Suozzi Announces Winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Glen Cove, NY - Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide high school art competition sponsored by the Congressional Institute. The annual competition was open to all high school students living in New York's Third Congressional District. This year's theme was "America's 250th Anniversary."

"The Third Congressional District is home to not only some of the smartest students in the country, but some of the most talented as well," said Suozzi. "Congratulations to the winners and all of the participants. You are our future-keep expressing yourselves. A special thank you to the parents and art educators for encouraging and supporting these talented students."

The winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in NY-03 is Xinzi Wang from Manhasset High School. Her artwork, "Prayer for Peace," portrays a young girl in quiet devotion, her hands clasped as two doves circle nearby-symbolizing purity, harmony, and a universal hope for peace. Xinzi's artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with winners from congressional districts nationwide.

Yarabella Yang, from North Shore High School is the second-place winner, and Grace Zhang, from Jericho High School, is the third-place winner. Their artwork will be displayed in Congressman Suozzi's district offices.

This year, Congressman Suozzi's office received 71 submissions from 34 high schools-the highest number of entries since he took office in 2016. The winning entries were selected by a panel of judges and announced at a reception on Saturday, April 25, at the Island Trees Public Library.

Congressman Suozzi, a strong supporter of the arts, serves as Chairman of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival and incorporated artwork into the historic renovations of Glen Cove City Hall and the Nassau County Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building. In addition, he commissioned a painting by the late American artist Mort Künstler-known for his illustrative depictions of historical events-featuring George Washington's 1776 crossing of the Delaware River. The painting was displayed at Mount Vernon.

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