The office of Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced the winners of this year's Congressional Art Competition Saturday, April 19, during a reception and awards program at Mark Arts in Wichita. Every year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts an Artistic Discovery: Congressional Art Competition for High School Students, which takes place in each congressional district. First-place winners from all districts will have their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. for about one year. Because of his support for young artists in the 4th Congressional District of Kansas, Rep. Estes also hosted an art exhibit in the district to display and celebrate the talent of all of the participants. The show is up until May 10. This year, the 4th Congressional District had 250 entries from 199 students representing 21 high schools in six different counties.
"The students who participated in this year's art competition really impressed the judges, with a number of entries receiving recognition and many more that were also notable," said Rep. Estes. "It will be great to see Melian's pastel piece in the Capitol complex later this year. Melian received recognition last year for her 3rd place pastel, so it's especially exciting to see her continue pursuing her passions and honing her skills. I'm grateful for the parents and teachers who are encouraging these students to enter and improve their craft."
The winner, Melian Miller, a Wichita High School East student, received a cash prize courtesy of Marc and Erin Mason. Craig and Dalene Nelson also gave cash prizes to the second and third place winners. Twenty-eight other pieces received Honorable Mentions.
The jury consisted of Jim Clements, oil painter, and Steve Rasmussen, photographer.
A gallery of winning art is online at estes.house.gov/art.
2025 Congressional Art Competition – Final Results
1st Place – Melian Miller, “My Hero,” Pastel, Wichita High School East
2nd Place – Mei Castro, “My Background,” Colored Pencil, Wichita High School East
3rd Place – Allison Meraz, “Keeper of the Sun,” Ink, Wichita Northeast Magnet High School
Honorable Mentions:
Maric Archibald, “Boot and Pear,” Wichita Collegiate High School
Ray Becknell, “Ender’s Shin,” Wichita Northeast Magnet High School
Clara Busenitz, “Simple Pleasures,” Homeschool
Addison Cartmell, “Iris the Cat,” Flinthills High School
Noah Dietz, “Gentleman on his land,” Cheney High School
Phung Dinh, “Family Ties,” Wichita High School East
Brooklynn Gleason, “The Cusp of Fall,” Arkansas City High School
Brooklynn Gleason, “Free,” Arkansas City High School
Marijah Green, “Aunjel,” Wichita Heights High School
Grace Hammer, “Cold Front,” Udall High School
Jordyn Harris, “Mr. Frog,” Wichita Heights High School
Makenzie Jordan, “Utopia,” Berean Academy
Alisa Lin, “Self Portrait,” Wichita Collegiate High School
Madison Linder, “Flowers for Grandma,” Arkansas City High School
Makenna Meza, “Untitled,” South Haven High School
Melian Miller, “Sanguinity,” Wichita High School East
Macy Mitchell, “Mustang,” Berean Academy
Adrienne Mullins, “Stream in the Meadow,” Berean Academy
Joclynn Parmele, “Pointillism of Plateaus,” Oxford Jr/Sr High School
Belle Poor, “Hereford Bull,” Wichita High School East
Anessa Ramirez, “Tugging on Heart Strings,” Wichita High School North
Marley Shank, “Lydie in the Void,” Wichita High School Northwest
Ryder Telford, “The Weight of the Moment,” Wichita High School East
Adilyn Welden, “Angel Statues,” South Haven High School
Shelby Amanda White, “Tides at Dusk,” Eureka Jr/Sr High School
Gavin Williams, “Jeremiah Mathews,” Wichita Northeast Magnet High School
Hailey Williams, “Lucy,” Wichita High School Southeast
Cash Young, “Kansas Landscape,” Cheney High School
