Representative Robert Aderholt announced Tuesday that Alaina Riggs, a student at West Point High School, was named the Best of Show winner in the 2026 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition during an awards ceremony on April 13.
As the top overall winner, Riggs earned a full scholarship to Wallace State Community College that she may apply to any course of study. Her winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., alongside winning entries from across the country.
Riggs also will travel to Washington, D.C., this summer with a guest to attend the national Congressional Art Competition ceremony, with airfare provided by Southwest Airlines.
“Alaina’s exceptional talent and creativity truly set her work apart,” Aderholt said. “It is an honor to recognize her achievement and to see her artwork represent Alabama’s Fourth District in the U.S. Capitol. I look forward to welcoming her to Washington this summer as we celebrate the incredible artistic talent of students from across the nation.”
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event highlighting the artistic achievements of high school students nationwide. This year’s Fourth District competition featured submissions in a variety of categories.
In paintings, Jill Blocher of Cullman won first place, Jax Rodgers of West Point took second and Scarlett McBride of KDS/DAR placed third. In drawings, Larkin Jeffrey of Cullman Christian won first place, Ella Kate Smith of Guntersville took second and Madelyn Ketnor of Guntersville placed third. In collages, Aidan Cornelius of Cullman won first place, Mary Tucker of KDS/DAR took second and Kennedy Ward of Boaz placed third.
In prints, Cara Strevel of West Point won first place, Holt Hurt of Florence took second and Emma Beavers of West Point placed third. In mixed media, Katarina Marcus of Boaz won first place, Brooklyn Powell of West Point took second and Ella McCullar of Florence placed third. In computer graphics, Analia Lajara of St. Bernard Prep won first place, Matthew Jimenez of Crossville took second and Myleigh Davis of Haleyville placed third. In photography, Kellen Cox of KDS/DAR won first place, Saily Vail Santizo of Albertville Innovation Academy took second and Cooper Edwards of Florence placed third.
Aderholt also thanked the community partners that helped make this year’s event possible.
“I want to sincerely thank Wallace State Community College for graciously hosting this year’s awards ceremony and offering scholarships to the category winners, and The Westervelt Company of Tuscaloosa for their continued support as a sponsor of this important program,” Aderholt said.
