U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, announced that Victoria Hardin, a 9th grader at Hillcrest High School, was awarded first place in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. Rep. Sewell made the announcement Monday night during a virtual ceremony celebrating the 45 entries submitted by talented students from across the district. Hardin’s artwork entitled “Bama Beams Ahead” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
“We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are blessed to have so many outstanding young artists!” said Rep. Sewell. “Once again, I was completely amazed by all 45 submissions, and I am so proud of every student who participated this year.”
“Congratulations to our first-place winner, Victoria Hardin, who did a wonderful job capturing our theme, ‘Picturing a Future for our Historic District,’” continued Sewell. “I look forward to welcoming her to Washington and showcasing her artwork in the U.S. Capitol this year!”
“I am so honored to be chosen as the winner of District 7 Congressional Art Contest,” said winner Victoria Hardin. “I’m excited to represent our diverse district within our nation’s capital. My piece reflects our past as a state, contrasting our prosperous growth and future, on the face of the nation’s youth. I’m thrilled to travel to Washington to connect with fellow artists and have my artwork displayed in the halls of Congress for all to see!”
“I’m so proud of Victoria for her hard work and dedication on her entry into the Congressional Art Competition,” said Hillcrest Visual Art Teacher Ms. Kaitlyn Sarao. “After research on symbols for our state, she came up with a composition of sunglasses on the face of America’s youth showing a reflection of the past and a green future ahead! Students like Victoria, who soak up artistic skill and mentorship, make my job so worthwhile! I’m so overjoyed for her success and excited to see where her future takes her!”
Hardin’s artwork will be matted, framed and displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. for one year. She and a guardian will receive roundtrip airfare to Washington D.C. to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception.
The other students that placed were:
- 2nd Place – “A Ribbon in the Sky” by Kayden Prince, 12th grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Cottondale, Alabama
- 3rd Place – “Stand, for We Light the Way” by KaNiya Williams, 11th grader at Amelia Love Johnson High School in Thomaston, Alabama
- 4th Place – “The Bridge Between Yesterday and Tomorrow” by Ja’Kya Furniss, 12th grader at Huffman High School in Birmingham, Alabama
- Honorable Mention – “You Are Enough” by Kensharie Roy, 11th grader at Minor High School in Adamsville, Alabama
- Honorable Mention – “A Self Portrait of Emanuel Garcia” by Emanuel Garcia, 12th grader at Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Alabama
- Honorable Mention – “The Heart Revealed” by Brianna Turner, 11th grader at Demopolis High School in Demopolis, Alabama
More information on the Congressional Art Competition is available here.
