Press Releases

Eighth Congressional District, PA – Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) announced the winners of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Rep. Cartwright hosted a virtual reception yesterday evening for the students, their family and friends and their teachers to announce the winners and celebrate the artistic efforts of all participants.

Each spring, the House of Representatives hosts a nationwide art competition for high school students. The winner of each district’s competition is displayed in the Cannon House Office Building Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Kaylee Toribio, a senior in the Arts and Humanities Program at Hazleton Area High School, was selected by a panel of three judges as the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition. Toribio’s charcoal drawing titled Watching, a close-up portrait of an African American child, will represent Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District in Washington.

“I look forward to this competition every year, and I’m always impressed by the high caliber of artistic talent the students exhibit. Both the students and their teachers have responded to the unprecedented challenges of the past year to create truly remarkable art,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I am thrilled to have Kaylee’s piece representing our district in Washington, and I’m proud of every student who had the courage to submit their art for critique.”

Toribio’s drawing was chosen from a competitive field of 48 pieces of art submitted by 34 students representing 14 different schools. Julia Poncavage from Crestwood High School was awarded second place, and Laura Meininger from Wilkes-Barre Area Creative and Performing Arts Academy was awarded third place. Isabella Salvaggio from Pocono Mountain West High School received honorable mention. While Toribio’s work will go to the Capitol, the second place, third place and honorable mention winners will be displayed in Rep. Cartwright’s Scranton District Office.

The students recognized include:

First Place: Kaylee Toribio from Hazleton Area High School/Hazleton Area Arts and Humanities for her charcoal drawing Watching.

Second Place: Julia Poncavage from Crestwood High School for her acrylic painting titled The Little Violinist.

Third Place: Laura Meininger from Wilkes-Barre Area School District Creative and Performing Arts Academy for her digital photograph Pixie Forest.

Honorable Mention: Isabella Salvaggio from Pocono Mountain West High School for her pastel titled Maya Angelou