Emilia Sykes

AKRON — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) hosted a community art show and awards ceremony at Summit Artspace to recognize the 39 high school student artists in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who participated in this year’s Congressional Art Competition.

“It was an honor to host this year’s art show and awards ceremony to showcase the talents of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” Sykes said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for people from throughout our community to come together and celebrate the talented student artists in our district, as well as the art teachers and family members who support them. I’m thankful for everyone who attended the event, and I look forward to seeing what these students create next.”

During the awards ceremony, Sykes announced Mayya Sharma, an 11th grader from Cuyahoga Falls High School, as the overall winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. The winning piece, titled “Art History,” will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning artwork from all participating districts across the country.

“Mayya’s use of brightly colored textiles truly set her apart. I am excited to see this piece of Ohio’s 13th District proudly displayed on the walls of the United States Capitol,” Sykes said.

In addition to the first place overall winner, Sykes also announced the following award winners:

√ Second place overall: “Digital Consumerism” by Elysia Truex, Jackson High School;

√ Third place overall: “If I Leave” by Ariana Moneskey-Jones, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School;

√ Best Acrylic Painting: “Golden Jellyfish” by Lulu Emanuele, Firestone Community Learning Center;

√ Best Colored Pencil: “Blooming Lily” by Natalie Martell, Norton High School;

√ Best Digital Artwork: “Papaya” by Milo Sandoval, Jackson High School;

√ Best Mixed Media: “The Morning After the Cram” by Josephine Fulmer, Norton High School;

√ Best Photograph: “Face of the Game” by Jacob Eby, GlenOak High School;

√ Best Drawing: “Fractured Silence” by Charles Parnell, Old Trail School;

√ Best Theme: “Friendship Butterflies” by Anabel Watanabe, Nordonia High School;

√ People’s Choice Award: “Face of the Game” by Jacob Eby, GlenOak High School; and

√ Highest Student Engagement Award: Sara Andes, art teacher at Jackson High School.

The second-place piece will be displayed in Sykes’ Akron district office for a year, while the third-place piece will be displayed in Rep. Sykes’ Canton office for a year.

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation. To learn more, visit sykes.house.gov/services/student-opportunities/con gressional-art-competition.