From Classrooms to the U.S. Capitol: Arizona Teen Artists Win Big in Congressional Competition

A junior from Dysart High School and a student from Winslow never thought a single piece of artwork could change everything, but for Carmen Baker and Lindsey Cox, that's exactly what happened.

Both Arizona teens recently won spots in their district's Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide contest celebrating high school artists since 1982. Their reward? Having their artwork displayed in Washington, D.C. for an entire year.

In Arizona's Second Congressional District, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) hosted an awards ceremony Saturday at the Phippen Museum in Prescott. Lindsey Cox took first place for her piece "Albert Camus and His Cat" and will be flown to Washington, D.C., for an awards banquet with her artwork hanging in the U.S. Capitol.

"The Congressional Art Competition offers our talented high school artists the opportunity to showcase their skills, and it's an honor to play a role in the process," said Rep. Crane.

Jazmin Hunt from Mingus Union High School earned second place for "Cat Eye," while Sarah Meyer of Prescott High School claimed third for "Desert Nightlife"; her mother accepted the award on her behalf.

McKenzee Stapleton, also from Prescott High School, received an Honorable Mention for "Disfigured." Isabel McKean from Mingus Union High School won the People's Choice Award for "The Burning Bush."

The Ninth District Winner

Over in Arizona's Ninth Congressional District, Dysart High School junior Carmen Baker is also making her mark. She placed second in Representative Paul Gosar's (R-AZ) district competition, earning her artwork a spot in Gosar's Washington, D.C. office for the next year. Carmen also walked away with three college scholarships totaling $7,500.

The community noticed too. Carmen tied for first place in the People's Choice Award, with both winners earning 56 of 325 online votes.

Additionally, the scholarships for Rep. Crane's competition were offered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, Northern Pioneer College, and Yavapai College.

For these students, it wasn't just about winning; it was about being seen. Arizona can’t wait to see the rest of the district's winners.