growth and future, on the face of the nation’s youth,” Victoria said. “I’m thrilled to travel to Washington to connect with fellow artists and have my artwork displayed in the halls of Congress for all to see.”
Sarao said she was proud of Victoria’s hard work and dedication.
“Students like Victoria, who soak up artistic skill and mentorship, make my job so worthwhile. I’m so overjoyed for her success and excited to see where her future takes her,” Sarao said.
Second place in the competition went to Kayden Prince, a 12th grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Cottondale.
Other honorees were:
- Third place: “Stand, for We Light the Way” by KaNiya Williams, an 11th grader at Amelia Love Johnson High School in Thomaston,
- Fourth place: “The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow” by Ja’Kya Furniss, 12th grader at Huffman High School in Birmingham.
- Honorable mention: “You Are Enough” by Kensharie Roy, 11th grader at Minor High School in Adamsville; “A Self Portrait of Emanuel Garcia” by Emanuel Garcia, 12th grader at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson; and “The Heart Revealed” by Brianna Turner, 11th grader at Demopolis High School in Demopolis.
Sewell made the announcement May 12 during a virtual ceremony that celebrated all of the entries.
“… I was completely amazed by all 45 submissions, and I am so proud of every student who participated this year,” Sewell said.
The Congressional Art Competition was started in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
The competition was open to all high school students (grades 9-12) enrolled in the 7th District.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at [email protected].