Thompson Announces Winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition

Image April 29, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced the 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner: Emma Zacherl, a sophomore at Clarion-Limestone High School. Ms. Zacherl, of Clarion, won for her water mixable oils painting, titled "Waiting." An independent panel of judges selected Ms. Zacherl's work from 72 entries. Ms. Zacherl also took home the top prize in the 2024 art competition. The winners were announced Saturday during an exhibit at the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art in DuBois, Pa. “Congratulations to Emma Zacherl on another first-place win in the Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Thompson said . “Emma is an exceptional artist, and I continue to be impressed by her skills. I look forward to welcoming her again to Washington, D.C. to celebrate this achievement.” The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for Members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the nationwide competition. Ms. Zacherl’s artwork will be displayed in a special exhibit in the U.S. Capitol for one year with winners from each congressional district in the nation. She is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C. with other winners, which will take place in June. 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners: First Place NAME: Emma Zacherl SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School SUBMISSION: Waiting HOMETOWN: Clarion, Pa. TEACHER: Karl Jacobson Second Place NAME: Nefeli Dionysiou Karali SCHOOL :  DuBois Area Senior High School SUBMISSION: Feline Feminism HOMETOWN: DuBois, Pa. TEACHER: Cheyenne Kanouff Third Place NAME: Madison Ray SCHOOL: Clarion-Limestone High School SUBMISSION: Modern Sax HOMETOWN: Strattanville, Pa. TEACHER: Kendra Zerbe Fourth Place NAME: Kaleb Gooden SCHOOL: Keystone High School SUBMISSION: Maturity HOMETOWN: Shippenville, Pa. TEACHER: Janet Hockman