Congressman Hamadeh Encourages Students to Compete and Be Recognized Through Art, Science, Civics, and Physical Fitness Opportunities

Washington, D.C. - With important deadlines fast approaching, Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) is encouraging students across Arizona’s 8th Congressional District to take advantage of several opportunities to showcase their talents, demonstrate academic excellence, and earn congressional recognition. From computer science and fine arts to military service, civic achievement, and physical fitness, Congressman Hamadeh is offering students multiple opportunities to challenge themselves, compete with their peers, and receive recognition for their accomplishments. 2026 Congressional App Challenge — Deadline: October 26 The deadline for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge is Monday, October 26, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Last year’s winning app, Chronos , was developed by BASIS High School students Vignesh Nagarajan and Raghav Senthil Kumar. Chronos is a smart scheduling application designed to integrate multiple calendar platforms, including Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar. The Congressional App Challenge is an initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives and is widely recognized as one of the nation’s premier student computer science competitions. Members of Congress host district-wide competitions that encourage middle and high school students to develop innovative applications. Students may submit computer programs written in any programming language and designed for any computer-based platform. Additional competition information and submission instructions are available through the Congressional App Challenge website. U.S. Service Academy Nominations — Deadline: October 30 Students seeking a congressional nomination from Congressman Hamadeh to attend one of the nation's prestigious U.S. service academies must submit their completed application packages for the Class of 2031 by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026. Congressman Hamadeh looks forward to nominating exceptional student leaders, scholars, and athletes from Arizona’s 8th Congressional District to four of the nation's five service academies: ·       U.S. Military Academy — West Point, New York ·       U.S. Naval Academy — Annapolis, Maryland ·       U.S. Air Force Academy — Colorado Springs, Colorado ·       U.S. Merchant Marine Academy — Kings Point, New York The fifth institution, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, does not require a congressional nomination. Admission to a U.S. service academy is among the most competitive and prestigious educational opportunities available to graduating high school students. Cadets and midshipmen receive a world-class education, extensive leadership training, and preparation for careers of service to their country. Most graduates incur a minimum five-year active-duty service obligation, although requirements vary by academy and program. A congressional nomination is an essential step in the admissions process for four of the five academies, but it does not guarantee an appointment. Each academy makes its own admissions decisions based on academic achievement, leadership potential, physical fitness, character, and other qualifications. 2027 Congressional Art Competition — Students Encouraged to Prepare Now Great art takes time. That is why Congressman Hamadeh is encouraging students to begin preparing their entries for next year's Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the Artistic Discovery Contest, a nationwide competition celebrating the creativity and artistic talents of students in their congressional districts. The competition is open to eligible students in grades 8–12 within Arizona's 8th Congressional District, including students enrolled in public, charter, private, homeschool, online, and alternative learning programs. Emily Chen, a homeschool student, won the 2026 AZ-08 Congressional Art Competition with her artwork titled United in Dreams . Her winning artwork earned a place in the United States Capitol, alongside artwork from students representing congressional districts throughout the country, where it could be viewed by visitors from across the nation and around the world. Details about the 2027 competition, including submission requirements and deadlines, will be available on Congressman Hamadeh's website early next year. In the meantime, Congressman Hamadeh encourages parents, guardians, and teachers to share this opportunity with talented young artists and help them begin preparing their entries. Congressional District 8 Civics Initiative — No Deadline Congressman Hamadeh's Congressional District 8 Civics Initiative is an ongoing student recognition program designed to promote civic literacy, constitutional understanding, and academic excellence among Arizona's high school students. The Arizona Civics Test is a state-mandated requirement for high school graduation and the High School Equivalency Diploma. High school students who earn a score of 95 or higher on the Arizona Civics Test are eligible to receive formal recognition from the Office of Congressman Abraham Hamadeh. Participation is open to eligible students attending public, charter, private, and homeschool institutions throughout Arizona's 8th Congressional District. There is no application deadline, allowing students to seek recognition after achieving the qualifying score. Additional information is available on Congressman Hamadeh's official website. Congressional District 8 Fitness Challenge — No Deadline The Congressional District 8 Fitness Challenge is another ongoing recognition program designed to encourage physical fitness, personal discipline, and healthy lifestyles among students. Aligned with the reestablished Presidential Physical Fitness Test, the initiative recognizes students who demonstrate achievement in key areas of physical fitness. Participants who successfully meet the established fitness benchmarks for core strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and upper-body strength are eligible to receive an official Certificate of Recognition from the Office of Congressman Abraham Hamadeh. The program has no participation deadline, providing students with an ongoing opportunity to set fitness goals, improve their physical conditioning, and earn recognition for their accomplishments. Congressman Hamadeh Celebrates the Next Generation “Providing opportunities for the young people of Arizona's 8th Congressional District is one of the greatest joys of serving in Congress,” said Congressman Hamadeh. “During my time in office, I have had the privilege of meeting remarkably talented, dedicated, and determined students who are eager to share their creativity, knowledge, and accomplishments with the world," stated Congressman Hamadeh. "Whether they are developing innovative technology, creating extraordinary works of art, pursuing military service, mastering the principles upon which our nation was founded, or committing themselves to healthy and disciplined lifestyles, these young Arizonans represent the very best of our future." “I encourage every student, parent, guardian, and educator in our district to explore these opportunities. Our young people have tremendous potential, and I want to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed, achieve their goals, and receive the recognition they deserve,” concluded Congressman Hamadeh. Students and families can learn more about these programs by visiting Congressman Hamadeh's official website at Hamadeh.House.gov.